I. Scope
This policy governs the development, issuance and maintenance of all University Policies at George Mason University.
II. Policy Statement
Because of their application to university operations, University Policies are created and maintained through a centralized management process defined in the procedures for this policy and will be publicly accessible through the university’s website. To ensure relevance and accuracy, University Policies are reviewed on a routine basis by the Responsible Office and are revised when necessary.
Related forms and procedures are developed and maintained by the Responsible Office that is charged with administration, unless expressly stated otherwise within the relevant University Policy.
University Policies typically require approval by both the appropriate Senior Vice President and the Provost. Certain policies may also require adoption by the Board of Visitors (“Board”), at the discretion of senior University leadership in consultation with University Counsel, or at the direction of the Board or Commonwealth of Virginia policy or law.
The policies and procedures set forth herein do not apply to Local Protocols, which are developed by and applicable to discrete academic and administrative units. Where, in the opinion of the Office of the Provost, Local Protocols relate to subject matter of University application or significance, they may be created and maintained according to the same procedures that govern University Policies and thus become University Policies.
III. Definitions
Local Protocols: A set of process rules that direct the operations of discrete academic and administrative units. Local protocols may not conflict with University Policies. Local Protocols are created and administered by the discrete unit where authority for the subject matter resides. Local protocols might include procedures, guidelines, or forms that are implemented at the local level.
Policy Management Group (PMG): A committee made up of representatives from various university units, charged by the Provost and Chief Operating Officer to review and provide feedback on policies as part of the policy development, review, and revision processes.
Procedure: A prescribed set of specific actions that must be taken to comply with established University policies, and to guarantee the orderly implementation of those policies. Procedures shall be written in a step-by-step format that is easy to understand.
Responsible Office: The Responsible Office is charged with ownership of a specific policy and serves as the point of contact for members of the University community. The Responsible Office authors the policy, and any future revisions, according to relevant procedures. The Responsible Office also reviews the policy as required and ensures accuracy of content.
University Policy: Policy established to promote the effective and efficient operation of the University, and to guide the management of University affairs. University policies typically address operational expectations across all administrative and academic units of the University, and/or compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
IV. Compliance
Members of the University community will follow the published procedures governing the implementation of this policy. The procedures will be maintained by the co-chairs of the Policy Management Group (PMG) in collaboration with the University Policy Manager.
V. Timetable for Review
This policy shall be reviewed every three years.
VI. Amendments
Amendments will be approved by the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer and the Executive Vice President and Provost.
VII. Dates
Date approved: August 8, 2012
Reviewed and renewed: September 29, 2020
Revision approved with new template, coversheet and procedures: February 5, 2026
Page last updated: February 11, 2026