Recent Additions and Revisions

4.29 / Review for Non-Tenure Track Faculty Promotion: Procedures

Revised: September 24, 2024 | Effective: December 11, 2017

Date Policy Request To PET:

September 24, 2024

This is a change to an existing policy.

Current Policy Title:

4.29 / Review for Non-Tenure Track Faculty Promotion: Procedures

Revised Policy Title:

4.29 / Review for Non-Tenure Track Faculty Promotion: Procedures

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

December 11, 2017

Initiating Authority:

FACULTY SENATE & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This policy was updated to modify the language on the composition of the non-tenure track faculty promotion committee at the University level review stage. In addition, the policy was reorganized and reformatted for purposes of clarification and to conform with the University's standard policy format.

Specific changes made were:

  • Struck language stating that the review Committee at the University level was the same composition as the members of the Faculty Senate Tenure and promotion Committee.
  • Updated language to state that the review Committee at the University level is the ("NTT"), promotion Committee, whose general charge and composition is established in the Faculty Senate rules.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

This policy was modified to update the language specifying the membership of the non-tenure track faculty promotion Committee.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

Constitution of the Faculty Senate (wichita.edu)

Rules of the Faculty Senate Intro (wichita.edu)

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden and Daniel Hilliard
  • Faculty Senate - Mathew Muether and Jolynn Dowling

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

Faculty Senate and Academic Affairs

3.42 / Tuition Assistance Program for Employees

Revised: September 18, 2024 | Effective: May 10, 2001

Date Policy Request To PET:

August 12, 2024

Date Policy Approved By KBOR:

September 18, 2024

This is a change to an existing policy.

Current Policy Title:

3.42 / Tuition Assistance Program for Employee

Revised Policy Title:

3.42 / Tuition Assistance Program for Employees

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

December 1, 2018

Initiating Authority:

Human Resources

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This policy is being revised to clarify the tuition assistance program for employees, including updating definitions, eligibility, requirements, and administrative procedures. In addition, the policy was reorganized and reformatted for purposes of clarification and to conform with the University's standard policy format.

Specific changes made were:

  • Updated requirements for eligibility, including requiring minimum GPA rather than course related academic standing, not being on unpaid leave, and separation of employment.
  • Updated the definition for benefit-eligible employee, to include teaching faculty as well as non-teaching faculty, and to clarify that ICAA employees are eligible for assistance.
  • Clarified eligibility requirements and what courses/programs qualify for tuition assistance.
  • Updated to require minimum GPA rather than course related academic standing.
  • Updated to remove requirements related to performance evaluations because not every employee has an evaluation.
  • Updated to include limitation on assistance for graduate courses.
  • Clarified policy on adding and withdrawing from courses, and updated administrative procedure related to withdrawal of courses.
  • Updated administrative procedure to address the prioritization process in the event of insufficient funding.
  • Updated administrative procedure to address requests for time off and how to address disputes under the Internal Dispute Resolution.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

This policy was revised to update and provide clarity on the tuition assistance program for employees.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

Other Relevant Wsu Policies:

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
  • Human Resources - Jamie Olmsted, Vicki Whisenhant, Rebecca Reiling, Sheryl Propst, Susan Martin, Marcie Holsteen, Sara McIntyre, Ginny Mertes, Cara Tucker, Lana Anthis, Julisa Khan, Diana Austin
  • Financial Aid - Angie Zeorlin and Sheelu Surender
  • Student Accounts Receivable - Robyn Bongartz
  • Financial Operations - Troy Bruun and Ryan Lohfink
  • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling [PENDING]
  • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers [PENDING]

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

Jamie Olmsted - Human Resources

Additional Notes

Following the discussion and approval at the PET meeting, but prior to the approval of the policy by KBOR, the definition "Benefit Eligible" was relocated in the definitions section to the first defined term to ensure the defined terms were listed in alphabetical order.

3.43 / Tuition Assistance Program for Spouses and Dependent Children

Revised: September 18, 2024 | Effective: December 1, 2011

Date Policy Request To PET:

August 12, 2024

Date Policy Approved By KBOR:

September 18, 2024

Is This A New Policy Or Change To An Existing Policy?

Existing

Current Policy Title:

3.43 / Tuition Assistance Program for Spouses and Dependent Children

Revised Policy Title:

N/A

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

December 1, 2018

Initiating Authority:

Human Resources

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This policy is being revised to clarify the tuition assistance program for spouses and dependent children of employees, including updating definitions, eligibility, requirements, and administrative procedures. In addition, policy was reorganized and reformatted for purposes of clarification and to conform with the University's standard policy format.

