Increasing awareness through effective media relations
Effective and positive communication with the media can play a significant role in
our ability to carry out the university's mission. By maintaining mutually beneficial
relationships with editors, reporters, writers and other members of the media, the
university can bolster efforts to increase the community's awareness of our programs,
achievements and events.
When a member of the media calls...
about issues of general campus-wide impact or significance.
In most cases, a member of the president's senior staff will serve as official university
spokesperson to convey our official institutional position on issues of general campus-wide
impact or significance of situations that are of a particularly controversial or sensitive
nature. Any media inquiries of this nature should be referred to the assistant vice
president of marketing and communications.
for expert commentary on a subject related to your area of professional expertise.
Faculty and staff are free and encouraged to respond to media requests regarding research,
scholarship, teaching or professional expertise. The assistant vice president of marketing
and communications, however, should be notified as soon as possible as such notification
can be particularly important if follow-up inquiries are made with other personnel
to ensure a coordinated, consistent response.
during a crisis or emergency situation.
In the event of a crisis or emergency situation, the assistant vice president of marketing
and communications will handle all contacts with the media, and will coordinate the
information flow from the university to the media and general public. In such situations,
all campus departments should refer media calls to the Office of Marketing & Communications.
Press Releases & Story Pitches
Positive media solicitation is an integral part of the university’s communication
plan. As such, the Office of Marketing & Communications promotes special accomplishments,
events and activities, programs and plans via press releases, which are distributed
using a constantly updated list of media contacts. All releases intended for off-campus
or external audiences must be routed through the assistant vice president of marketing
and communications.
Story ideas should not be pitched to a member of the media without first coordinating
with the Office of Marketing & Communications.
News Tips
Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to share ideas for stories that highlight
the our achievements and successes. Use our news tip form to submit your ideas.
