So you want to write a policy

Sometimes in the course of our work at Tufts we will run into situations where we think, “We need a new policy.” or “We really need to update this policy.” How do we move from these thoughts to actually developing and implementing a policy? The DCA has some basic advice on how to do this.

Not every problem needs a policy. Before diving head-first into writing a policy you should understand what policies can and cannot do:

• Policies are written documents that declare our values, say what we do, or mandate actions or constraints.
• Policies support consistent, logical, and fair decision making. Policies do not replace decision making.
• Effective policies provide frameworks, they do not try to account for every detail or situation.
• Not every problem needs a new policy. Tufts already has a substantial network of bylaws, policies, and procedures that may already address your concern.

The DCA also provides additional tools and advice for managing and developing policies, including a policy development tool, advice for developing IT or information policies, and a policy template.

To be clear, these are resources are just here to help you and their use is not mandatory.