What do anti-hazing measures, cell phone usage and guidelines about animals on campus have in common? At Metropolitan State University of Denver, they all fall under the careful eye of policy, a powerful yet often invisible force that shapes the way the University functions every day.
University policies are essential tools that reduce risk and ensure equity across campus. Behind every policy is a thorough, collaborative process, and MSU Denver employees are not just welcome but encouraged to take part.
“Policy provides consistency, clarity and fairness,” said Adrienne Randol, policy and records manager in the Office of General Counsel “It ensures we’re all working from the same foundation, which reduces confusion and risk while supporting MSU Denver’s mission.”
The policy team keeps busy behind the scenes and 2025 has seen a slate of new or revised policies, including:
- Academic Policy Enactment
- Access to Information and Immigration Related Requests
- Accessing Electronic Communications and Data of Others
- Accommodations for Employees and Applicants with Disabilities
- Anti-Hazing
- Brand Policies: Paid Advertising Policy
- Brand Policies: Umbrella Policy
- Brand Policies: Visual Identity Policy
- Brand Policies: Websites and Web Applications Policy
- Cell Phones and Tablets
- Epinephrine Auto-Injector for Severe Allergy Policy
- Naming of Facilities, Endowed Positions and Honorary Grants
- Public Records Access (CORA)
- Tax-Exempt Debt
Two additional policies — the Bullying Policy and the Faculty and Staff Supplemental Pay Policy — are currently in executive review with revisions overseen by their policy sponsors.
These updates aim to clarify expectations, bring transparency to procedures and better align policies with how employees actually work.
“It’s less about adding rules and more about supporting employees in doing their jobs effectively and fairly,” Randol said.
How the process works, and why your voice matters
MSU Denver’s policy-development process is both structured and inclusive. Each new or revised policy is shaped with input from subject-matter experts, reviewed by the University Policy Advisory Council (UPAC), and ultimately approved by the president and sometimes the Board of Trustees.
Importantly, employees are invited to participate throughout. Staff and faculty members can attend UPAC meetings and offer feedback that shapes policy before it’s finalized.
What’s coming next?
With growing risks tied to cybersecurity, regulatory compliance, workforce dynamics and student safety, policies will play an even more central role in institutional decision-making.
MSU Denver’s policy team will continue to refine and draft policies, including:
- Employees’ Conflicts of Interest and Commitment
- Faculty and Staff Supplemental Pay
- Social Media Guidelines
- University Records Management
The team will also undertake a comprehensive review of all published policies.
Interested in shaping MSU Denver policies?
Here are four ways to get involved:
- Attend a UPAC meeting. Calendar and agenda are available on the UPAC SharePoint site.
- Review draft policies. Public comment periods are part of every new policy cycle. Keep an eye out for calls to comment in The Early Bird or visit the policy development website.
- Serve on the UPAC. Email Adrienne Randol, Policy and Records manager, to learn more.
- Visit the University Policy Library to find University-wide policies and procedures approved by the MSU Denver Board of Trustees and president.
