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University of Wisconsin–Madison

VCRGE Foundational Policy

This policy describes the process for developing, reviewing, approving, amending, and retiring policies under the purview of the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education (VCRGE).

Scope

This applies to all foundational VCRGE policies granting research oversight authority. A foundational policy outlines oversight areas for a committee or is a standalone policy in a given area. For policies subordinate or downstream to foundational policies, committees may use their own approval mechanisms and approval authority. Any changes to the foundational policy must be approved by the VCRGE policy process outlined below.

Authority Delegation (Policy Approval, Ownership, and Administration)

The VCRGE has the authority to review and approve new or revised policies and to retire research-related policies under the purview of the OVCRGE. This may be delegated to the appropriate associate vice chancellor for research (AVC). Downstream policies may be reviewed and revised by the VCRGE or AVCs.

Policy Updates

All policies under the authority of the VCRGE are reviewed on a three-year basis. It is the responsibility of the policy manager to review the policy and collaborate with campus stakeholders to recommend any necessary changes for review and approval.

Policy Creation and or Revision Process

A new policy may be drafted or amended by the policy manager in collaboration with the appropriate committee and the responsible AVC. This process should include campus stakeholders and ensure representation of participants, including governance, if applicable.

Policy Review and Approval Process

Once the foundational policy is drafted or revised, the AVCs will review the draft and recommend changes.

Once recommended for approval, the vice chancellor for research and graduate education will review the foundational policy. If additional modifications are needed, the policy will be returned to the responsible individual or policy owner.

Once approved, the approval date will be recorded and the policy placed online in the OVCRGE policy portal. The policy manager will notify the director of communications and manager of the OVCRGE policy portal.

Non-foundational policies: 
For policies subordinate to or downstream from foundational policies, committees use their own approval mechanisms and signature authority. All non-foundational policies will also be reviewed on a three-year basis.

Policies with Governance Authority

Policies under the authority of the OVCRGE that need governance approval shall follow the process outlined above. The VCRGE will review new policies and draft changes and, if necessary, make recommendations to the Senate and Assembly. Once approved by the appropriate governance bodies, the policy shall be listed in Faculty Policies and Procedures as well as the OVCRGE policy portal.

Retiring Policies:

The policy owner with approval from the relevant committee, may recommend retiring a policy. The recommendation is sent to the VCRGE for review. The VCRGE will determine whether to accept the recommendation. If approved, the retired date will be recorded and the policy owner will notify the director of communications and manager of the OVCRGE policy portal.

 

Approved by the Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate Education on September 10, 2020.