Law, Policy, and Governance (LPG)

Below I have outlined my work toward achieving advanced proficiency in this area. To read more about this competency and my current proficiency level, you can read the narrative in this page.

Competency Overview

The competency of Law, Policy, and Governance (LPG) focuses on the knowledge and active participation in internal and external bodies of law and policy that govern the systems within the institution. As professionals build their knowledge and skills within this area, there is a transition from a mere understanding of this concept and how it relates to one's specific functional area to an active participation and critical examiner of the current policies and laws at play that influence the institution as a whole.

At the foundational level, this competency means understanding and being able to describe how external policies and laws influence the rights of those within the campus community and how it can impact a professional's daily work. Internally, the professional at the foundational level should be able to understand the shared governance structures within the institution that impact how decisions are made and who is (and is not) represented in those bodies. Additionally, a knowledge of how these laws or policies may be oppressive to specific groups on the campus is also a characteristic of this level of proficiency.

At the intermediate level, a professional would be able to "develop, implement, and assess the rules, procedures, and standards for student conduct processes," and ensure any programming or service follows local, state, or federal laws or policies (ACPA & NASPA, 2015, p.23). The scope of this level pertains mostly to the department or functional area in which the professional operates.

Professionals in the advanced level of this proficiency take it a step further. Their development of policies and practices are at the insitutional level as they "provide appropriate and ethical influence" to the governing bodies within the institution. They actively critique and challenge laws and policies that unjustly influence members of their community.

My Competency Level & Applied Knowledge

Based on my classroom and professional experience, I identify my knowledge and skills in the intermediate level of proficiency. While I have been able to identify, explain, and implement the laws, policies, and procedures set by the institution within my realm of higher education, I rarely find I am able to critically examine issues at the institutional level. In my law and policy class (HEA 651), we often talk about current and "emerging law and policy trends," including COVID-19 mask and vaccination requirements mandated for SUNY institutions (ACPA & NASPA, 2015, p. 23).

In my full-time role, it is part of my daily practice to implement policies set by my department and institution, including asking for final high school transcripts prior to enrolling in an institution of higher education and ensuring I do not disclose any information to anyone but the student who is over 18 years of age (in compliance with FERPA). Especially in my role in admissions, I must be aware of the inequitable policies put in place to exclude underrepresented groups from institutions of higher education and understand how certain practices (like mandating SAT scores) was systematically created to keep non-white people from attending a college or university.

Advancement in LPG

I hope to improve in this area by learning how to develop policies departmentally and institutionally that are not only compliant with local, state, and federal laws, but are also equitable for all students, faculty, and staff. I would also improve in this competency by participating actively in the institutional governance structures. Also, while I may recognize when policies are unjust or inequitable, I must challenge myself to actively oppose these laws and policies to ensure that the campus community is supportive of all its members.

References

American College Personnel Association & National Association of Student Personnel Administrators (2015). Professional Competency Areas for Student Affairs Educators. https://buffalostate.open.suny.edu/bbcswebdav/pid-1819821-dt-content-rid-17029589_1/courses/202030-HEA624-1665/ACPA_NASPA_Professional_Competencies.pdf.