The University Policy and Standards Program will work with policy owners to release new or amended policies or standards. Below are considerations that are intended to assist policy owners in rolling out and communicating the release of policies to the university community.
A set of communications and actions intended to facilitate the clear understanding of a policy or policy amendment. A communication plan may target different audiences for different purposes, and may include things like:
All university policies will be accompanied by a minimum communication plan—that is, the policy will be posted online in the OSU Today.
Some policies, depending on their nature, may require more extensive communication plans. Consider the following when determining whether a communication plan is required:
Audience. Policies that affect a broad audience may require a communication plan to reach the appropriate individuals.
Significance. A communication plan may be required for policies or changes to policy that significantly alter university operations or have a high profile.
Timing. A communication plan may be required when it is important to coordinate the release of a policy with other events or actions.
All university policies will be posted online into the University Policy and Standards Manual and compiled on the What's New page. The University Policy and Standards Program will work with the policy owners to determine whether additional communication activities are necessary.
Additional elements of a communication plan may include one or some combination of the following:
Advance communication of the policy with stakeholders
Direct dissemination to policy users
Coordinated release of policy
Identify individuals to champion a policy
Develop and disseminate training or education materials to policy users
Broad dissemination of policy to university community
Develop communication materials for consistent messaging of policy