Purpose and Function

The primary goal of the committee system is to provide a structured way to adapt the SGU Policy and Procedure Manual to the ongoing needs of the university.

• Policy Review: Committees are tasked with reviewing existing policies on an annual basis to ensure they remain current and relevant.

• Policy Development: They consider and draft new policies as necessary, addressing everything from administrative procedures to student regulations.

• Recommendation Path: Any student, faculty, or staff member can submit a recommendation for a policy change. These are typically funneled through the Vice President(s), who then assign the task to the appropriate committee for development.

 

Membership and Participation

Unlike traditional top-down structures, SGU’s model emphasizes broad participation:

• All-Staff Participation: Committee meetings are scheduled during "all-staff" meetings, typically held on Fridays.

• Inclusive Representation: Participation includes all faculty and staff, along with representation from the Student Council.

• Institutional Support: To ensure full participation, the university closes office activities during these designated monthly committee meeting times.

 

Governance Context

The Policy Committee operates within a larger ecosystem of administrative and academic groups:

• President’s Council: Historically, most policy revisions occurred here. It remains a central body of upper-level administrators that assists the President with major institutional decisions.

• Board of Regents: This is the final authority. The Board is responsible for the ultimate review and approval of all policies developed through the committee structure.

• Academic Affairs Committee: While the Policy Committee handles general institutional guidelines, the Academic Affairs Committee specifically focuses on educational programs and academic policies.