The Office of General Counsel oversees the University Policy Process at Trinity University, ensuring that policies are consistently reviewed, updated, and operated within a legally sound and efficient framework.

We provide expert guidance in the creation, implementation, and review of institutional policies, ensuring they comply with applicable laws and regulations while aligning with the university’s mission and values.

By collaborating with various departments and stakeholders, we support the development of clear, comprehensive policies that uphold the integrity of the university and foster a well-regulated academic environment.

This section introduces the community to the policy development process, outlining the standards and procedures that guide our campus environment.

 

Policy Portal

Standardized university policies that have been through the official development and approval process.

Policy 

A policy is a statement of management philosophy and direction established to guide and assist the University community in conducting University affairs.

University Policy:
  • is a governing principle that mandates or constrains actions, 
  • has an institution-wide application, 
  • changes infrequently and sets a course for the foreseeable future, 
  • helps ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations, 
  • reduces institutional risk, and 
  • is approved at the executive levels of the university (President or EPG) or Board of Trustees.

A University Policy that does not meet all of the above state criteria would be considered a unit-specific policy (department, division)

Policy Administrator 

The Policy Administrator is the General Counsel or their designee.

Policy Initiator 

The Policy Initiator is any faculty, staff member, or student who identifies a University-level issue and develops a policy proposal

Policy Library 

The Policy Library is the central repository for all University Policies.

Policy Drafter 

The Policy Drafter is responsible for drafting a policy and managing the various stages of its development and subsequent modifications and revisions. The individual(s) assigned to this role may differ depending on the policy area or category.

Policy Owner 

The Policy Owner is the appropriate University officer (President, Provost, Vice President, General Counsel) whose jurisdiction covers the subject matter of the policy. The Policy Owner also includes the employee specifically delegated by a University officer to develop a University Policy. Policy Owners are responsible for ensuring that the policy follows internal and external standards and regulations defined in the policy.

Policy Development & Approval Process
  • Policy on Policies
    • The General Counsel's Office at Trinity University oversees the creation, amendment, and deletion of university policies through its comprehensive Policy on Policies. This framework ensures that all policies are systematically reviewed, updated, and aligned with the university's mission and legal requirements. By maintaining rigorous standards and promoting consistency, the General Counsel's Office plays a crucial role in supporting the university's governance and operational integrity.
Policy Memorandum

A guide to summarizing the purpose, potential impact, and compliance mechanisms for new or revised University policies. Please refer to the Policy Memorandum Form.

Standard Policy Template

The standardized format for creating or revising a University Policy. Please refer to the University Policy Template.

Trinity Compliance Committee (TCC)

The Trinity Compliance Committee oversees the University's compliance activities and programs to ensure they are reasonably designed, implemented, enforced, and generally effective in preventing and detecting violations of the law and regulations. With respect to the policy development process, these individuals will review draft versions of policies a policy owner seeks to create, amend, or eliminate and make recommendations to the EPG on adopting the proposal. The Trinity Compliance Committee is charied by the University’s Chief Compliance Officer and the Office of General Counsel provides support as requested by the committee.

Use of these tools and procedures is highly encouraged to make the development and promulgation of University policies more efficient.

If you have additional questions, you can send an e-mail to the Office of General Counsel at @email or telephone (210) 999-8906.

The University reserves the right to amend or revoke its policies at any time.

Disclaimer

The materials on the Office of General Counsel pages and related links are for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice. The General Counsel cannot provide individual legal advice to Trinity University students, faculty, or staff, except when legal issues arise due to actions taken during the course and scope of employment and/or while acting on behalf of the University.