University Policies & Administrative Rules

University Policies

The Board of Trustees is charged with policy making pursuant to TCA § 49-8-203, et seq. On March 24, 2017, the Board delegated authority to ETSU’s President to establish certain policies and procedures for educational program and other operations of the University. University Policies, Procedures, or Administrative Rules must meet the minimum requirements of applicable local, state, and federal regulations.

All University Policies, Procedures, or Administrative Rules approved by the East Tennessee State University Board of Trustees or its President are developed in a transparent, collaborative, and efficient manner.  University Policies, Procedures, or Administrative Rules are developed and periodically reviewed/updated pursuant to the Policy Development and Administrative Rulemaking Policy. In addition, Administrative Rules must be developed pursuant to the process proscribed in the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, TCA Title 4, Chapter 5. Unless a University Policy or Administrative Rule explicitly states otherwise, it is binding on all students, faculty, staff, and guests.

• Policies

  A University Policy is a guiding principle that addresses the governance or internal management inherent to carrying out the mission of the University that does not affect private rights, privileges, or procedures available to the public. A University Policy is defined by all of the following criteria:

  - The policy has a broad application throughout the University;

  - The policy helps achieve compliance with applicable laws and regulations, promotes  operational efficiencies, enhances the university's mission, or reduces institutional risks;

  - The policy mandates actions or constraints;  and

  - The subject matter of the policy requires  Board of Trustee or Presidential approval for policy issuance and non-technical changes.

  If a policy fits these criteria, it is a University Policy. If it does not, it is a departmental, office, or unit policy.

  For more information on how to develop and propose a University Policy, Please review the  information under the Policy Development tab.

• Administrative Rules

  An Administrative Rule is promulgated through a formal administrative process proscribed by law. The development of an Administrative Rule is governed by the Tennessee Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, TCA Title 4, Chapter 5.

  For more information on Administrative Rules, please review the  information under the Administrative Rule Development tab.

• Search for a Policy or Administrative Rule

  To search for a specific Policy or Administrative Rule, click on the Policy/Rule Search tab.
• Updates

  For the most recent updates on new policies or revisions to policies, click on the Updates tab of this website.
• FAQ

  For FAQ's, click here.