Elon Faculty & Staff Interactions with News Media

The Office of University Communications publicizes institutional developments, faculty and student achievements, and other news related to the activities of the campus community. The following general policies for Elon employees and students are designed to facilitate positive interactions with the press while keeping communications staff members apprised of campus happenings.

Reactive Contact with News Media

Employees and students are encouraged to alert the Office of University Communications after speaking with a news reporter or when seeking guidance for addressing media requests. While no prior approval is needed in advance of granting interviews on matters related to research, class activities or opinions on current events, only the vice president of University Communications or a designated senior administrator may speak on behalf of institutional positions and priorities. The Elon University News Bureau is a resource for employees or students who wish to seek help with responding to media requests prior to conducting interviews.

Proactive Contact with News Media

University Communications recognizes and values the relationships that employees cultivate with reporters. No prior approval is necessary to directly contact a journalist for a “story pitch,” but when dealing with media, employees must coordinate with the Elon University News Bureau or Athletics media relations for distribution of prepared news releases involving a program, event or activity sponsored by any unit of Elon University.

Guidelines for Promoting News

Any event that an Elon student or employee promotes outside of University Communications channels should also be submitted to E-net for promotion and inclusion on the university calendar. Events should include information related to date, time, location, sponsor, the name of a person to contact for more information, and an email address and phone number for reaching that person. A short summary of the event/program is also useful for reporters.