Writing Styles

Numbering

For each policy that is published in Brightspot, each will have four sections that all make up the policy. Breaking a policy and procedure into subsections can help you as the writer to explain in detail what the policy and procedure is. If, you are going to have a subheading, remember to add numbers to keep it organized. Look at the structure of policy page for reference.

Terms

When writing policy and referring to the university, departments, or job titles, it is important to know the correct way of referring to departments or individuals to ensure accuracy.

Names and Job Titles of Employees

If you need the official name of an employee and their job title(s), refer to Workday. Job titles and names can be corrected through the Workday system and then approved by Human Resources.

University Name

When writing the university name, always make sure to represent it consistently. The three appropriate uses of the name are as follows:

• Brigham Young University–Hawaii

  • Uses an en dash (–); Do not use an em dash (—), hyphen (-), or space.
  • Used when first referring to the university name in any official communication piece, and whenever possible in subsequent references.

• BYU–Hawaii

  • Uses an en dash (–); Do not replace with an em dash (—), or space.
  • Acceptable on second reference.

• BYUH

  • Only the acronym, no dash.
  • Do not use BYU-H or BYU–H.
  • Avoid using in official publications and correspondences.

Posting of Policies

All policies that are posted to the university policy website are uploaded through BYU Brightspot. When a policy has been written and has met the requirements for writing styles and approved. Then it can be published to Brightspot. Ensure that all writing has met the guidelines of Marketing and Communications.

Once all guidelines have been met and approved by the department manager, then the policy is set to be published to Brightspot. Any future changes of the policy will need to go through the same approval process and previous versions achieve.

Disclaimer

The policies on this website (including any university procedures, processes, benefits, courses of conduct, or oral or written statements arising from or related to these policies) do not constitute any legally enforceable contract, obligation, or liability on the part of the university, except to the extent that they are incorporated by reference into a written agreement signed by an authorized university official. These policies do not alter the “at-will” employment status of any university employee hired on an “at-will” basis. The university reserves the right to interpret, revise, or withdraw these policies at any time and at its sole discretion.