Category : Advancement
Number: 5.05
Responsibility: Director, University Marketing and Communications
Approval: Board of Trustees
Approval Date: June 24, 2004
Issue Date: Issued June 2003, Revised June 2005, June revisions to be presented to the Board, Fall 2005
Next Review: June 2007
The University has adopted the following policy intended to maintain an ongoing positive and dynamic working relationship with the news media.
The purpose of this policy is
• To clarify who has the authority to speak on behalf of the University.
• To ensure consistency in media relations.
This policy applies equally to all Brock University Departments and Faculties, the Brock University Foundation and the Friends of Brock University (a public foundation incorporated in USA ).
• University Marketing and Communications will co-ordinate media relations activities for the University and act as the official news source and the principal contact for all communication between the University and media representatives.
• Only individuals specifically authorized to do so will publicly speak on behalf of the University.
• The University recognizes the rights and responsibilities that flow from the exercise of academic freedom. Members of the University's Senior Administrative Council (SAC) have the authority to speak with the media within areas of their responsibility and expertise, as required. Other staff and Faculty members should refer media requests to the appropriate SAC member or the University Marketing and Communications without comment. University Marketing and Communications can provide assistance prior to making any statement, when required, and should be notified after media contacts.
• University Marketing and Communications must be notified of all potentially sensitive, contentious or controversial media inquiries with respect to Brock University activities. University Marketing and Communications will promptly identify the appropriate spokesperson and arrange for an interview or statement, as required.
• The University recognizes the daily time constraints facing the media and will endeavour to provide open and equal access to all news media. The University will present particular features to individual media representatives where a past interest was expressed and will respect the exclusivity of a story initiated by individual media representatives.
• Media representatives are asked to place their requests through University Marketing and Communications to expedite a prompt and coordinated response.
• In order to facilitate media relations, the media are encouraged to inform the University Marketing and Communications , in advance of, or upon arrival on campus, unless they have been specifically invited to the University