Write a Negative Message

How to Proceed

1. Read through the below scenario.
2. Individually, practice using the pre-writing skills (e.g. outlining, audience analysis) and writing skills (style, voice, tone, plain language, direct versus indirect approach) to draft a bad news message in the format of your choice.

Scenario

The UMCycle Bike Kiosk is a full-service bike shop at the centre of the University of Manitoba, Fort Garry Campus. The bike shop is expanding to include a bike sharing program similar to that used by the University of Toronto Scarborough and other Canadian colleges and Universities.

Bike Havens (pickup/drop off stations) will be positioned around the Fort Garry Campus and in popular areas within 10 kilometers of the University (e.g. grocery stores, parks, etc.). Students at the Bannatyne campus have drafted a petition to expand the program to that campus. Unfortunately, logistic challenges, budgets and other reasons make it impossible for the University to expand operations outside of the Fort Garry campus at this time.

As the communications team for UMCycle, your job is to produce a response to the student petition communicating your negative answer.