Purpose

This Editorial Policy establishes standards for content published by Elevate for Humanity, including website content, blog posts, course materials, communications, and marketing materials. These guidelines ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and professionalism in all published content.

Editorial Standards

Core Principles

Accuracy: All information must be factually correct and verified
Clarity: Content should be clear, concise, and easily understood
Accessibility: Written for diverse audiences with varying literacy levels
Integrity: Honest, transparent, and ethical in all communications
Respect: Inclusive language that respects all individuals and groups
Professionalism: Maintains institutional reputation and credibility

Content Types

Educational Content

Course materials, curricula, and instructional content must:

Be pedagogically sound and evidence-based
Align with learning objectives
Include proper citations and references
Be reviewed by subject matter experts
Meet accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1)

Marketing and Communications

Promotional materials must:

Be truthful and not misleading
Accurately represent programs and outcomes
Include required disclosures
Comply with advertising regulations
Maintain brand consistency

Blog and News Content

Blog posts and news articles must:

Provide value to readers
Be well-researched and fact-checked
Include author attribution
Distinguish opinion from fact
Link to credible sources

Editorial Process

Content Creation

Author creates content following editorial guidelines and style guide.

Peer Review

Subject matter expert reviews for accuracy and completeness.

Editorial Review

Editor reviews for clarity, style, grammar, and compliance with guidelines.

Approval

Final approval from appropriate authority (department head, director, etc.).

Publication

Content published and monitored for accuracy and relevance.

Writing Style

Voice and Tone

Professional yet approachable: Maintain credibility while being accessible
Active voice: Use active voice for clarity and directness
Positive and encouraging: Focus on opportunities and solutions
Inclusive: Use language that welcomes all individuals
Consistent: Maintain consistent voice across all content

Language Guidelines

Use plain language; avoid jargon when possible
Define technical terms when necessary
Use person-first language (e.g., "person with disability" not "disabled person")
Avoid gendered language; use they/them when appropriate
Be culturally sensitive and aware

Fact-Checking and Verification

Required Verification

All factual claims must be verified through:

Primary sources when available
Credible secondary sources
Official data and statistics
Expert consultation
Multiple source confirmation for critical facts

Citations and Attribution

Properly cite all sources using appropriate citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago). Include links to online sources. Give credit to original authors and creators.

Corrections and Updates

Error Correction

When errors are discovered:

Correct immediately
Note correction with date (for significant errors)
Notify affected parties if necessary
Review process to prevent similar errors

Content Updates

Content should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure accuracy and relevance. Include "Last Updated" dates on time-sensitive content.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Copyright and Fair Use

Respect intellectual property rights. Only use copyrighted material with permission or under fair use. See our Copyright Policy for details.

Privacy and Confidentiality

Protect student and employee privacy. Do not publish personally identifiable information without consent. Follow FERPA and privacy regulations.

Conflicts of Interest

Disclose any conflicts of interest. Maintain editorial independence from commercial interests.

Contact Editorial Team

For editorial questions or submissions:

Email: Contact Us
Phone: (317) 314-3757
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST

Related Policies:

Policies & Compliance

Editorial Policy