January Policy Updates: Key Developments and Revisions

In our ongoing commitment to keeping policies current and our community informed of changes, these are the updates and policy notifications for January. Take a moment to review the information, and feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback.

Policies Open for Campus Comment: We Want Your Input

We value your feedback as part of the policy development process. We’ve posted these policies online for your review. The Policy Office will forward your comments to the policy owner for a response. Please note that anonymous comments are not eligible for a direct response but may still be considered when finalizing document changes.

• Parking – Comments due February 8
  UND manages parking resources to promote safe, accessible, and sustainable parking practices. Individuals who park on University property must follow established parking regulations, utilize a valid permit or payment option when required, and park only in designated areas. Parking rules are enforced to maintain equitable access and promote safety. Violations may result in citations, fines, immobilization, and/or towing at the owner’s expense.

New Policies: Endorsed for Development

We have introduced new policies that are currently in the development phase. These policies are essential for maintaining compliance and supporting effective organizational practices. To learn more about the new policies and their potential impact, visit the “New & Recently Revised Policies” list, where you can access the impact statement for each document.

• Brand Management
  The UND brand is one of the University’s most valuable assets. This policy ensures that all University brand assets and trademarks consistently reflect and protect the institution’s brand identity, reducing confusion and reputational risk. It also safeguards the University’s trademarks and licensed assets by enforcing compliance with intellectual property laws and proper usage standards.
  
• Marketing & Communication’s Mass Communication Channels
  In alignment with common practices across higher education and to support consistent, effective institutional communication, UND formalizes the use of mass communication channels administered by M&C. This policy provides clarity on how to request, approve and use M&C-managed channels, reduces reputational and operational risks associated with uncoordinated messaging, and ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements related to electronic communication and privacy. The policy preserves unit autonomy for communications to their own defined audiences via unit-managed channels.
• Tribal Consultation
  UND recognizes the inherent sovereignty of Tribal Nations and honors their government-to-government relationship with the United States. This policy will establish a clear Consultation process that respects Tribal sovereignty; supports self-determination; and strengthens partnerships in research, education, and service. It ensures UND communicates early, openly, and in good faith with Tribal Nations regarding proposed initiatives, policies, programs, or research that may affect Tribes or Native communities. The policy also aligns with federal principles recognizing Indian Tribes as sovereign governments and supports international standards, including the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

New Policies: Approved for Implementation

The president has approved these documents after completing the development process. The responsible office and policy owners will now implement them.

• Minimum Qualifications for Instructional Faculty
  UND establishes minimum standards for ensuring all instructors of record are qualified to teach credit bearing courses in accordance with the Higher Learning Commission’s (HLC) Assumed Practice regarding Faculty Qualifications. This policy applies to all faculty members who teach courses, including tenured, tenure-track, and special appointment faculty. It does not apply to graduate teaching assistants who work under the direct supervision of a faculty member. Certain programs with specialized accrediting bodies may adopt additional criteria and processes as appropriate to meet their accreditation requirements.
• Faculty Ranks & Titles
  UND utilizes standard definitions for faculty ranks and titles for tenured, tenure-track probationary, and special appointment faculty, and outlines the requirements and guidelines for each. This policy does not describe the categories of positions of non-faculty academic personnel of the University.

The president has approved this document as an interim policy. Interim policies have the full force and effect of an institutional policy without completing the full policy development process. Interim policies must complete the full policy development process typically within six months of the issuance.

• Responding to Allegations of Research Misconduct (interim approval)
  All members of the University of North Dakota engaged in research must adhere to ethical standards to protect the accuracy and reliability of the research record and published research results. UND utilizes a framework to resolve allegations of research misconduct as timely as possible while protecting the rights and integrity of all individuals involved.

Revised Policies: Updates and Changes

We have revised several existing policies, making updates that range from editorial adjustments to more substantial changes. Editorial revisions aim to clarify language, streamline policy flow, and update essential information, such as contact details and hyperlinks.

Some revisions are more substantive and affect what is allowed, prohibited, or required to do. These adjustments ensure policies remain aligned with organizational goals and regulatory standards. Additionally, policies can undergo conforming updates to align them with external regulations and industry standards. This helps ensure our policies comply with evolving legal and regulatory requirements.

• Confined Space Program – editorial revisions; applied appropriate formatting and uploaded to policy library
• Crystalline Silica Program – editorial revisions; applied appropriate formatting and uploaded to policy library
• Trenching and Excavation Program – editorial revisions; applied appropriate formatting and uploaded to policy library
• Lockout Tagout Program – editorial revisions; applied appropriate formatting and uploaded to policy library

For a full list of new and revised documents, please visit the “New & Recently Revised Policies” list. If you have questions or wish to provide feedback, we encourage you to contact the policy owner directly or submit your feedback electronically.

Stay up-to-date on the latest policy developments as we continue to improve and enhance our institution. Visit the Policy Office website for more information.