Ohio University approves policy updates

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee (ESPC) and OHIO President Lori Stewart Gonzalez have approved two policy updates and extended the interim status of three policies.

President Gonzalez approved the following policy updates on May 13, 2026.

Updated policy owners

• 19.054: Equipment Inventory Control - This policy establishes a process for the recording, identification and accountability for University-owned movable equipment items having a minimum cost of $5,000 each and a useful life of over one year, and sponsor-owned equipment (red tag items) in compliance with "Federal Acquisition Regulation" (FAR) and "Uniform Guidance" (UG).
• 53.001: Electronic Signatures - To provide for the effective and efficient administration of University contract administration, electronic signatures are permissible when executed in accordance with this policy. The University recognizes an electronic signature as legally binding to the fullest extent permitted by law. The implementation and use of electronic signatures at the University shall remain consistent with division (I) of section 1306.20 the Revised Code.

Extended interim status

• 47.004: Abandoned, unattended and 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.  
• 40.035: Vacation Leave Donation - Eligible administrative staff and faculty may participate in a vacation leave donation program. Vacation leave may be donated to a “Leave Pool” (pool). Donated vacation time will be converted to sick leave and administered as outlined in this policy. This pool will be used to provide leave to administrative staff and faculty in need of sick time for personal use or to care for a family member.
• 41.001: Vacation and Winter Closure Time - This policy governs vacation leave for all administrative employees. This policy also governs winter closure time for all eligible "Fraternal Order of Police," police officers (FOP-blue) and "Fraternal Order of Police," police lieutenants (FOP-gold) and administrative employees. Local 1699 and local 3200 "Ohio Council 8 American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO" should refer to their current contract for specifics of participation

Policies up for community review

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.)

• You can see the policies currently up for community review here.

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.