News Releases (F-20)
Original Implementation: 1950
Last Revision: April 23, 2013
Departments and individuals seeking media coverage concerning university activities should request assistance from the Office of Public Affairs, which will work collaboratively with the requesting party to evaluate the newsworthiness of the activity. When an activity is determined to be newsworthy, the Office of Public Affairs will prepare and market a release of information to the news media.
Departments and individuals should not contact the news media without the assistance of the Office of Public Affairs. News media receive numerous requests for coverage from a wide range of organizations and individuals. Uncoordinated coverage requests and/or requests for coverage of activities that may have little or no news value for the media have the potential to diminish the effectiveness of the Office of Public Affairs when it makes requests for coverage of newsworthy activities. The Office of Public Affairs may grant exceptions to select university divisions regarding this aspect of this policy.
Upon occasion, news media may directly contact university faculty or staff to interview for comments that may be published or broadcast. Faculty and staff members are encouraged, as time permits, to share their insights on topics within their areas of scholarly study or professional expertise. Such participation has the potential to highlight the quality of university personnel, bring positive visibility to the university and provide a valuable community service. The faculty or staff member contacted by the media promptly should notify the Office of Public Affairs of the interview request. The Office of Public Affairs can assist both sides in facilitating the interview.
Cross Reference: None
Responsible for Implementation: President
Contact for Revision: Executive Director of Public Affairs and Marketing
Forms: None
Board Committee Assignment: Academic and Student Affairs