Navigating Policy Hierarchy
UW–Madison policies must be responsive to and not conflict with higher order directives (e.g., policies, rules, regulations, laws). The image below illustrates the hierarchy of authority—from school, college, or division-level up to the federal level—as policies are developed and reviewed for inclusion in the UW–Madison Policy Library.
If a UW–Madison policy conflicts with any higher order policy, law, rule, or regulation, the university policy is overridden.
Federal
Directives for the United States (e.g., U.S. Code, Code of Federal Regulations, National Science Foundation) that are broadly applicable. This represents the highest level of directive.
State of Wisconsin
Directives specific to Wisconsin. This level also includes directives issued by state-level professional associations and government agencies.
Board of Regents
Directives issued by the UW System Board of Regents.
University of Wisconsin System
Directives issued at the System level that apply to UW–Madison.
UW–Madison
University-level policies that apply to all functions, units, and properties, unless limited in the scope of the policy. These policies are denoted as UW-#### in the policy library.
School/College/Division
Policies that only apply to a particular school, college, or division at UW–Madison. These policies are denoted with the abbreviation for the school, college, or division (e.g., CALS – College of Agricultural & Life Sciences, SMPH – School of Medicine & Public Health).