University Policies are policy statements that create principles as a foundation and direction for future action, as well as articulate the University's official views on matters vital to the University's governance.

University policies, procedures, and guidelines are designed to set standards, streamline processes, and align daily actions with the overarching goals of the university. They provide a framework for maintaining operational efficiency, achieving the university's purpose, and mitigating institutional risks.

University policies undergo a systematic development process, involving identification of needs, thorough research, drafting, stakeholder engagement, review, approval, implementation, monitoring, and periodic review. The Academic Committee plays a crucial role in shaping and reviewing policies.

An official university policy is a formal document that outlines the rules, regulations, and guidelines that govern the conduct, actions, and operations within a university. These policies are created to provide a structured framework for decision-making, ensure consistency, and uphold the values, mission, and goals of the institution. University policies typically cover a wide range of areas, including academic affairs, administrative procedures, student conduct, research, and more.

To be considered an official university policy, a document must undergo a formal development and approval process. This process often involves input from various stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and relevant committees. The policies are typically approved by the university's governing body, such as the Board of Trustees or a similar authority.

Key characteristics of an official university policy include:

• Broad Applicability: University policies are intended to apply broadly across the entire institution, affecting multiple departments or aspects of university life.

• Operational Guidance: Policies provide operational guidance, setting standards for behaviour, procedures, and decision-making processes.

• Compliance Requirements: They may include actions or limitations, specify compliance methods, and articulate expected results. Compliance with these policies is often mandatory.

• Periodic Review: Policies are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain relevant, aligned with the university's mission, and compliant with any changes in laws or regulations.

• Formal Approval: University policies go through a formal approval process involving relevant university committees, administrative bodies, and, ultimately, the governing authority of the university.

University policies play a crucial role in maintaining order, ensuring fairness, and promoting the effective functioning of the academic community. They provide a foundation for decision-making and contribute to the overall governance and success of the university.

In a nutshell, it is the University Council. The University Steering Committee, on the other hand, evaluates policies and provides recommendations to the president. The University Policy Office (UPLO) oversees the life-cycle of UOD policies, from writing through proposal and recommendations. Before the text becomes an official university policy, it must be approved by the president (and, if necessary, the University Council).

Administrative adjustments, changes resulting from changes in applicable laws or regulations, corrections or small amendments to existing rules can be made at any time. Existing Policies requiring fundamental revisions, or new Policies, must, nevertheless, follow a specified procedure to provide proper notice and opportunity for discussion to a broad audience, honest, transparent examination of comments received, and broad communication of the resultant Policy. The University Policy Office is in charge of overseeing the policy life cycle and adhering to the University Policy on Policy Development.

The Policy owner is solely responsible for Policy implementation, as well as related processes, instructions, training, procedures, forms, and Policy maintenance. All policy documents are well-written, including needed information on the initial pages that clearly identify the policy owner and other policy stakeholders. The University Policy Office (UPLO), on the other hand, will be the entity in charge of overseeing the policy life cycle.

Every academic community member at the University of Duhok is welcome to offer feedback on both approved policies and new policies that are currently being examined and developed.

For questions related to a specific policy at the University of Duhok, it is best to contact the person listed as the Policy Owner in the table at the top of the policy document. They will be able to provide you with specific information and guidance related to that policy.

If you have general questions about policies or if you are unable to identify the Policy Owner, please contact the University Policy Office. They will be able to assist you and direct you to the appropriate resources or contacts for further clarification or assistance.

You may also join the UOD UPLO SPACE on the University Google Chat to post your comments or question or simple communicate with us.

Yes, the University of Duhok have a standard policy format or template that is used for drafting policies. This standardized format helps ensure consistency, clarity, and uniformity across policies within the university. The University Policy Office at the University of Duhok is the appropriate resource for obtaining the standard policy template and any additional instructions or guidelines for drafting policies specific to the institution.

By utilizing the standard policy format provided by the University Policy Office, policy authors can ensure that their policies contain the necessary information and are structured in a consistent manner. This helps promote effective communication, understanding, and compliance with the policies throughout the university community.

The standard policy format may include sections such as:

1. Policy Title: Clearly stating the title of the policy.

2. Policy Number: Assigning a unique identifier to the policy.

3. Effective Date: Specifying the date from which the policy becomes effective.

4. Review Date: Indicating when the policy will be reviewed or revised.

5. Policy Owner: Identifying the person or office responsible for the policy.

6. Policy Statement: Presenting the main objectives, principles, or guidelines of the policy.

7. Scope: Defining the applicability and boundaries of the policy.

8. Definitions: Providing clear definitions of key terms used in the policy.

9. Roles and Responsibilities: Outlining the responsibilities of various stakeholders related to the policy.

10. Procedures: Describing the specific steps or actions to be followed to comply with the policy.

11. Compliance and Consequences: Explaining the consequences of non-compliance with the policy.

12. Related Policies: Listing any related or supporting policies.

13. Approval and Revisions: Documenting the approval process and any revisions made to the policy.

It's important to note that the specific format and sections may vary slightly depending on internal policies and guidelines. As pointed out the University Policy Office is the best resource for obtaining the standard policy template and any additional instructions or guidelines for drafting policies within a particular university.

All Policies at the University of Duhok are subject to review by the Policy Owner. The review process typically occurs one year after the policy's adoption or substantial revision. However, policies may also be reviewed when there is a change in applicable law, regulation, or policy, whichever comes first.

