A policy is a guiding principle or standard used to set direction and conduct. A procedure outlines a series of steps and actions that need to be followed in order to accomplish the policy and will be delineated in a separate document. Together they can be used to define and implement the standards and goals of Langara by ensuring compliance, enhancing the College Mission, providing structure for decision-making and reducing institutional risk.
The Board of Governors, Education Council, and Executive Leadership Team are responsible for the development of new policies within the scope of their authority or portfolio. They may delegate this responsibility, but a policy may only be developed with their approval.
Responsibility for approving the initiation of policy revisions rests with the governing body or applicable Executive Leadership Team member. The College Policy Governance Committee may recommend Administrative policy revisions to the Executive Leadership Team. At a minimum, a policy will be reviewed every three years.
Approval Process for Board of Governors Policies
Policies drafted by or for the Board of Governors are deemed “Board" policies. Once final, the President will present the draft policy to the Board of Governors for approval.
Approval Process for Education Council Policies
Policies that relate specifically to the powers authorized by the College and Institute Act (section 24.2) are deemed “Education Council" policies. Any member of Education Council may initiate an Education Council policy with the Council Chair's approval. Members will draft all Education Council policies in consultation with appropriate internal departments and external stakeholders. Once developed, members will forward draft policies to the Policy Officer to be reviewed for compliance with respect to structure, clarity, and consistency with legislation and other College policies. Members will then forward policies to the Academic Planning and Priorities Committee (APPC) for review.
Members will submit the policy and a completed EDCO10 Academic Policy form to the Education Council Department Assistant for presentation to Education Council for approval.
Approval Process for Administrative Policies
Policies that relate to the administration/operation of the College may be initiated by any member of the College community with the approval of their respective Executive Leadership Team member. All Administrative policies will be drafted in consultation with appropriate internal community stakeholders. Once developed, authors will forward draft policies to the Policy Officer to be reviewed for compliance with respect to structure, clarity, and consistency with legislation and other College policies. Draft policies will then be presented to the College Policy Governance Committee for review and feedback. The Langara Leadership Team (LLT) will review and provide additional feedback on all draft policies. Once finalized, policies will be reviewed by the Executive Leadership Team before they are presented at Langara Council and recommended for approval by the President.
Communication / Record-keeping
Upon final approval by the Board, the Executive Assistant to the Board will post Board policies to the College's website and retain a signed paper copy of approved policies for the official records.
The Policy Officer will post and retain paper copies of policies approved by the President or Education Council, and will share them with the College community through notices in Langara Post.
Policy Development Process Flow Chart