Marketing and Public Information Policy Template

Purpose and scope

This template supports theological institutions to publish marketing and public information that is accurate, not misleading, and consistent with applicable law and ITAA requirements. It covers advertising, website content, prospectuses, social media, endorsements, outcomes claims, and verification of third‑party content. Use it alongside institutional legal advice and local regulator guidance.

Core policy principles (use in your policy)

• Truthfulness and evidence: All claims about programmes, outcomes, transferability, and graduate employment must be truthful, substantiated, and not likely to mislead reasonable readers.
• Clear accreditation statements: Where ITAA accreditation is referenced, state that ITAA is an independent theological accreditation agency and that accreditation does not replace governmental recognition where required.
• Compliance with law: Marketing must comply with consumer-protection and advertising law in each jurisdiction where the institution recruits, including rules on endorsements, testimonials, and claims about earnings or career outcomes.
• Transparent fees and fees‑related claims: Fees, funding, and refund policies must be clearly presented; avoid ambiguous or conditional language that could mislead applicants.
• Responsible use of endorsements: Disclose material connections with endorsers, influencers, and placement partners in line with regulator guidance.

Operational controls and responsibilities

• Senior ownership: The principal or senior leader owns approval of all marketing policy exceptions.
• Approval and review: All public information must be reviewed and approved by marketing and the registrar or academic office before publication; high‑risk claims (outcomes, transferability, regulatory status) require legal review.
• Recordkeeping: Keep evidence to support all claims for a minimum period (e.g., three years) and log approvals and source materials.
• Training: Provide regular training for staff and external agents on truthful marketing, disclosure requirements, and ITAA obligations.
• Monitoring and remediation: Periodically audit marketing channels; correct or remove inaccurate claims promptly and report material issues to ITAA when they affect accreditation representations.

Template policy clauses (editable)

Below are short policy clauses institutions may copy into a handbook or marketing manual:

• Accurate information: The institution will ensure all marketing is accurate, evidence‑based, and updated promptly.
• Accreditation disclosure: Any reference to accreditation will include the accredited relationship and a clear statement that independent theological accreditation does not replace governmental recognition where required.
• Outcome claims: Claims about graduate employment or earnings must be supported by verifiable data and presented with context and dates.
• Third‑party endorsements: All endorsements will include disclosure of material relationships and written consent.
• Sanctions: Staff who knowingly publish false or misleading marketing may face disciplinary action.

Practical checklist for web pages and adverts

1. State programme level, learning outcomes and mode of delivery clearly.
2. Show total fees, refund policy and any additional costs.
3. If claiming accreditation, include the accredited body name and the standard ITAA accreditation disclosure.
4. Substantiate outcome/earnings claims with dated evidence and avoid extrapolation.
5. Disclose endorsements, sponsorships, and paid placements.
6. Maintain an evidence file for each published claim.

Common misunderstandings

• Misunderstanding: "ITAA accreditation is the same as government recognition."
  Clarification: ITAA is an independent theological accreditation agency; its accreditation does not grant statutory degree‑awarding powers or replace government recognition where required.
• Misunderstanding: "Endorsements don't need disclosure."
  Clarification: Material connections with endorsers or influencers must be disclosed to meet consumer-protection standards.

Implementation notes and legal review

This template is a governance tool and does not substitute for legal advice. Institutions operating in multiple jurisdictions should obtain local legal and regulatory guidance before publishing recruitment materials. Retain dated evidence for any claim that could influence a student’’s decision to enroll.