Whittierpedia Guidelines

Whittierpedia was designed with multiple purposes in mind:

1. As a site to record institutional memory
2. A collaborative narrative and archive of Whittier College
3. A pedagogical tool for instructors

Regardless of the topic of an article, each contribution is expected to be substantiated, researched, cited, hyperlinked, and proofread. We want this to reflect well on you, your organization or instructor, and the institution as a whole.

Understanding Whittierpedia

Whittierpedia is accessible by the public and all current, former, and future Poets are welcome to edit and add to this resource. Although Whittierpedia is independent of Wikipedia it adheres to the similar standards (adapted from [Wikipedia:Five Pillars]:

1. Whittierpedia is an encyclopedia: It combines many features of general and specialized encyclopedias, almanacs, and gazetteers. Whittierpedia is not a soapbox, an advertising platform, a vanity press, an experiment in anarchy, an indiscriminate collection of information, or a web directory. It is not a dictionary, a newspaper, or simply a collection of source documents.
2. Whittierpedia is written from a neutral point of view: We strive for articles that document and explain disciplinary knowledge, theoretical foundations, major points of view, and historical narratives of campus architecture, institutions, organizations, and traditions. We endeavor to give due weight with respect to their prominence in an impartial tone. We avoid advocacy and we characterize information and issues rather than debate them. In some areas there may be just one well-recognized point of view; in others, we describe multiple points of view, presenting each accurately and in context rather than as "the truth" or "the best view". All articles must strive for verifiable accuracy, citing reliable, authoritative sources, especially when the topic is controversial or is on living persons. Editors' personal experiences, interpretations, or opinions do not belong in Whittierpedia articles. If bias, libel, or misinformation is found or reported will be removed.
3. Whittierpedia is free content that anyone can use, edit, and distribute: Since all editors freely license their work to the public, no editor owns an article and any contributions can and will be mercilessly edited and redistributed. Respect copyright laws, and never plagiarize from sources. Borrowing non-free media is sometimes allowed as fair use, but strive to find free alternatives first.
4. Editors should treat each other with respect and civility: Respect your fellow Wikipedians, even when you disagree. Apply Wikipedia etiquette, and don't engage in personal attacks. Seek consensus, avoid edit wars, and never disrupt Wikipedia to illustrate a point. Act in good faith, and assume good faith on the part of others. Be open and welcoming to newcomers. Do not troll your fellow editors. Should conflicts arise, engage in informed dialogue on the appropriate talk pages, follow dispute resolution procedures, and consider that there are other articles on the Whittierpedia to improve and discuss.
5. Whittierpedia has policies, guidelines, and recommendation but they are not carved in stone; their content and interpretation can evolve over time. Be bold but not reckless in updating articles. And do not agonize over making mistakes: every edit, and every past version of a page is saved, so mistakes can be easily corrected.

Whittier College Wiki Standards

Keep in mind that because the wiki is housed in and maintained by an institution of higher education you will be held to a higher standard. You have at your disposal academic experts on a number of disciplines and fields, librarians, academic staff, digital databases, a library, interlibrary loans, and the Internet, which gives you a certain amount of privileged access to information and expertise. Use these resources! Also, remember that the work you contribute here is not limited to Whittierpedia and can also be used to improve [www.wikipedia.org| Wikipedia].

Your Role

Always remember that Whittierpedia is a collective effort. It is only as good as the work that goes into it. You, as an editor and contributor, have a stake in the success of the project.