University Policies
The Office of General Counsel is responsible for the posting of all University policies. The policies found on this website are the official University policies. In the event a party wants to create a new policy or change an existing policy, the policy template must be requested by contacting the Policy Coordinator, Allie Felty. Before requesting the policy be reviewed by the Policy Review Council there are several steps to be completed including, a review by the Office of General counsel and constituent feedback. Please use the Checklist for Policy Development to assist in the policy drafting or revision process. The Policy on Policy Development also outlines the full process.
If you wish to directly link to a University policy for any reason, please click the "Copy permalink to clipboard" button next to the policy number. Do not use any link other than this permalink.
Recently Amended Policies
| Policy Number | Policy | Brief Description of Amendment |
|---|---|---|
| 3341-2-51 | Involuntary Withdrawal from the University – Undergraduate | This policy defines the circumstances and procedures under which the university may withdraw a student when their continued participation poses a significant risk to their own health or safety, others, or the campus environment. It emphasizes consideration of voluntary withdrawal first but provides a structured process for involuntary withdrawal that includes individualized assessment, notice, opportunity for student input, and a formal decision with appeal rights. It further also allows for interim actions when immediate concerns arise and outlines conditions. The policy further identifies under what circumstance a student may seek reenrollment after withdrawal |
| 3341-3-1 | Graduate Academic Progress, Probation, and Dismissal | Revisions remove detailed grading mechanics rules (moved to Graduate Grading Policies to reduce duplication and improve policy alignment) and clarify the collaborative nature of probation decisions, noting that graduate programs and line colleges may provide additional information warranting probation. The policy strengthens guidance on INC grades, specifying that more than one unresolved INC may indicate concerns about academic progress, and adds clarification on how U grades factor into academic status review. |
| 3341-3-5 | Credit Transfer – Graduate | Revisions reduce the minimum BGSU graduate credit required before requesting external transfer credit from 8 hours to 3 hours and clarify that transfer credit posts as credit hours only without affecting BGSU graduate GPA. The policy simplifies and standardizes maximum allowable transfer credits across certificate, master's, specialist, and doctoral programs, adds an exception pathway for students transferring with newly hired faculty mentors, and removes Advanced Undergraduate transfer rules (now housed in the Graduate Coursework for Undergraduate Students policy). |
| 3341-3-9 | Graduate Grading | Revisions consolidate grading-mechanics details (e.g., GPA calculations, INC rules) previously housed in the Graduate Academic Progress, Probation, and Dismissal policy. The policy clarifies graduate GPA calculation rules, including treatment of repeated courses and applicability of Grade Replacement and Fresh Start policies. It also clarifies how approved grading basis for graduate courses is determined, strengthens language regarding INC grades with clearer assignment criteria, and clarifies S/U grade functions across different course types. |
| 3341-3-89 | Graduate Academic Designations | This new policy establishes clear distinctions between transcriptable and non-transcriptable graduate designations to ensure consistency across all graduate programs. Transcriptable designations include certificates (minimum 9 credits with potential for stackability) and specializations (subdivisions within degree programs requiring a shared common core). Non-transcriptable designations serve as advising tools and may include concentrations areas of emphasis, and cognates. |
| 3341-6-44 | Tax Exemption Certificates | The policy continues to require use of available tax exemptions but more clearly emphasizes that purchasers must actively ensure exemptions are applied, including investigating eligibility for out-of-state purchases. It also reinforces procedural guidance by directing federal excise tax issues to the Purchasing Department and clarifying how and when tax exemption certificates should be requested and provided to vendors. |
| 3341-6-46 | University Food Service | The updates strengthen controls around food safety and sourcing by reinforcing the exclusive role of university-approved caterers, clarifying limits on outside food purchases, and adding compliance with state law prohibiting certain misbranded or cultivated-protein food products. The revisions also expand expectations for coordination, licensing, and risk management, particularly for exceptions like donated food, student organization events, and off-campus activities. |
| 3341-7-2 | Copyright | The redlines to the Copyright Policy clarify and strengthen how ownership of copyrightable works is allocated between the university and its personnel by reinforcing the general principle that authors retain ownership while more precisely defining exceptions such as works for hire, works created with substantial university assistance, externally sponsored works, and works contributed to the university. The revisions expand and formalize the framework for negotiating ownership and revenue-sharing in cases involving significant university support, outlining options such as sole or joint ownership, royalty-sharing arrangements, and licensing rights, while emphasizing required written agreements prior to commercialization. They also reinforce the administrative role of the Vice President for Research and the Copyright Advisory Committee in reviewing, negotiating, and resolving ownership and equity questions. Overall, the changes provide greater clarity, consistency, and structure in managing copyright ownership, institutional interests, and distribution of income derived from copyrighted works. |
