How Research Policy is Made
Research policies at UNC Chapel Hill are developed through a structured, collaborative process that reflects the University’s academic mission, operational needs, and regulatory responsibilities. Most research policies begin within schools, departments, or administrative units in response to an identified institutional or operational need.
University Policy Office
The University Policy Office provides oversight of the University policy framework and manages the official University Policy Repository.
The office guides policy owners through the policy lifecycle, supports review and approval workflows, and ensures policies meet institutional standards for clarity, accessibility, and compliance.
Policy Review Committee (PRC)
During the policy lifecycle, the PRC serves as a forum for cross-unit review, discussion, and feedback on proposed policies and substantive revisions.
All University policies are reviewed by the PRC, but the committee does not approve them. Final approval authority rests with designated University officials in accordance with the University Policy Framework. The PRC’s role is to ensure policies incorporate a range of operational perspectives and are prepared for formal review and approval.
Policy Lifecycle
The policy lifecycle describes how research policies move from idea to implementation and ongoing maintenance within UNC Research. It provides a consistent structure for drafting, review, approval, communication, and long-term oversight.
Throughout each stage, issuing units are encouraged to consult with the UNC Research Policy Liaison to support alignment with research priorities, University requirements, and effective implementation.
- Development: A unit identifies a research-related need and drafts a new policy or substantive revision. Early consultation helps determine scope, document type, and alignment with existing research policies.
- Feedback: Stakeholder input is gathered to inform revisions and identify operational or compliance considerations.
- Policy Review Committee: Draft policies are reviewed by Policy Liaisons and the Policy Review Committee to support cross-unit awareness and feedback.
- Approval: Final drafts are approved by the appropriate authority. Some research policies may require additional executive-level review.
- Publication and Communication: Approved policies are published in the University Policy Repository as the official system of record and communicated to the research community to support awareness and implementation.
- Maintenance: Policies are reviewed on a regular cycle to ensure they remain current and effective as research practices evolve.
Policy support for UNC Research
The UNC Research Policy Liaison partners with policy owners to support research policy development from early concept through review, approval, and implementation.
Consult Early
Units considering a new policy, major revision, or other substantive policy change are encouraged to consult early in the process.
Early consultation can help clarify scope, identify the appropriate policy instrument, and streamline review.
Policy support includes
- Policy Instrument Guidance: Advising units on whether a policy, standard, or procedure is the appropriate instrument.
- Policy Drafting Support: Assisting with drafting and structuring research policy documents using University-approved templates and supporting adherence to the UNC Policy Style Guide.
- Alignment and Consistency: Ensuring alignment with UNC Research priorities, existing research policies, and broader University policies.
- Review Coordination: Coordinating stakeholder groups and supporting the policy review lifecycle.
- Policy Review Committee Preparation: Preparing materials for Policy Review Committee consideration, including executive summaries.
- Implementation Support: Supporting communication and implementation after approval.
Contact:
Jeanne Lovmo, MA | Director of Policy, Governance, and Process, UNC Research Policy Liaison
For policy support or questions, please reach out.