Ohio University approves policy updates, invites feedback on additional policies

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee (ESPC) and OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez have approved several policy updates and placed three policies up for community review.

The ESPC gave approval to the following policy updates on Feb. 13, 2026, and President Gonzalez granted final approval on Feb. 17, 2026.

Policy given final approval

• 41.121 – Reimbursement for Official Travel and Entertainment - Section 126.31 of the Revised Code enables employees of the University to be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred while attending a gathering, conference or convention or while performing official duties related to University business inside or outside the state of Ohio if authorized by the University.  This policy governs the travel of faculty, staff, non-employees and official guests.

Creation of policy and interim use

• 47.016 – Cultivated Protein and Food Misbranding Compliance - This policy establishes institutional requirements to ensure compliance with Ohio law governing the labeling, purchase and use of alternative protein, imitation meat and imitation egg products, consistent with Ohio House Bill 10 and section 3313.9110 of the Revised Code and other related provisions.

Approved for interim status

• 40.125: Pre-Employment Background Check and On-Going Duty to Self-Disclose - Ohio University is committed to providing a safe and secure environment for students, parents, faculty, staff, volunteers and visitors. Ohio University is also committed to protecting the University’s physical, intellectual and financial resources. This policy seeks to ensure the success of maintaining a safe and secure environment for the campus community while protecting University resources.

Extended interim status

• 40.058 – Administrative Compensation - Pay determination decisions should support the University's commitment to a market-based pay approach. This ensures the University's ability to attract and retain the talent needed to support Ohio University's mission and initiatives.
• 40.063 – Flexible Work Schedule, Flexible Hours and Flexplace for Administrative and Classified Employees - As a matter of work-life balance Ohio University provides flexible work schedules, flexible hours and flexible work location options for administrators and classified employees.
• 40.121 – Recruitment and Selection of Faculty and Staff  - In compliance with requirements as a federal contractor, Ohio University will make lawful efforts to recruit persons with disabilities, veterans and Vietnam era veterans, for position openings. In accordance with federal law and Chapter 124 of the Revised Code it is the policy of the University to engage in recruitment practices that yield the best applicants for vacancies.
• 41.013: Reduction in Force of Administrators - Reductions in force may occur at any time during the year and may be based on lack of funds, lack of work, reorganization, changes in institutional priorities or efficiency.

Extended interim status and approved for 30-day review period

• 40.001 – Nondiscrimination in Education and Employment - This policy sets forth the expectations and responsibilities for maintaining a safe educational and employment environment free of discrimination, harassment and intimidation.
• 44.120 – Animals - This policy describes the limitations relative to animals and animal pets in Ohio University-owned buildings, outside areas and vehicles.

Approved policy for 30-day review period

• 47.004 - Abandoned, Unattended, Unauthorized Vehicles - This policy establishes guidelines for the identification, towing, relocation, immobilization, removal and disposition of abandoned, unattended or unauthorized vehicles on University property. This policy is intended to promote the safe and efficient use of campus parking resources.  

All members of the Ohio University community are invited to provide feedback on policies that are posted for review on the University Policy Management website. (OHIO login required.)

All policies on the University Policy Management website are posted for a 30-day comment period. Individuals wishing to offer feedback are asked to send their comments to policy@ohio.edu and include the name of the policy in the email subject line.

For more information on these and other Ohio University polices, see the University Policy website.