The purpose of this checklist is to assist the Responsible Official in conducting a thorough review of policies in his/her area of operation. All polices should be reviewed every three years by the Responsible Official.  


o Keep the policy short and succinct if at all possible. 


o Does the policy accurately state the current practices?


o Are terms in the policy adequately defined? 


o Does the policy contain a Policy Statement at the beginning that lets the reader know what the policy is about? 


o Is the use of terminology consistent across policies if they are related? 


o If two policies are interrelated, is it clear when each policy will apply?


o Is it clear to whom the policy applies? 


o Check related policies to ensure the policy is not in conflict with another University policy.


o Have the law, regulations, or other requirements in this area changed? Check with the Office of General Counsel if questions on whether or not requirements have changed. 


o Internal administrative procedures should generally not be part of the policy document. Consider pulling out the procedures and placing them in separate document that can be linked to from the policy. 


o Discuss major changes to the policy with other stakeholders prior to proposing major changes. 


o Check contact information, job titles, emails, and weblinks to ensure they are current. 


o If the reviewer is not the cognizant vice president or other division head, make sure that the vice president or division head signs off on any proposed changes.


o Submit changes to the Policy Committee via the Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer.


o Highlight proposed changes using the tracked changes function or other suitable highlighting. 


o If a policy is no longer relevant, suggest elimination of the policy, stating reasons why the policy is no longer relevant.


o For further details on drafting and editing policies, please see the Guidelines for Drafting and Editing University Policies