Policy Administration
In accordance with IHOP policy 2.1.2 Policy Administration for Institutional Handbook of Operating Policies, the University Executive Committee holds final approval authority for new policies, significantly revised policies, and proposals to retire an existing policy.
This page will be updated regularly to reflect recent IHOP updates. A running list of policy updates can be viewed on the running List of all IHOP updates.
The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued the 2024 Final Rule that mandates revisions to the research misconduct policy for all institutions that receive PHS funds, with the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) requiring: (i) implementation of the revised policy no later than 01 January 2026; and (ii) submission of the updated institutional policy to ORI as part of the annual assurance process no later than 30 April 2026. These revisions to IHOP 7.6.1 incorporate three new requirements for all institutions: (a) Documentation of subsequent use analysis; (b) Indexing of all records in the “institutional record for all proceedings;” and (c) Documentation of the assessment phase. The revisions also incorporate several amendments to the inquiry and investigation phase of research misconduct proceedings, as well as to reporting templates, as specified in the Final Rule.
9.1.3 Use of University Facilities
Minor policy revision to meet compliance with Texas SB 8 and all other applicable laws concerning University Facilities.
4.7.6 Flexible Work Arrangements
HB 5196, applicable to all state agencies, and SB 2615, applicable to all institutions of higher education, require updates to flexible work arrangement (FWA) policies. Updates required include faculty being added, prohibiting in-person business while remote, required performance ratings, reasons for the FWA, clarity that a FWA is not a condition of employment, and that an annual renewal is required.
5.8.8 Information Resource Security Configuration Management
Revision clarified the compensating controls needed to keep an unsupported operating system on the institutional network. These compensating controls are necessary to reduce the institution’s attack surface and have been in place for many years. This update does not alter existing procedures; it simply sets clear expectations for what will be required.
Revision to align with Texas Senate Bill 2972 regarding new prohibitions and restrictions, including a clearer definition of expressive activities, a designation of public forums on campus, rules against concealing identity or using percussive instruments during certain times, and a shorter window for approved activities on weekdays. It also outlined new procedures for inviting guest speakers and defined the consequences for disrupting or interfering with others’ expressive activities.