What is the University Policy Committee?
The University Policy Committee (UPC) is the group designated and appointed by the vice presidents to act as the central body for making recommendations regarding the creation, updating and management of university-wide policies. Members of this committee include one representative from each of the major divisions of the university (chosen by the appropriate vice president), the Director of Human Resources, a representative of Audit and Management Services and University Counsel (ex officio member). The committee is chaired by the Assistant Vice President for HR, Training and Performance.

Does the University Policy Committee make policy?
No. Overall, policies are the responsibility of the Board of Visitors and the President. Practically, each vice president reviews and approves policies. The role of the UPC is to ensure that existing policies are kept up-to-date and accurate and that new policies are considered, drafted and staffed as needed.

Am I represented on the University Policy Committee? By whom?
Full and part-time university employees are represented on the committee through a representative for each division:

DIVISION

REPRESENTATIVE

PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Access and Enrollment

Joe Manning

568-3476

manninjp@jmu.edu

Academic Affairs

Michael O'Fallon

568-6898

ofallomj@jmu.edu

Administration and Finance

Robin Bryan

568-7063

bryanra@jmu.edu

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Art Dean

568-4506

dean1at@jmu.edu

Student Affairs

Carson Lonett

568-5685

lonettcy@jmu.edu

University Advancement

Sheila Smith

568-3564

willi2ss@jmu.edu 

Ex Officio Member, JMU Legal Counsel

Meg Sander

568-5242

sandermx@jmu.edu 

Office of the President

Becky Holmes

568-7112

holmesrf@jmu.edu 

Human Resources

Chuck Flick

568-8090

flickco@jmu.edu 


In addition, policies are reviewed by representatives of the Faculty Senate, the Employee Advisory Council and the Student Government Association. You may contact one of these groups to provide input on any university-wide policy:

GROUP

REPRESENTATIVE

WEBSITE

EMAIL ADDRESS

Employee Advisory Committee

Matt Phillippi
Kerri Wilson
Co-chairs

www.jmu.edu/eac

phill2mr@jmu.edu 
wilso4km@jmu.edu

 

Faculty Senate

Katherine Ott Walter
Faculty Senate Speaker

Talé Mitchell
Chair,  Faculty Appeals Committee

www.jmu.edu/facultysenate

ottwalmk@jmu.edu 


mitch3at@jmu.edu  

Student Government Association

Nathan Hazen
President

www.jmu.edu/sga

hazennl@dukes.jmu.edu 


How do I suggest changes to an existing
policy?
Follow the steps provided at https://www.jmu.edu/jmu-policy/suggest.shtml

What if I just have a question concerning a particular policy?
Send your question via email to the UPC chair. You may also reach the AVP for HR, Training and Performance by phone at 540-568-4248.

Why can't I find the university policy related to my area of concern?
The University Policy Committee does not manage every policy and procedure that impacts members of the university community. For example, there are many policies that address just faculty members or just students that are not in the UPC's purview. The policies managed by the UPC are those policies that have broad impact across the university as a whole. Other university policies are under the management of such units as Academic Affairs, the Office of Student Accountability and Restorative Practices, Public Safety, etc. As a result, there are many policies that are not referenced on this site.

See Policy 1000-University Policy Management for additional information.

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