Policy without (much) pain - University of Ballarat

Policy without (much) painquasi-legal style that makes few concessions to the reader. Policy texts tend to grow morecomplicated during development as points and provisos are inserted.Policy managers should remember that policy is an important medium of institutionalcommunication. Increasingly we live in the age of web reading habits. Tangled, over-detailedpolicy is unlikely to be read and understood by staff, let alone students. A balance needs to bestruck between detail/precision on the one hand and readability on the other.Policy is one type of text where it is generally permissible to follow another institution’s textclosely. If you are going to imitate it very closely, however, it may be wise to ask permission of theresponsible senior manager at the other institution, and include a reference in the documentcontrol section of the policy.In recent years, some institutions have sought toemphasise positive principles in student-related policiesrather than sanctions. Plagiarism policies have been reframedas academic integrity policies, beginning withexpectations that staff will induct students into correctscholarship and referencing – and only then moving to thequestion of penalties for academic misconduct. Similarly,academic progress and exclusion policies are reframed as policies on intervention with studentsat risk of failure. The source of these shifts is the increasing strategic emphasis on creating apositive student experience to maximise recruitment, energise learning and, later, encouragedonations to the institution by grateful alumni. Professions of student-friendliness may fail toconvince, if the tone of the student-facing policies is harsh and punitive.Key points/tips:Increasingly we livein the age of webwriting,and webreading habits.‣ If you lack confidence in your writing, seek assistance from someone withbetter skills.‣ Familiarise yourself with any institutional style guides.‣ Write early and often.‣ Strive for clarity, simplicity and brevity.‣ Consider framing student-related policies in positive, educative terms.~ 29 ~