Protocol for University Communications & Media Relations

Purpose

The protocol for University Communications and Media Relations aims to inform both internal and external audiences about the process the university follows for all aspects of media relations and communications, including how the university handles media requests, authorized university spokespersons, press release production and approval, and crisis communications.

Scope

These guidelines apply to all employees, departments, and units within The New School.

Responsibilities

Vice President, University Communications / University Communications and Media Relations Office: Serves as The New School’s chief spokesperson, providing information and representing the university’s interests to the media and the public, including: handling media inquiries, managing crisis communications, building and maintaining positive relationships with the media and other stakeholders, and ensuring that messaging and communication channels are aligned and consistent across all areas of the university and platforms. Leads the development and execution of the university’s internal communication strategy, working closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders to ensure that all messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with goals and priorities; responsible for high-level, university-wide messaging and communications.

Faculty and Staff: Follow procedures outlined in these guidelines for all media interactions, including if approached by media, procedures for press releases, and procedures for approving and hosting media on campus.

Protocol

The university’s Communications and Media Relations Office serves as both a campus-based news bureau and The New School’s most direct connection to the external news media. Our team builds awareness for the university’s mission, vision, and values; promotes new research and initiatives; showcases faculty and student accomplishments; and responds to media inquiries about university-related news. We work with journalists from news organizations around the world on a daily basis to highlight compelling New School stories and respond to media inquiries for information or perspective on topics or issues related to the university.

To effectively interact with journalists, we rely on our close partnerships with colleagues across the university, who inform our work and play a critical role in partnering for a successful outcome.

The Communications and Media Relations Office is solely responsible for these public-facing functions:

• Issuing official news releases and statements on university matters
• Contacting and responding to requests for interviews with the media
• Approving and assisting reporters when they visit campus
• Making a spokesperson or Communications and Media Relations team member available to journalists
• Providing university-approved logos and brand assets, data, graphics, photographs, and other materials

Procedure

All press releases and media requests, including hosting media on campus, must be coordinated through the Communications and Media Relations Office.

• For faculty and staff: We engage with faculty and staff seeking to promote university courses, projects, or thought leadership. Our team will work directly with the faculty or staff member to assess the opportunity, coordinate a response, review and approve press releases, and schedule interviews and/or filming or photography on campus. Please connect with a member of the Communications and Media Relations Office for help with any of these activities.

Note: For faculty and staff who are approached for an interview where you are not representing The New School, i.e. it’s about your professional work outside of the university or something unrelated to university activities, you do not need to include the Communications and Media Relations Office. However, please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you would like help strategizing about ways to promote your independent work.

• For journalists: The New School offers resources and information about the university to members of the media as part of our mission to share research and expertise with the world. Please reach out to the Communications and Media Relations Office for assistance with your story and information about the university.
  
• Media access to campus: Our team assists media members seeking access to our campus. Before arriving, please contact the Communications and Media Relations Office for help scheduling a visit and with outreach to faculty, staff, and students. Credentials may be required for special events. Please note that some campus events are for members of the campus community only.

Members of The New School community who are approached by media members should immediately refer them to the Communications and Media Relations Office for assistance and, when appropriate, scheduling and facilitating interviews with members of the university community.

• Crisis Communications: The Communications and Media Relations Office serves the community during crises. We advise university leadership and our schools, units, and departments on strategic communications. During an emergency or crisis, we develop the university's response, coordinate communication within the university, and share information externally with the media when appropriate.
  
• How to contact us: We welcome your inquiries about The New School. Please email us at communications@newschool.edu or visit The New School Pressroom for more information.

Enforcement

If this policy is violated, the Office of Communications and Media Relations will consult with Human Resources on how to apply the university's progressive discipline process. Depending on the severity of the misconduct and its impact on the institution, the university reserves the right to bypass progressive discipline and proceed directly to immediate suspension or termination. Such actions may be taken when an employee's behavior poses a significant risk to the safety, integrity, or operations of the university.