9.C Communications and Media Relations

The Office of the Vice President for Communications fosters communications within the University community and with alumni and external audiences through local, regional, and national news media; University publications; radio and television stations; websites; and other communications media. It also provides assistance to faculty in their dealings with the public.

The following offices and activities report to the Office of the Vice President for Communications:

  • Communicators' Forum: provides information and resources for communications professionals across the campus community. To contact the group moderator, send an e-mail to communicators.forum@umich.edu.

  • Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Office: see Section 12.B, "Freedom of Information Act."

  • Michigan Radio: listener supported radio of the University of Michigan.

  • Michigan Marketing & Design (MM&D): see Section 21.Q, "Printing, Graphic Design, and Photography."

  • News Service: see Section 9.C.1, "News Service."

  • UM Photo Services: see Section 21.Q, "Printing, Graphic Design, and Photography."

  • University and Development Events: organizes ceremonial events for the University.
  • University of Michigan Television (UMTV): see Section 20.F.27, "University of Michigan Television (UMTV)."

For more information about these areas and their activities, visit the Vice President for Communications' website at <www.umich.edu/~urel/vpcomm.html> or call 763-5800.

9.C.1 News Service

News Service is the Ann Arbor Campus news bureau and a source of information and advice about working effectively with the media. Information officers work with campus units to identify key stories and the most effective, creative ways to disseminate those stories to target audiences. Information officers also write press releases, respond to media requests, and provide media training to faculty and staff. News Service publishes The University Record, a faculty and staff newspaper published Mondays during the academic year (biweekly during the summer), and Michigan Today, a tabloid for Michigan alumni and friends. Online editions of those publications and other resources, including links to faculty experts, UM facts, background information about current events in higher education, and press releases can be found at the News Service website at <www.umich.edu/news>. See also Section 21.S, "Publications."

Ann Arbor faculty are encouraged to call the News Service with questions or for information about press releases, media calls, and broadcasting at 764-7260. On the Dearborn Campus, call the Office of University Relations, 313/593-5555. Flint faculty should call Flint's Office of University Relations, 810/762-3351. The Health System Public Relations Office handles similar responsibilities for the Medical Center. For more information, see Section 9.C.2 "Health System Public Relations."

9.C.2 Health System Public Relations

The Department of Public Relations and Marketing Communications at the University of Michigan Health System provides internal and external communications services for the Medical School faculty and staff, as well as the UM Hospitals and Health Centers. Its staff includes media relations professionals, marketing, and marketing communications professionals.

Faculty with information they would like communicated, including articles to be published in peer-reviewed journals, research updates or breakthroughs, academic news and feature stories, can contact Health System Public Relations at 764-2220 or visit the website: <www.med.umich.edu/1toolbar/other.htm>.

Faculty Handbook: Faculty as Representatives of the University/Service:

 

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