University Relations: Western Illinois University

News Services & Support for University Personnel

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Media Support & Publicity
University Information Files
Media Training
News Photos
Freedom of Information Issues
Athletics Media Services
Tips for When a Reporter Calls

The Office of University Relations is available to assist campus units with media and publicity support for news-worthy events, to train personnel how to respond to media, and to arrange news and publicity photos, among other services.

Services

Prepares news/feature stories for distribution to newspapers, radio and television stations, wire services, specialty publications, and other outlets, as well as the University News bulletin board, the University's website, and through new media.
Facilitates news media coverage of WIU programs, student and faculty achievements and activities, and other events.
Produces and maintains Western's social media efforts (Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, etc.).
Publishes Campus Connection, an internal newsletter for faculty and staff.
Publishes Western News, the University's quarterly alumni publication.
Works with local, regional, and national media outlets as the official University spokesperson.
Coordinates and hosts news conferences.
Promotes University faculty and staff as expert sources to local, regional, and national media outlets.
Provides media training to University personnel.
Works in conjunction with University Marketing and Admissions to promote Western to potential students.

Media Support & Publicity

Conducting groundbreaking research? Have a Nobel Prize winner speaking to your class? Going on an interesting field trip? Have a student – or students – who just discovered the next best thing thanks to a class project? University Relations wants to know!

Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to contact University Relations on any item containing news value (e.g., research, accomplishments, unique class projects, student achievements, etc.) or any matter related to University news and publicity. University Relations is always seeking interesting stories to promote WIU.

Information provided should include basic facts (the "who, what, when, where, why and how"), a contact person, a phone number, and an e-mail address. Submit your news online using our submission form or e-mail U-Relations@wiu.edu.

Handling Media Emergencies

When an emergency, crisis, or crime occurs on the Western Illinois University campuses, University Relations works closely with the Office of Public Safety and other offices to provide information to the general public and the media as quickly as possible. University Relations will post the information and subsequent updates on the University's homepage, News bulletin board, and social media outlets. In certain situations, a press conference may be held to provide additional information. Press conferences are often videotaped and posted on Western's YouTube channel, as well as on WIU's Facebook and MySpace pages.

Media requests should first be sent to University Relations to determine the appropriate spokesperson. To notify University Relations, call (309) 298-1993. After hours, contact the Office of Public Safety at (309) 298-1949.

General University Information Files

University Relations keeps files of news releases and related documents on campus programs and facilities, as well as University employees, emeriti staff, and other former officers. Biographical information is used to prepare news releases and respond to media inquiries. General information about the University and its programs is available. Any faculty or staff member who wishes to update his or her resume on file should submit an updated vita to our office (Sherman Hall 302).

Media Training

Media training programs are available upon request to prepare University personnel to respond to interviews from TV reporters and other members of the news media.

News Photos

In order to keep photography costs at a reasonable level, UR approves news and publicity photo requests. Photo services for other purposes must be arranged on a cost recovery basis with the Visual Production Center, Memorial Hall, 309/298-1358.

Photo Release and Privacy

In promoting the University we utilize students, faculty, and staff in a variety of visual settings. When photos and video images are obtained from public events we consider consent implied for use of the image. In more confined settings such as classrooms, offices, and field trips, we request that photo releases be obtained from the individuals featured in the visual image. The model photo release is available on the University Relations website. Faculty and staff who shoot their own photos or video for potential use in University promotional materials must be aware of the privacy rights of those depicted and, if necessary, obtain photo releases.

Athletics Media Services

Men's and women's intercollegiate athletics are served by the Athletics Media Services Office, which promotes Western's National College Athletic Association programs. Staff work with sports editors, reporters, and broadcasters, as well as athletic conference representatives. Contact Athletics Media Services in Western Hall 213, phone 309/298-1133; fax 309/298-2060; or e-mail SID@wiu.edu.