1. Federal Level
   United States Constitution
   Federal Statutes
   Federal Regulations
   

2. State Level
   State of Minnesota Constitution (1857)
   Charter of the University of Minnesota (1851)
   State Statutes
   State Regulations
   

3. Internal University Governance Structure
   Board of Regents Bylaws
   Board of Regents Policies (See Board Development Policy)
   University-wide or Faculty or University Senate Policy (See Developing U-wide Policy & Procedure Policy)
   Campus-wide (May include other units like Academic Health Center)
   College Constitutions (See Regents policy on College Constitutions)
   College/Administrative Unit Policy
   Department Policy
   

Definitions within the University of Minnesota Hierarchy

Policy
They are statements that describe an institutional position, mandate, community beliefs and boundaries. They should ideally include information on what, why, and who but not how. In general, provides broad directional information. To be University-wide they should include these attributes:

1. It is a governing principle that mandates or constrains actions.
2. It has institution-wide application.
3. It changes infrequently and sets a course for the foreseeable future.
4. It helps ensure compliance, enhances the University's mission or reduces institutional risk.
5. It is approved at the senior levels of the University.

Procedure
They are action steps that tell how things are done. They describe the customary or standard way of handling situations. They can also include information on who, what, when, and where. They are a series of interrelated steps whose sequence may be important but they should always support and implement the policy.

Standard
A level of quality that is required to be followed. They serve as a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated. Standards are considered to be a model for measurement or comparison when exacting steps are important to successful outcomes. Whenever possible standards should support a policy or procedure and be included in them.

Guideline
A piece of information intended to advise people on how something should be done or what something should be. They provide guidance to appropriate action but they are optional behavior. They provide a recommended way but other alternatives may be possible. Whenever possible guidelines should support a policy or procedure.

* If there are conflicts, the higher level of authority generally takes precedent. The general assumption is that a level lower in the hierarchy may have more but not less restrictive requirements. For specific advice, contact the Office of General Counsel.