Changes made to policy review process; updated demonstration, other policies shared

Marquette University provides University Policies and Procedures for the Marquette community as a written record of approved and current academic, operational, financial, and business policies and procedures.

The Policy Review Committee is responsible for guiding good practices in university policy governance and to ensure collaboration and consistency in university policy development — the committee does not originate or have final approval for policies.  Final approval is by the provost and senior vice president/chief operating officer. The committee reviews proposed and revised UPPs for compliance, policy consistency, clarity, and operational efficiency, and reaches out to stakeholders who may be impacted to secure feedback. The Policy Review Committee includes members from the offices of the Provost, General Counsel, Finance and Human Resources. The Policy Review Committee reviews all UPPs at minimum every five years to determine whether they should continue as UPPs and, if so, whether any additions, deletions or modifications are appropriate.

Considering recent discussions over how UPPs are developed and updated, the following changes have been made to the UPP process:

  • University Academic Senate’s Executive Committee has reviewed the list of UPPs to determine which UPPs of broader interest to faculty they would like to review and weigh in on when they are up for consideration.
  • University Academic Senate is in the process of creating a subcommittee to review the UPPs that the University Academic Senate Executive Committee has determined they would like to review. Feedback from the UAS subcommittee will be provided to the Policy Review Committee. This subcommittee will review other policies relevant to faculty as well.

Here is an overview of recently revised UPPs, which are available in full on the UPP website.

UPP 3-08 – University Credit Card Program
With the launch of MARQetplace, the university’s e-procurement tool, the majority of purchasing transactions should be flowing through that system rather than requiring the use of a university credit card. For university credit cards issued from today forward, the standard per transaction spending limit has been lowered from $2,500 to $1,000. All currently issued university P-cards will keep their current limit. P-card spending limit exceptions are still in place to meet the needs of the university.

UPP 6-10 – Non-permanent Signage Policy
Flyers, posters and signs can be posted on campus bulletin boards in campus facilities unless those boards are locked or restricted. This policy relates only to flyers, posters and signs to be posted in public areas of a university building (lobby, hallway, non-office or department space) on campus bulletin boards. It does not relate, for example, to flyers, posters and signs within or on faculty or staff offices.

For safety reasons, non-permanent signage must not be posted to building entry doors and exterior first floor windows in public areas, except for directional signage or signage required by state or federal law or regulation. Additionally, flyers, posters or signs must not be posted to the exterior of any campus facility or property. Exceptions to this policy may be made for university-sponsored signage.

UPP 6-11 – Demonstration Policy
This policy designates guidelines for demonstrations, rallies, gatherings, protests, parades and processions on campus. The policy is in place to ensure all members of the university community have the right to peaceful demonstration and that the rights and safety of others are protected.

Last fall, University Academic Senate, the Faculty Council, University Staff Senate and Marquette University Student Government provided input on the policy. In January, an updated policy incorporating this feedback was shared with leaders from these four groups for their final review. This updated policy was also shared by the UAS chair at the January Academic Senate meeting and with faculty for feedback by Feb. 3. After consideration of the feedback, Provost Kimo Ah Yun and SVP/COO Joel Pogodzinski finalized the policy this week.