Policy Number: 602
Policy: Media Relations
Date Adopted: 08/01
Revision Date: 09/05, 08/07
References:
Approved By: George M. Dennison, President
The University of Montana encourages an open exchange of ideas and seeks
to ensure the public complete information about the institution. Recognizing
an essential element of open dialogue in the need for accurate communication,
the University has established these media guidelines.
The President will serve as the official spokesperson for the University
regarding significant matters of policy and public interest. In the absence
of the President, the University Executive Vice President will become
the spokesperson. Depending on specific issues, the President, University
Executive Vice President, or Director of University Relations may designate
another University administrator as a spokesperson on a specific issue.
University Relations prepares and distributes all news releases and announcements,
except those for Intercollegiate Athletics, and distributes them to the
media in a timely manner. UM employees should not distribute news releases
on their own. The Sports Information Office of Intercollegiate Athletics
prepares and distributes press releases for Athletics, after consultation
with University Relations.
The President -- or the University Executive Vice President or Director
of University Relations in the absence of the President -- approves all
press conferences, except for those relating to Intercollegiate Athletics
and approved by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. University
Relations coordinates all press conferences, including those in Athletics.
Employees should notify University Relations immediately about positive
or negative occurrences or issues likely to rise to the level of a news
story. Employees receiving inquiries from media regarding issues of a
controversial or sensitive nature should refer inquiries to the Director
of University Relations.
In the event of a crisis or serious incident, the Director of University
Relations will work with the campus Crisis Management Team, serving as
liaison to the media. In such circumstances, campus employees should refer
all media calls to the Director of University Relations.
University of Montana employees have the right and responsibility to
answer accurately those questions posed by the media about matters of
public information. In that regard, faculty and staff should respond promptly
and responsibly to media requests regarding their research, scholarship,
teaching, and/or professional expertise. After doing so, faculty and staff
should inform University Relations as soon as possible of the interview
to assist campus media specialists in determining appropriate next steps.
Personnel records and proceedings and student records and health care
information remain confidential as prescribed by law, and thus are not
subject to public disclosure. Employees should direct all questions about
confidentiality of information to the Director of University Relations,
who will consult University Legal Counsel for expert advice.
No Available Procedure
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