Changes designed to improve policymaking at WSU are being introduced by the university’s Office of Policies, Records and Forms (PRF).
Among them is a newly revised Executive Policy 5, which is known as the “Policy on Policies” and guides policy development and review throughout the WSU system. The office also has launched a new website loaded with resources, including the university-approved equity impact tool for applying an equity lens to new and newly revised policies.
“Having a consistent, transparent policymaking process that incorporates principles of equity and access at all stages is a tremendous step forward for the WSU system,” said WSU System President Kirk Schulz. “We will continue to build on the work of the Equitable Policy and Practice Taskforce by incorporating equity assessment not only in our policymaking but also in our planning and decision-making throughout the system.”
“Having a consistent, transparent policymaking process that incorporates principles of equity and access at all stages is a tremendous step forward for the WSU system.”
Kirk H. Schulz
System President
Washington State University
Application of the equity impact tool is facilitated by the updated PRF website, which has many new and improved features:
Policy manuals:
PRF’s website hosts the official versions of the university’s administrative policy manuals, including:
- Executive Policy Manual (EP)
- Business Policies and Procedures Manual (BPPM),
- Safety Policies and Procedures Manual (SPPM)
- Board of Regents Policy Manual (BORPM)
Manuals and policies are newly formatted to improve readability and accessibility. The website also features an improved “Search the Manuals” function at the top of the menu bar.
Resources for policy development and review:
PRF’s website includes templates, drafting tips, style guides, and links to the step-by-step policy development and review process in EP 5. It also allows members of the WSU community to access and provide input on policies currently being worked on.
Equity lens tool:
The website features the university’s approved equity impact assessment tool as a resource for policy drafters and, along with EP 5, formally implements the tool as a regular part of the university’s policy-making process.
Records retention:
The website provides information to help WSU units comply with state laws and university policies on records retention and disposition. It also hosts the All-University Records Retention Schedule and Department Records Retention Schedules.
Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations:
Users can access the university’s WAC regulations and view the rule-making process, as well as any proposed new rules or amendments.
PRF’s new website is designed to be user-friendly, easy to navigate, and accessible. If you have questions or feedback, please email policies@wsu.edu.