| 3341-7-3 | Patent Policy | This policy affirms that BGSU retains ownership of inventions developed using university resources, with employees required to disclose and assign rights to the university. It strengthens expectations for timely disclosure, confidentiality, and cooperation in securing patent protection. The policy clarifies the role of the Patent Advisory Committee and the President in determining whether to pursue, license, or release inventions, with a defined decision timeline after disclosure. It also outlines how invention-related income is managed, including cost recovery and distribution of net revenue to inventors. Finally, it reinforces BGSU’s authority to enter into agreements with external sponsors regarding patent rights and licensing. |
| 3341-7-10 | Dual Use Research Concern (DURC) | This policy establishes BGSU’s framework for identifying, reviewing, and managing life sciences research that could be misused to threaten public health, safety, or national security. All research involving designated high-risk agents or experiments must be reviewed in advance by an Institutional Review Entity (IRE), which assesses risks and implements mitigation plans. The policy emphasizes balancing scientific advancement with ethical responsibility and risk reduction, while ensuring compliance with federal DURC regulations. Principal Investigators are responsible for identifying DURC, securing approval before starting work, and ensuring proper training and safeguards are in place. Ongoing monitoring and annual review of approved projects are required. Noncompliance can result in suspension of research, loss of privileges, and mandatory federal reporting. |
| 3341-7-12 | Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program | This policy prohibits participation in foreign talent recruitment programs that threaten U.S. research integrity or national security and requires full disclosure of all foreign affiliations and support. It aligns with federal agency rules that ban involvement in programs incentivizing unauthorized transfer of research or intellectual property. The policy mandates transparency in international engagements and establishes review processes to evaluate whether activities violate MFTRP criteria. Researchers must disclose all foreign relationships, funding, and recruitment efforts, and avoid undisclosed or conflicting commitments. The university reviews disclosures and may require modification or termination of prohibited activities. Violations can lead to loss of funding eligibility, disciplinary action, and federal reporting. |
| 3341-9-2 | Naming Policy | The primary substantive change to the Naming Policy removes a provision that previously required the university to make “every effort” to provide alternative recognition if a named building, property, or academic entity was demolished, discontinued, or otherwise eliminated. This revision shifts the policy toward a more defined, contract-based approach, where naming rights and recognition are governed strictly by the terms and duration outlined in the original agreement rather than broader institutional expectations. It also reinforces existing provisions that specify when names may be removed—such as reputational concerns, unmet donor commitments, or expiration of agreed terms—clarifying that recognition is conditional and not guaranteed beyond those parameters. Overall, the change increases the university’s discretion and flexibility in managing named assets while reducing ambiguity and potential future obligations tied to facilities or programs that no longer exist. |
| 3341-6-1 | Accident Reporting | The policy expands reporting requirements to include all injuries or illnesses occurring on BGSU property, with limited exceptions for NCAA student-athlete injuries and unrelated personal medical incidents. It also clarifies that incident reports must be submitted electronically, allows any knowledgeable person with system access to submit a report if needed, and specifically assigns responsibility for guest incident reports to the hosting department or another BGSU-affiliated individual. Environmental Health and Safety is additionally tasked with following up on reported incidents to ensure hazards are addressed. |
| 3341-6-47 | University Travel | The travel policy primarily reaffirms and updates requirements governing reimbursement, including stricter expectations for cost-effective travel, documentation, receipt retention, mileage and airfare comparisons, and compliance with IRS and funding-source rules. It also provides more detailed guidance on meal per diems, conference meals, lodging, rental vehicles, and the use of reward points, while emphasizing that travelers are responsible for ensuring expenses are appropriate, business-related, and submitted timely for reimbursement. Overall, the revisions improve clarity around allowable and non-allowable travel expenses and approval responsibilities. |
| 3341-6-50 | Unmanned Aircraft Systems | The policy expands its scope to expressly cover university-funded contracts with outside drone service providers operating on behalf of the university or over university property. It reinforces approval and compliance requirements for all UAS operations, including contractor activities, and continues to prohibit recreational or hobbyist drone use on campus. The revisions also strengthen accountability language by specifying that policy violations may result in disciplinary action under applicable employee, student, collective bargaining, and legal frameworks. |
