Ohio University approves policy updates, places policies up for community review

The Ohio University Executive Staff Policy Committee and President Lori Stewart Gonzalez have given final approval to three policies and extended the interim policy of an additional policy. 

In addition, 10 policies that were placed in the community review period in June are still available for members of the OHIO community to review and provide feedback on.

Policies granted final approval

• 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.” Donated vacation time will be converted to sick leave and administered as outlined in this policy. The pool will be used to provide leave to individuals in need of sick time for personal use or to care for a family member.
• 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.  
• 55.035: Printing Procurement - This policy establishes guidelines for the procurement of printing services utilizing University funds including but not limited to marketing materials, booklets, University stationery, printed course packs or tests, posters, fliers, banners, environmental graphics, and printed or embroidered apparel. This policy sets out to promote brand consistency, to achieve the best value and to ensure compliance with University labor union contracts and the laws of the state of Ohio regarding printing procurement.

Extended interim status of policy

• 23.010: Hazing - Ohio University prohibits hazing as defined in this policy. The University will investigate and respond to all reports of hazing as outlined in this policy.

Draft policies currently in the 30-day review period for community feedback 

In June, these draft policies were moved into the 30-day review period. The review period began on June 10, 2026, and continues until July 10, 2026.

• 23.055: Chalking - This policy serves to balance individuals' and groups' free speech rights with the University's property rights. Chalking, as a form of promotion and expression, is allowed on the Ohio University campus, subject to the restrictions specified in paragraph B of this policy.
• 24.001: Alcoholic Beverages on University Property and in Fraternity and Sorority Houses – The policy governs who may serve or sell alcohol on University property, under what conditions, and with what approvals and restrictions.
• 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.
• 40.105: General Principles Related to Appointments of University Executive Officers - This policy provides administrative personnel processes for University executives, including the president, provost, vice presidents and deans.
• 40.121: Recruitment and Selection of Faculty and Staff - In accordance with federal law and Chapter 124 of the Revised Code, the University’s policy is to engage in recruitment practices that yield the best applicants for vacancies. This policy covers all faculty and staff positions at Ohio University. 
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 49.001: Outside Activities, Conflicts of Interest and Conflicts of Commitment Compliance - The purpose of this policy is to establish a University framework, standards and expectations for identifying, disclosing, reviewing and managing conflicts of interest and conflicts of commitment. This policy supports compliance with Ohio Ethics Law, applicable federal law and other relevant state regulations. Standard operating procedures supporting this policy are maintained by responsible administrative units.

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.