The UCAP was established in 1959 as the Educational Policies Committee (EPC) by recommendation of the Committee on the Future of the University. Individual colleges recommended names of potential members which were then approved by the Committee on Committees and forwarded to the President for final approval. The Educational Policies Committee considered broad educational issues affecting the University and represented the faculty in advising the Provost. In 1963, this committee was designated one of eight faculty standing committees and its responsibility shifted from directly advising the Provost to directly advising the Academic Council (and indirectly the Provost.) In 1967, its specific responsibility was identified as examining, evaluating, and recommending policies on methods of instruction, facilities and support for research, and curriculum including establishment or dissolution of departments and divisions. Between 1966 and 1975 the Committee took on increasing responsibility for shaping educational policy in conjunction with the needs of students. It was during this time that the committee expanded to included student representation. In 1972, the EPC again resumed its role of directly advising the Provost as a result of a dispute surrounding the authority and role of the EPC and the faculty in creating new colleges at MSU. The name was changed to the University Committee on Academic Policy in 1975. The new committee expanded its responsibilities to include an interest in general education requirements, recruitment, admissions, and retention; Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS); grading policy; Minimum Academic Progress Scale (MAPS); and university requirements.

The EPC/UCAP has been instrumental in the formation of University policy since its inception in 1959. The committee recommended the establishment of the residential colleges, Justin Morrill College, Lyman Briggs College, and James Madison College. The committee also began the Student Instructional Rating System (SIRS) to review faculty performance. During the 1960s, EPC was closely involved with formulating MSU's Academic Freedom Report and the Faculty Code of Teaching Responsibility. UCAP's involvement with general education issues has been continuous, including both the Council on Undergraduate Education (1960s) and the Council to Review Undergraduate Education (1980s). One direct precursor of these projects was the Educational Development Project (EDP) which began in the early 1960s. EDP was concerned with university-wide evaluation, restructuring and redefining. UCAP has investigated and reviewed grading procedures such as credit/no credit, drops and adds, and the Minimum Academic Progress Scale (MAPS). It also reviews course and curricula degree requirements. Serving as an advisor to the Provost, UCAP has also considered tuition and fee assessment, admissions and future planning policies.