The Office of Institutional Advancement is the primary institutional resource for both members of the university community and external publics for handling sensitive situations. While no policy can anticipate or be inclusive of all the situations that might be characterized as "sensitive," such situations might include those where some institutional wrongdoing has been alleged, some faculty or staff member has become involved in a controversial topic or situation, or where the media has launched an inquiry. The Public Affairs Department of the Office of Institutional Advancement (“Public Affairs”) will serve as official spokesperson in these cases.
For questions regarding this policy, contact the Public Affairs Department of the Office of Institutional Advancement.
Employees must refer media representatives to Public Affairs and must themselves contact Public Affairs when they first become aware of these situations. Public Affairs staff will seek coordination among all university officials who must be involved in this situation and will handle all contacts with the external media.
Upon initial contact with Public Affairs, the employee will provide detailed account of the situation. If necessary, Public Affairs will assemble a crisis management team composed of institutional personnel with expertise relevant to the situation. The team will become familiar with the matter and its components, such as regulations, policies, and procedures germane to the situation, and make recommendations for a plan of action.
Public Affairs will prepare, as appropriate, a plan of written and audio/visual media communications activities designed to anticipate and to respond positively to the crisis, which will be presented by designated university spokespersons.
Created 03/1992; Updated 08/05, 01/08