| 3341-7-6 | Commercialization | The commercialization policy strengthens university oversight of faculty, staff, and student participation in companies formed to commercialize BGSU-owned intellectual property. The revisions add more detailed approval and review requirements, including review of significant financial risks, conflict-of-interest management plans, company due diligence, and commercialization agreements. The policy also establishes clearer limits on employee ownership and control of commercialization companies, requires ongoing compliance reviews, and adds safeguards to ensure entrepreneurial activities do not interfere with university responsibilities, research integrity, or student interests. |
| 3341-7-7 | Protection of Human Subjects | The policy clarifies the authority and responsibilities of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) and expands descriptions of its oversight role in protecting human research participants. It adds more detailed requirements regarding ethical principles, IRB review procedures, reporting obligations, institutional agreements with other entities, and management of noncompliance or research-related risks. The revisions also reinforce that all human subjects research must receive IRB approval before beginning and strengthen the university’s ability to address attempts to improperly influence the review process. |
| 3341-7-8 | Protection of Vertebrate Animals | The policy provides a more comprehensive framework for oversight of research involving live vertebrate animals through the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). The revisions clarify the committee’s authority, approval requirements, review procedures, and responsibilities for monitoring compliance with federal animal welfare standards and university assurances. The policy also strengthens provisions related to funded research, inter-institutional collaborations, enforcement authority, and reporting of inappropriate attempts to influence the animal research review process. |
| 3341-6-64 | Information Security |
This new policy establishes a university-wide framework for protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional data and information systems. It applies to employees, students, contractors, vendors, and other affiliates, outlines information security responsibilities, requires compliance with security standards and training, and assigns oversight and enforcement responsibilities to the Information Security Office. The policy also provides a mechanism for investigating violations and imposing sanctions when security requirements are not followed. |
| 3341-7-11 | Export Control | This new policy formalizes BGSU's compliance requirements for federal export control laws governing the transfer of controlled technology, data, equipment, materials, and information. It requires review and approval of certain international activities, collaborations, travel, shipments, and interactions with foreign nationals before they occur. The policy establishes oversight by Research Integrity and outlines responsibilities, screening requirements, and consequences for noncompliance. |
| 3341-7-13 | Use of Regulated Biohazardous Materials | This new policy creates a comprehensive framework for the review, approval, and oversight of research, instruction, and scholarly activities involving regulated biohazardous materials. It establishes the Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), defines the types of biological materials and activities subject to review, and requires approval before regulated materials may be used, purchased, synthesized, or transferred. The policy also assigns compliance responsibilities, establishes enforcement mechanisms, and ensures adherence to applicable federal biosafety regulations and guidelines. |
Policies Amended Since 07/01/2026
| Policy Number | Name of Policy |
|---|---|
GOVERNANCE | |
| 3341-1-1 | Bylaws of the Board of Trustees |
| 3341-1-2 | Ethical Conduct and Professional Workplace Behavior |
| 3341-1-3 | Emergency Cancellation, Delay and Closing Policy and Procedures |
| 3341-1-4 | Delegation of Management Responsibility |
| 3341-1-5 | Policy on Policy Development |
| 3341-1-6 | Public Records |
| 3341-1-7 | Delegation of Contract and Signatory Authority |
| 3341-1-9 | Faculty Workload Assignment Policy |
| 3341-1-10 | Furloughs |
| 3341-1-12 | Ohio Public Policy on Principles of Free Speech |
| 3341-1-13 | Public Records Policy for Law Enforcement Video Records |
| 3341-1-14 | Advance Ohio Higher Education – Institutional Prohibitions and Affirmations |
| 3341-1-15 | Faculty Annual Performance Evaluation Policy |
| 3341-1-16 | Faculty Retrenchment and Reconfiguration Policy |
| 3341-1-17 | Faculty Tenure Policy |
| 3341-1-18 | Faculty Post-Tenure Review Policy |
| 3341-1-19 | Curricular Approval Process |
Academic Affairs
| Policy Number | Name of Policy |
|---|---|
| 3341-7-1 | Conflict of Interest in Sponsored Programs & Research |
| 3341-7-2 | Copyright |
| 3341-7-3 | Patent Policy |
| 3341-7-4 | Research Faculty Administrator Research Stipend |
| 3341-7-5 | Research Misconduct |
| 3341-7-6 | Commercialization |
| 3341-7-7 | Protection of Human Subjects |
| 3341-7-8 | Protection of Vertebrate Animals |
| 3341-7-9 | Use of Controlled Substances for Non-Therapeutic Purposes |
| 3341-7-10 | Dual Use Research of Concern (DURC) |
| 3341-7-11 | Export Control |
| 3341-7-12 | Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Program |
| 3341-7-13 | Use of Regulated Biohazardous Materials |
| Policy Number | Name of Policy |
|---|---|
| 3341-8-1 | BGSU Concussion and Head Injury Management |
| 3341-8-2 | Courtesy Car |
| 3341-8-3 | Student-Athlete Compensation for Use of Name, Image, and Likeness |
| Policy Number | Name of Policy |
|---|---|
| 3341-9-2 | Naming |
| 3341-9-3 | University Libraries Gift |
| 3341-9-4 | Fundraising |
| Policy Number | Name of Policy |
|---|---|
| 3341-10-1 | The BGSU Logo and University Trademarks |
| 3341-10-2 | BGSU Signature |
| 3341-10-3 | Logotype and Graphics |
| 3341-10-4 | The Official Identity Colors |
| 3341-10-5 | BGSU Branding |
| 3341-10-6 | Web Identity and Website Standards |
| 3341-10-7 | University-Administered Social Media Engagement Policy |
| 3341-10-8 | University-Administered Social Media Management Policy |
Updated: 07/21/2026 05:35PM