There exists a hierarchy among the law, UNT System Board of Regents Rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  If a conflict arises, understanding which supersedes can help you decide which to rely upon.  Federal, state, and local laws hold supremacy over institutional rules, regulations, and policies.  If institutional guidance is in conflict with the law, the law controls and supersedes.  Correct interpretation of federal, state, and local laws can be highly nuanced and may require knowledge of recent court cases holdings.  As such, it is always a good idea to seek the advisement from the Office of General Counsel.

Directly below the law are UNT System Board of Regents Rules.  These govern UNT System Administration, as well as every UNT Institution.  Next in line are UNT System Regulations, which are more granular than the rules, but also govern both System and the Institutions.  Below the regulations, the hierarchy then divides.  Each institution, has its own discrete body of policies, which are derived from the institution's mission, values, and strategic objectives, as well as the law.  Lastly, each institution has procedures, which describe the cyclical, day-to-day tasks necessary to satisfy the policies, fulfill the strategic objectives, and carry out the mission of each University.

For more information on the purpose of policies, and the difference between them and the mission of the University, its values, the University's strategic objectives, and procedures, please see our Comparison Page.