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Policy FAQ

• What are the differences between policies and procedures?

  Policies are governance documents that state what the college wants to achieve. A policy usually contains principles to assist with decision making and guidelines for achieving intended outcomes. A policy designates and authorizes individuals or departments to implement the policy. Policies also establish scope, which means to whom or in what situations a policy does and does not apply. 

  Procedures are narrower in focus; they set out specific steps to carry out the policy. They state acceptable practice, set boundaries, and establish who is responsible for each step of the process. Procedures may be updated and reviewed more often, without always needing a review of the related policy and its underlying principles.  

  Procedures are not the same as an instruction manual or guide. Instead, procedures give high level steps for how to follow the policy. Instruction manuals or guides may also be written to give more detailed instructions or advice to employees or students.

• Why are policies developed?

  Policies are developed to give guidance to ²ÝÁñÉçÇø employees, students, and the college community. They are meant to communicate how the College will handle situations, and make sure rules are clear and consistent.

• Who is responsible for approving policies?

  ²ÝÁñÉçÇø policies are approved by one of three bodies: 

  • Board of Governors 

  • Education Council (EdCo) 

  • Executive Committee 

  The BC College & Institute Act sets out the areas of responsibility for each of these three bodies, but generally academic policies are approved by EdCo, operational policies by the Executive Committee, and governance policies by the Board of Governors.

• Who is responsible for developing College policies?

  Policy development is the responsibility of the policy’s approving body. Approving bodies and administrators responsible for policies may delegate policy work to individuals or groups, and the Policy, Planning & Strategy team supports all those engaged in policy development and review.

• How are policies developed?

  Policies have different methods of development depending on whether they are Executive Committee, EdCo, or Board approved policies. For more information see our Policy Development Overview page.

• What does ²ÝÁñÉçÇø community member engagement involve?

  How ²ÝÁñÉçÇø community members are engaged in policy development and review, varies depending on the policy topic and scope. Some policies are broad, affecting a large number of people and applying across multiple departments and campuses. Others are more specific and may only affect a few members of the ²ÝÁñÉçÇø community. More complex or broad policies tend to need more thorough consultation. 

  Policies under development or review are listed online along with the contact information of the policy developer(s). The policy developer(s) may also connect directly with key ²ÝÁñÉçÇø community members, send email requests for feedback, host presentations or focus group sessions, or use surveys and other methods of engagement. ²ÝÁñÉçÇø aims to include multiple perspectives in all policy work and in particular seek input from regional campuses, Indigenous communities, international students, and students with disabilities.

  Please visit Policy Work Underway to see policies that are currently under development or review and whom to contact with any feedback.

• When does a policy take effect?

  The policy takes effect once it is approved by the approving body. Approved and active policies are all publicly available on ²ÝÁñÉçÇø’s policy webpage. 

• How often are policies reviewed?

  Policies are set for review every five (5) years, however some policies may be set for review more frequently if determined necessary by the approving body.

• Who do I contact if I want to provide feedback on a policy?

  Please submit a _{(sign in to view form, top right corner)} to the Policy, Planning & Strategy department if you notice any needed minor housekeeping changes. This could include title changes, department name changes, broken links, or typos.

  If the policy is currently under review or development, contact the appropriate individual listed on the Policy Work Underway page.  

  To provide feedback on how a policy and its related procedures are working, you may either contact the Administrator Responsible listed in the policy box on the policy, or email the Policy, Planning & Strategy team at policy@cnc.bc.ca.