There is a clear and appropriate distinction, in writing and practice, between the policy-making functions of the Texas State Technical College Board of Regents and the responsibility of Texas State Technical College Harlingen administration and faculty to administer and implement policy. The central administration office of the system recommends necessary policies and rules to the governing board of the system to ensure conformity with all laws and rules and to provide uniformity in data collection and financial reporting procedures.

Bylaws, rules and regulations [Ref 1] for TSTC System are contained in Appendix A of Chapter 135.01 of The Texas Education Code[Ref 2]. The Board enacts such policies, rules, and regulations as it deems necessary for the successful management and operation of the system.

System Operating Standard G.A.1.3, Preparation of System Operating Standards [Ref 3], addresses the Board's requirement to approve all policies to fulfill the role and mission of the college and delegates to management the responsibility for implementation. See Board of Regents Board Minutes in the President's Office in the Industrial Technology building.

At the local level, TSTC Harlingen College Operating Procedure (COP) 2.01 [Ref 4] outlines the operating requirements to change or implement a policy. The TSTC Harlingen Faculty Senate and Staff Council post any proposed new policy or revisions to the existing policy on the policy web page for review. At a minimum of every other year, all COPs are reviewed and updated by the President's Council on an ongoing basis to ensure they are current, appropriate, and relevant, at a minimum of every other year, according to policy.

For more information about local administration of policy, see Comprehensive Standards-Institutional Mission, Governance, and Effectiveness 3.2.7. [Ref 5]