The Policy Framework Process offers the flexibility to tailor policy consultation to the particular policy being revised or developed based on the scope, implications, complexity of the policy, and the number of stakeholders or affected individuals, etc. Commence the consultation process at the earliest stages of policy development, ideally before and after drafting.

Policy Sponsors (or delegates) should strive to engage with key stakeholders throughout the University, individuals who can provide advice and those who will be most directly affected by a policy or a policy change for comments and consultation during the drafting stage, as appropriate.

Policy Sponsors (or delegates) should carry out public consultation after producing the first draft, which must be open for a minimum of four weeks.

Consultation may involve:

1. Hosting of consultation sessions/fora open to the entire University and/or to select groups. (How many sessions? To which groups? At which locations (campuses)? Who will lead/record?)
   
   
2. Development of surveys or questionnaires for structured feedback tailored to the policy under consideration, ensuring anonymity if necessary. (Refer to the Institutional Surveys Policy, if applicable.)
   
   
3. Targeted consultation to specific groups/individuals who will be impacted by a policy or policy change or who can provide advice on the proposed policy draft or revision. This may include:
• Senior academic administrators group (Deans and Directors)
• Appropriate management and leadership groups
• Students, through student unions
• General Counsel
• Chief Risk Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Chief Financial Officer
• University Access and Privacy Advisor
• University Sexual Harassment Advisor
• The Office of Indigenous Affairs
• The Sustainability and Climate Action Office
• The Blundon Centre
• Director of Faculty Relations and Associate Director of Human Resources with regard to collective agreements
• The Employment Equity Office
• Others as may be necessary for the particular policy
• The Senate, if applicable
4. Posting of policy documents to the consultation section of the policy progress page, with an email address provided for readers to submit feedback.
5. Announcements on the Newsline of policy consultation being available.

Steps 4 and 5 above are normally followed for every policy consultation and only during public consultation after producing the first draft. The selection among Steps 1, 2, and 3, or a combination of thereof, is contingent upon the particular policy being considered. Policy Sponsors have the discretion to utilize other consultation methods as they see fit for the specific policy under consideration.

Should you have any questions about consultation, please contact the Policy Office at policy@mun.ca or (709) 864-2350.