The purpose of regular policy reviews is to ensure that the policies remain current, relevant, and aligned with the evolving needs of the university community. It allows for necessary updates or revisions to address any changes in legal requirements, best practices, or internal circumstances. The Policy Owner in coordination with UPLO are responsible for initiating the review process and ensuring that the policies are kept up to date.

If you have any questions or concerns about a specific policy, please contact the Policy Owner or the University Policy Office for further assistance.

Our comprehensive A-Z list of policies and guidelines is accessible on the UPLO website. You can easily find the information you need by searching for the specific title. For additional assistance, feel free to reach out to us through the contact page.

If you identify a need for a new Policy or have the intention to create one at the University of Duhok, please contact the University Policy Office. They are the designated office responsible for policy-related matters and can guide you through the process.

To submit your suggestion for a new Policy or seek assistance in creating one, reach out to the University Policy Office. They will provide you with the necessary guidance, resources, and support to help you navigate the policy development process.

The University Policy Office plays a key role in ensuring consistency, clarity, and compliance across the university's policies. They can assist you in understanding the requirements, formatting, and approval procedures necessary for creating a new Policy.

Feel free to contact the University Policy Office directly to discuss your ideas or to obtain further information on how to proceed with proposing a new Policy. They will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance to facilitate the policy creation process at the University of Duhok.

To stay informed about Policy changes at the University of Duhok, you can refer to the Policies News and Updates page on the University Policy Office (UPLO) website. This page is specifically designed to announce any recent updates or revisions to the university's Policies.

Whenever a Policy undergoes changes, such as updates, revisions, or additions, the University Policy Office will post relevant information on the Policies News and Updates page. This ensures that the university community is aware of any modifications or new Policies that may impact their work or responsibilities.

To access the Policies News and Updates page, simply visit the University Policy Office (UPLO) website and navigate to the designated section for news and updates. There, you will find the latest information regarding Policy changes, along with any additional details or instructions provided by the University Policy Office.

Regularly checking the Policies News and Updates page will help you stay up to date with any Policy changes that may affect you or your area of work within the University of Duhok.

For a document to be considered a University Policy, it typically needs to meet certain criteria. While specific criteria may vary between universities, common elements include:

1. Broad Applicability: A University Policy should have broad application throughout the entire university. It is not limited to a specific department or unit, but addresses matters relevant to the entire institution.

2. Operational Impact: The policy should impact and guide the operations of the university. It may establish standards, procedures, or guidelines that affect how various functions and activities are conducted.

3. Operational Efficiency: A policy is often created to boost operational efficiency, strengthen the university's purpose, or eliminate institutional risks. It should contribute to the overall effectiveness and success of the university.

4. Actions or Limitations: A University Policy typically imposes actions or limitations on individuals, departments, or the university as a whole. It may specify required actions, set limitations on certain behaviours, or outline expectations.

5. Compliance Methods: The policy may articulate compliance methods, detailing how individuals or units are expected to adhere to the policy. This could include reporting mechanisms, review processes, or other means of ensuring compliance.

6. Expected Results: A University Policy often outlines the expected results or outcomes of compliance. This could include enhanced operational efficiency, improved adherence to ethical standards, or the achievement of specific university goals.

7. Approval Process: University policies typically undergo a formal approval process. This process involves review and approval by relevant university committees, administrative bodies, and, ultimately, by the governing authority of the university (such as the Board of Trustees).

8. Periodic Review: Policies are subject to periodic review to ensure they remain current and relevant. This process involves assessing whether the policy aligns with the university's mission, goals, and any changes in laws or regulations.

By meeting these criteria, a document can be formally recognized as a University Policy, signifying its importance and applicability across the entire university community.

The approval process for Policy edits depends on the nature of the changes being made. Generally, substantial revisions to Policies require a complete review through the formal Policy process. A substantial revision refers to any change to a Policy that necessitates campus-wide review and communication, or a change in applicable law, regulation, or policy.

Examples of substantial revisions include modifications that impact the interpretation or implementation of the Policy, introduce new requirements, or significantly alter the scope or intent of the Policy. These types of revisions typically require thorough review and input from relevant stakeholders to ensure appropriate consideration and implementation.

On the other hand, simple editorial changes, such as correcting grammar, titles, typographical errors, or making minor adjustments that do not affect the substance or interpretation of the Policy, can be made at any time without undergoing the full approval process.

If you are unsure whether a change constitutes an editorial or a more substantial revision, it is advisable to contact the University Policy Office. They will provide guidance and clarify the appropriate approval process based on the specific nature of the proposed changes.

For further information or assistance regarding Policy edits, please reach out to the University Policy Office. They will be able to provide you with the necessary guidance and support to ensure the appropriate approval process is followed for the proposed changes to Policies at the University of Duhok.

If you believe that a university Policy has been violated, it is important to report your concerns promptly. The University Policy Office (UPLO) provides contact details that all members of the university community should use to confidentially report suspected unethical activity related to various areas such as financial matters, academic and student life, human relations, health and campus safety, or research.

To report a suspected violation or unethical activity, students, faculty, and staff can anonymously file a report by contacting the UPLO. All receiving reports are ensured the confidentiality of the information provided. Please include as much detail as possible in your report, including the Policy that you believe has been violated and any supporting evidence or information that can assist in the investigation.

All submissions made to UPLO will be reviewed and reported to the appropriate university personnel for further action. It is important to note that the university takes reports of Policy violations seriously and strives to address them in a fair and timely manner.

By reporting any suspected violations, you play an essential role in upholding the integrity and compliance of university Policies. Your concerns will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the university's policies and procedures.

If you have any further questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the University Policy Office for guidance and support.