Association of Colleges

The Association of Colleges Discussion Forum


Objective of the forum
The objective of the discussion forum is to provide a forum for members of the AoC to debate topics of interest. The rules below are designed to encourage debate.

Style and content of posts
Posters are encouraged to word their contributions in such a way that they generate debate and discussion. Posters are more likely to win responses if the title and content – topic and message – are succinct, clear, well-written and thought-provoking. It is helpful if posters indicate the sector and the size of the organisation and their own position or level of experience. This helps responders to provide more relevant information. Responses should be relevant and on topic.

Anonymity
It is not possible to post as 'Anonymous' on this forum - members must be logged in to contribute and before posting for the first time should choose a nickname in their member profile; this will show on every post. AoC realises that in some discussions members will not wish to be identified - members with such concerns should consider this when choosing a nickname.

Privileged or sensitive information
The forum is intended to operate under Chatham House rules so that information gleaned should not be attributed. Members should apply professional ethics to citing confidential information and to the use of any such information. If in doubt, the moderator may remove a post.

Unacceptable content
Personal attacks are unacceptable and will be removed by the moderator, whether the attack is against a fellow poster, or anyone else. Commercial or marketing postings are normally not permitted. The AoC accepts no liability for forum posts.

Moderator actions
Members’ posts will display immediately, however the moderator does check the forum regularly. Any unacceptable content, as discussed above, will be removed. The moderator’s decision is final. In some cases the moderator may suggest changes to the message by email, in these cases the inappropriate content will still be removed from the forum in the interim. The moderator is permitted to amend and change the title of a post without notifying the poster. The purpose of such changes will be to attract more readers to the entry.

‘Locking’ and archiving of posts
The moderator will monitor the number of topics active on the forum at any one time. To ensure that the forum is manageable and easier for members to navigate, topics which receive no response or are out of date will be removed. Where appropriate, topics will be locked, ie it will not be possible to respond to the topic, but members will still be able to view them for reference. Discussion threads that have ongoing value will be retained.