Preview: Policy Types
FSU operates under several categories of governing documents, each with a different level of authority, scope, and approval process. Knowing which category your document falls into determines how it must be drafted, who needs to approve it, where it lives, and who it applies to.
Highest authority
University Regulation
University Regulations are adopted by the FSU Board of Trustees and serve as the basic governing code of the university. They function as university-wide law and carry formal legal standing.
Regulations must be consistent with federal and state law, Florida Board of Governors rules, and the BOG's Strategic Plan. Some regulations — such as those related to student tuition and fees, admissions, and articulation — also require approval by the Florida Board of Governors.
Regulations are adopted pursuant to the Regulation Development Procedure for State University Boards of Trustees and are not subject to FSU Policy 2-1.
University-wide
University Administrative Policy
University Administrative Policies are official directives that establish standards in the operation, management, or implementation of the university's programs, services, facilities, and activities.
They apply broadly — either university-wide or across more than one school, college, department, or unit. All faculty, staff, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors must comply with applicable administrative policies.
Administrative policies may not conflict with, contradict, undermine, or relax the standards of any applicable law, BOG regulation, or University Regulation. These are governed by FSU Policy 2-1 and must be published in the Administrative Policy Library to be considered official.
Unit-specific
Local Policy
Local Policies are narrowly tailored documents that address the unique needs of — and apply only to — one specific school, college, department, or unit.
They do not apply university-wide or across more than one unit. Local Policies must be published on the applicable unit's own website and may never conflict with, contradict, undermine, or relax the standards of applicable law, BOG regulations, University Regulations, or University Administrative Policies.
Local Policies are not subject to FSU Policy 2-1 and do not need to be included in the Administrative Policy Library.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | University Regulation | Administrative Policy | Local Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who adopts it? | FSU Board of Trustees | Responsible Executive (VP or designee); Cabinet endorsement | The applicable school, college, department, or unit |
| Who does it apply to? | All university constituents and the public; university-wide | All faculty, staff, students, volunteers, vendors, and visitors; university-wide or multi-unit | Only the specific unit that issued it |
| Must comply with | Federal & state law; BOG regulations | Federal & state law; BOG regulations; University Regulations | All of the above, plus University Administrative Policies |
| Governed by FSU Policy 2-1? | No | Yes | No |
| Must be in the Administrative Policy Library? | Yes (University Regulations are included) | Yes — required to be official | No — published on unit website instead |
| BOG approval required? | Sometimes (tuition, admissions, articulation) | Sometimes (select policies) | No |
| 21-day public comment period? | Per BOG Regulation Development Procedure | Yes | No |
Not sure which type applies? The final determination of whether a particular matter should be governed by a Regulation or a Policy is made by the President or their designee, in consultation with the Office of General Counsel. When in doubt, contact the Office of General Counsel for guidance.
A note on Academic Policies and Procedures
Policies related to the university's academic mission — such as Liberal Studies policy, admissions standards, grading standards, and degree requirements — are University Academic Policies. These are adopted by the Faculty Senate in accordance with the FSU Constitution and Faculty Senate Bylaws, and are not subject to FSU Policy 2-1.
Procedures and guidelines are also distinct from policies. A procedure describes the operational steps needed to implement a policy. A guideline offers recommendations or best-practice guidance. Both may change frequently and should be kept separate from the policy document itself — but linked to it in the Administrative Policy Library as supplemental information.