Overview
Each institution in The University of Texas System (UTS) is required to maintain a Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP) containing important policies directing the governance, operation and academic functions of the university.
The governing policies contained in the HOP for The University of Texas at Austin may be found through the University Policy Library homepage. The policies contained in the HOP supplement UT System’s Board of Regents’ Rules and Regulations and UTS policies which also apply to our university community.
There is a defined process for creating an official university HOP policy culminating in consideration by the president for adoption into the HOP.
The University Policy Office (UPO) works with policy owners, Executive Sponsors (VP or higher) and members of the Policy Office Advisory Group to facilitate proposed HOP policies through this process using the UPO workbench. As a new policy or revision to a policy is advanced, a stakeholder review plan is established to allow for appropriate review and advisory input. Early stakeholder and governance advisory input is encouraged.
Key steps in the formative stage of HOP policy development for administrative/operational policy include:
- Early stakeholder input
- Use of standardized policy format and initiating documents
- Policy Office Advisory Group review/comment periods
- Approval by the Vice President for Legal Affairs
Significant changes to HOP policies will post to this website’s “Policy Place News” page. An RSS feed option allows users to subscribe to news as it is posted to the site.
Faculty's Role in HOP Policy Development
The Board of Regents' affirms the role of faculty in formulation of educational policies as covered in Regents Rule 40101. HOP amendments brought forward through faculty proposed legislation are managed through Faculty Council's governing processes in accordance with this Regents' Rule. Similar to administrative/operational policy process steps, consideration and approval rests with the president following input from the Offices of the Provost, Legal Affairs, and staff and student governance when applicable.
HOP Policy Maintenance
The University Policy Office will assist in monitoring HOP policies for periodic reviews by the policy owner. HOP amendments may also occur whenever other external drivers influence the need for updates. These factors may include changes in federal and state law, Board of Regents' Rules and Regulations, or UT System Policies.
HOP Policy Retirement
Changing circumstances within the university may also create the need to retire an existing HOP policy. The retirement process is initiated by the policy owner by using the Policy Removal Form (.doc).