Specific changes to this policy include:

  • Updated definitions to reflect current practices and changes in law.
  • Updated the definition for benefit-eligible employee, to include teaching faculty as well as non-teaching faculty, and to clarify that ICAA employees are eligible for assistance.
  • Updated to include graduate programs/courses as eligible for the tuition assistance program.
  • Updated to include limitation on assistance for graduate courses
  • Updated to include tax consequences for assistance for graduate courses
  • Clarified requirements for eligibility, including requiring minimum GPA rather than course related academic standing.
  • Clarified how assistance is handled if the employee separates employment.
  • Clarified administrative procedure related to withdrawing from courses.
  • Clarified administrative procedure to address the prioritization process in the event of insufficient funding.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

This policy was revised to update and provide clarity on the tuition assistance program for spouses and dependent children.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

Other Relevant Wsu Policies:

WSU Policy 3.42 / Tuition Assistant Program for Employee

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
  • Human Resources - Jamie Olmsted, Vicki Whisenhant, Rebecca Reiling, Sheryl Propst, Susan Martin, Marcie Holsteen, Sara McIntyre, Ginny Mertes, Cara Tucker, Lana Anthis, Julisa Khan, Diana Austin
  • Financial Aid - Angie Zeorlin and Sheelu Surender
  • Student Accounts Receivable - Robyn Bongartz
  • Financial Operations - Troy Bruun and Ryan Lohfink
  • Faculty Senate - Mathew Muether
  • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers

OTHER NOTES FOR CONSIDERATION:

Definitions were re-ordered to ensure alphabetical listing following PET approval.

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

Jamie Olmsted - Human Resources

14.01 / General Purchasing Policies

Revised: May 28, 2024 | Effective: July 1, 1997

Date Policy Request To PET:

May 28, 2024

This is a change to an existing policy.

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

March 29, 2016

Initiating Authority:

Finance and Operations

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

Following the recent University reorganization, this policy is being revised to incorporate K.S.A. 76-770 and streamline purchasing for those departments and entities that operate primarily with moneys received from federal agencies and other external sources.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

KSA 76-769, 76-770, KBOR

Other Relevant Wsu Policies:

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel
  • Provost
  • VP for Finance and Administration
  • Executive VP for Research and Industry & Defense Programs

Other Notes For Consideration:

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

Office of General Counsel

Date Policy Request To PET:

April 30, 2024

PET Edits Made And Final:

May 1, 2024

This is a new policy.

Current Policy Title:

3.52 / Flexible Work Arrangements, Including Remote Work

Revised Policy Title:

N/A

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

N/A

Initiating Authority:

Human Resources

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This is a new policy that reflects what we already have on our website and in HR guidance, and provides more procedural detail. This policy addresses flexible work arrangements for all University employees and procedures for requesting those flexible arrangements, including remote work.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

This policy was created to provide a central location for employees and leaders to find information on flexible work arrangements available at the University and the procedures for approval for those arrangements.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

Other Relevant WSU Policies:

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
  • Human Resources - Vicki Whisenhant, Rebecca Reiling, Marcie Holsteen
  • Payroll Office - Mindy Dixon
  • Finance/Travel - Troy Bruun and Kristie Courtney
  • Student Affairs - Teri Hall
  • Academic Affairs - Shirley Lefever
  • Intervention Services and Leadership in Education - Jody Fiorini
  • College of Health Professions - Voncella McCleary-Jones and Greg Hand
  • InfoSec - Mark Rodee
  • ICAA - Madison Stein
  • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling
  • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers

Other Notes For Consideration:

N/A

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

General Counsel Office

13.20 / Out-of-State Travel

Revised: March 26, 2024 | Effective: November 1, 2007

Date Policy Request To PET:

March 26, 2024

This is a change to an existing policy.

Current Policy Title:

13.20 / Out-of-State Travel

Revised Policy Title:

13.20 / Out-of-State and International Travel

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

August 8, 2019

Initiating Authority:

The Division of Finance and Administration

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This policy has been revised to address international travel in addition to out-of-state travel and to conform with the standard format for WSU policies. In addition, because the travel procedures are quite detailed, lengthy, and frequently require changes, the procedures have been removed from the policy and replaced with a link to the recently updated WSU Travel Handbook.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

KBOR has revised its policy on travel, requiring Universities to develop policies that specifically address international travel. This policy has been revised to comply with this requirement.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

  • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden and Misha Jacob-Warren
  • InfoSec - Mark Rodee
  • ITS - Ken Harmon
  • Export Control - Jim Elliott
  • Finance/Travel - Troy Bruun and Kristie Courtney
  • International Education - Vince Altum
  • Human Resources - Vicki Whisenhant and Rebecca Reiling
  • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
  • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)

Other Notes For Consideration:

This revised policy contains references to Policy 3.52 / Flexible Work Arrangements, Including Remote Work. Policy 3.52 is not a current policy, but instead is a new policy that is currently being drafted. The two policies address related subject matter. Although Policy 3.52 is still under construction, we are moving forward with a request for PET approval of the revisions to Policy 13.20 in order to comply with KBOR's requirement to develop a policy on international travel. We anticipate requesting approval of Policy 3.52 in April 2024.

Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

General Counsel Office - Misha Jacob-Warren

13.04 / Tuition and Fees Refunds

Revised: March 26, 2024 | Effective: June 5, 2017

Date Policy Request To PET:

March 26, 2024

This is a change to an existing policy.

Last Revised Date Of Policy:

August 17, 2021

Initiating Authority:

Financial Operations and Business Technology

Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

This policy is being revised to ensure compliance with federal laws regarding the withholding of student transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed to the University. Specifically, the language stating that transcripts will not be released to students until University charges are paid under Section IV.A is being removed. In addition, revisions were made to clarify the University's practice of placing holds on diplomas and enrollment in connection with unpaid balances, and directions to contact Financial Operations to resolve such holds was added. Finally, minor updates were made to conform with the University's standard policy format.

Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

In the fall of 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued supervisory guidance, explaining that institutions that provide private educational loans, including institutions of higher education offering tuition payment plans, fall under the authority of the CFPB. The CFPB further directed that blanket policies to withhold transcripts in connection with an extension of credit by these institutions are abusive under the Consumer Financial Protection Act.

Subsequently, in the fall of 2023, the Department of Education (DOE) issued new regulations (effective July 1, 2024) that require the release of official transcripts for payment periods that the student received Title IV financial aid and all institutional charges for that payment period were paid or included in an agreement to pay.

After careful consideration and consultation with University partners that are involved in the process for withholding transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed to the University, Financial Operations has determined that the best course of action is to discontinue the withholding of transcripts in connection with unpaid institutional charges. The current policy revisions are being made to reflect this decision.

Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

  • Other Relevant WSU Policies:

    The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

    • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
    • Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz, Ryan Lohfink and Troy Bruun
    • Registrar's Office - Gina Crabtree
    • International Education - Vince Altum
    • OneStop Student Services - Aaron Hamilton and Addie James
    • Academic Affairs - Linnea GlenMaye
    • Financial Aid - Sheelu Surender
    • Student Engagement - Gabriel Fonseca
    • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
    • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)

    Other Notes For Consideration:

    Policy 13.05 / Tuition and Fees Payment Plan is also being revised for the same purpose as the present policy.

    Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

    Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz

    13.05 / Tuition and Fees Payment Plan

    Revised: March 26, 2024 | Effective: July 1, 1997

    Date Policy Request To PET:

    March 26, 2024

    This is a change to an existing policy.

    Current Policy Title:

    13.05 / Tuition and Fees Payment Plan

    Revised Policy Title:

    N/A

    Last Revised Date Of Policy:

    June 30, 2016

    Initiating Authority:

    Financial Operations and Business Technology

    Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

    This policy is being revised to ensure compliance with federal laws regarding the withholding of student transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed to the University. Specifically, the language stating that transcripts will not be released to students with unpaid balances under Section II.B of the current policy is being removed. In addition, revisions were made to clarify the University's practice of placing holds on diplomas and enrollment in connection with unpaid balances, and directions to contact Financial Operations to resolve such holds was added. Finally, minor updates were made to conform with the University's standard policy format.

    Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

    In the fall of 2022, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued supervisory guidance, explaining that institutions that provide private educational loans, including institutions of higher education offering tuition payment plans, fall under the authority of the CFPB. The CFPB further directed that blanket policies to withhold transcripts in connection with an extension of credit by these institutions are abusive under the Consumer Financial Protection Act.

    Subsequently, in the fall of 2023, the Department of Education (DOE) issued new regulations (effective July 1, 2024) that require the release of official transcripts for payment periods that the student received Title IV financial aid and all institutional charges for that payment period were paid or included in an agreement to pay.

    After careful consideration and consultation with University partners that are involved in the process for withholding transcripts in connection with unpaid balances owed to the University, Financial Operations has determined that the best course of action is to discontinue the withholding of transcripts in connection with unpaid institutional charges. The current policy revisions are being made to reflect this decision.

    Applicable Laws Or Regulatory Or Policy Authority:

    Other Relevant WSU Policies:

    The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

    • Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden
    • Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz, Ryan Lohfink and Troy Bruun
    • Registrar's Office - Gina Crabtree
    • International Education - Vince Altum
    • OneStop Student Services - Aaron Hamilton and Addie James
    • Academic Affairs - Linnea GlenMaye
    • Financial Aid - Sheelu Surender
    • Student Engagement - Gabriel Fonseca
    • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
    • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)

    Other Notes For Consideration:

    Policy 13.04 / Tuition and Fees Refunds is also being revised for the same purpose as the present policy.

    Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

    Financial Operations - Robyn Bongartz

    11.23 / Animals On University Premises

    Revised: February 27, 2024 | Effective: August 1, 2010

    Date Policy Request To PET:

    February 27, 2024

    This is an existing policy.

    Current Policy Title:

    11.23 / Animals on Campus

    Revised Policy Title:

    11.23 / Animals on University Premises

    Last Revised Date Of Policy:

    August 1, 2010 (Effective Date)

    Initiating Authority:

    Office of Student Accommodations and Testing, University Police Department, and Facilities Services

    Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

    This policy is being revised to ensure compliance with both state and federal law, to clarify the requirements for having an animal on campus consistent with current practices, and to update to the University's standard policy format.

    Specific changes made were to the following:

    • Updated title and policy to address animals on "university premises" rather than just campus.
    • Clarified requirements and limitations for having animals on campus consistent with state and federal laws and current practices.
    • Defined the different types of animals, including Service Animals, Professional Therapy Dogs, and Assistance Animals consistent with governing laws, including the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, and State laws.
    • Clarified what type of animals are permitted inside University buildings, including the residence halls.
    • Clarified that Pets and Assistance Animals are not permitted at organized athletic events, consistent with current practice.
    • Provided guidance on how to proceed when it is not readily apparent whether an animal is a Service or Assistance Animal in accordance with federal law, or whether an animal is a Professional Therapy Dog under state law, and when these animals can be excluded from campus.
    • Added contacts for individuals to direct questions and complaints to, consistent with current practices.

    Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

    Updates to this policy were necessary to ensure that University procedures for dealing with Service and Assistance Animals, and Professional Therapy Dogs are in compliance with federal and state laws and to clarify the requirements and limitations for having animals on University premises, consistent with current practices.

    Applicable Laws Or Regulatory or Policy Authority:

    1. .

    Other Relevant WSU Policies:

    1. WSU Policy 8.10 / Students with Disabilities
    2. Housing Accommodations Webpage
    3. Workplace Accommodations Webpage

    The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

    • Office of General Counsel - Stacia Boden
    • Office of Student Accommodations and Testing - Isabel Medina
    • Student Affairs/Housing and Residence Life - Teri Hall, Scott Jensen and Katie Austin
    • Office of Civil Rights, Title IX & ADA Compliance - Courtney McHenry and Crissy Magee
    • Facilities Services - Eason Bryer
    • University Police Department - Guy Schroder
    • Rhatigan Student Center Event Services - Maria Ciski
    • University Event and Meeting Services - Kim Moore and James Brewster
    • Athletics - Brad Pittman
    • Human Resources - Vicki Whisenhant and Rebecca Reiling
    • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling (shared)
    • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers (shared)

    Other Notes For Consideration:

    N/A

    Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

    Office of General Counsel

    3.48 / Coaching and Corrective Action

    Revised: February 27, 2024 | Effective: February 23, 2018

    Date Policy Request To PET:

    February 27, 2024

    This is an Existing policy.

    Last Revised Date Of Policy:

    Effective February 23, 2018

    Initiating Authority:

    Human Resources

    Summary Of Policy Or Policy Change:

    This policy is being revised to:

    • Update to current standard format and clarify the progressive coaching and corrective steps.
    • Add separate paragraph to the procedures section to clarify the application of the coaching and corrective action steps.
    • Clarify that matters of dismissal and low performance for tenured faculty will be addressed under Policy 4.34.
    • Update definitions to: coaching plan, employee, separation, leadership, and controlled affiliated organizations.
    • Remove separate sections on Employee and Leadership responsibilities.

    Reason Or Need For Policy / Summary Of Changes Made To Existing Policy:

    This policy was revised to provide clarity on coaching and corrective action.

    Other Relevant WSU Policies:

    1. WSU Policy 3.15 / Internal Dispute Resolution Process
    2. WSU Policy 3.41 / Separation of Employment
    3. WSU Policy 4.04 / Resolution of Internal Disputes for Faculty
    4. WSU Policy 4.34 / Dismissal For Cause

    The Following University Stakeholders Were Included In The Review And Approval Of This Policy Draft / Revision:

    Office of the General Counsel - Stacia Boden

    The revisions were initiated by a committee formed to review Policies 3.48, Policy 4.06, and Policy 4.34. The committee was comprised of Leadership representing General Counsel, CTAC, AA AVP, representatives for Deans, representatives for Associate Dean, representatives for chairs, Faculty Senate President, and Human Resources.

    • Human Resources - HRBP team and HR Leadership Team
    • Faculty Senate - Jolynn Dowling
    • Staff Senate - Kennedy Rogers

    Owner Of Policy Request For Questions:

    Rebecca Reiling