When a member of the media directly contacts you for information that pertains to your area of expertise -- and you are comfortable with the request -- you should talk to them or set up a time to talk later.

Regardless, the public relations team needs as much, if not all, of the following information for follow up purposes:

• Reporter's name and contact information
• Media outlet they represent
• What is the project? (e.g., article, television segment)
• What is the date of publication or broadcast?

Notify Director of Communications Brenda Tucker immediately so she can notify others at the college of the upcoming press and provide additional assistance to the reporter if it's needed.

Note: Media professionals are often on deadline when they contact us. If you do not have time to promptly return the call, notify someone from the public relations team right away to ensure that we don't miss an opportunity or damage our standing with members of the press.

Please do not discuss matters pertaining to college policy (e.g., security issues, administrative or faculty changes, undisclosed campaign information) with the media. To ensure the intent of the college is always communicated with accuracy and integrity, transfer all calls or emails of this nature directly to Vice President for Communications Chris Bliss or Director of Communications Brenda Tucker.

If neither is available, get as much contact information as possible and let the caller know that a representative of the college will return the call as soon as possible. The crisis communication plan outlines the steps to take when the media contacts you in response to an emergency.