The office contacts representatives of the news media, responds to all inquiries for information from reporters, handles publicity for campus events, helps departments and groups coordinate their public relations and marketing efforts and increases the university's presence in the national media through Profnet, an online service in which media seek experts for commentary on a variety of issues. Faculty, administrators and staff members contacted by news representatives should respond only to questions in their specific areas of responsibility. The Board of Visitors has designated the president as the chief spokesman for the university on matters of policy. Individuals should not attempt to address issues involving other offices or departments or speak on behalf of the university. Published every other Friday throughout the year except during breaks in the academic schedule, the Courier is distributed to all employees on campus.
Copies are also available to students, and a selective off-campus mailing list is maintained.
This four-color glossy magazine is published three times a year for alumni and friends of the university. The publication keeps alumni and friends informed of developments at the university, activities of classmates and Alumni Association news. It also is distributed to all on-campus employees. It is designed to inform not only the campus community, but also the larger community and the media. Plans call for updating this Web page on a daily basis, Monday through Friday, starting in fall 1999.