Describes the activities of Indiana University's crisis communications team during the Bob Knight controversy. Discusses how the school's response was based on four crisis communications principles: create a plan, appoint a single spokesperson, respond with open and continuous communications, and expect the unexpected. (EV)

A survey to learn how publications offices market themselves on campus is discussed. The responses indicate that many use brochures and handouts, rather than formal meetings. Some of the ways publications managers tell the campus of their offices' skills and service are presented. (MLW)

An effective first step toward creating new media opportunities is internal education. These include encouraging top college administrators to involve the public relations department in pre-planning; increasing access to newsworthy, appropriately targeted stories; and educating faculty about effective media relations. (MLW)

When crisis strikes, internal audiences at institutions of higher education need accurate information which depends on groundwork laid during good times. Key principles for emergency communication include predicting disasters by reading internal warning signs; preventing a potential crisis from growing; and preparing for smooth communications…

A strategy for effective communication between the college public relations office and the governing board includes (1) developing a specific plan for analysis, communication, and action; (2) broadening the definition of the public relations office role to include many audiences; and (3) taking a personal role in helping trustees become more…

Special projects and strategies must be developed to help institutional advancement. All need to put forth a central message, linked by several themes. Directions to develop a strategic communications plan that works are provided. (MLW)

An internal periodical can help inform and motivate college faculty and staff and therefore make them effective ambassadors. This is the most compelling reason for developing a credible internal periodical and a strong internal communication program. (MLW)

Controversies and divisive issues on college campuses require swift action from public relations personnel. Although the issues may change, the basic coping strategy focuses on preserving a sense of community both on campus and among alumni, friends, and supporters. When polarization occurs it can be used as a source of communication and…

University public relations (PR) officers discuss how they have built strong relationships with their campus chief executive officers (CEOs). Successful PR officials need to find out what the CEO wants, be honest, build credibility, be accessible, prove their loyalty, keep the CEO informed, gain breadth and depth of understanding, present…

Five suggestions are made for moving the college public relations program toward more personal communication: (1) study the communication successes and strategies of others; (2) reassess current communication methods; (3) begin building a small-scale constituency-relations program; (4) establish a contact database; and (5) put the best principles…

It is proposed that, to keep editors of institutional publications happy, their supervisors use such techniques as productive communication in both individual and group sessions; recognition of achievements; setting goals and objectives for individual and professional development; and sensitivity to needs for support of various kinds. (MSE)

Dartmouth's class newsletter program has proved to be a simple but effective way to foster loyalty, affection, and support among their alumni. The newsletters also promote continuing education programs, act as informal career and placement networks, and find lost alumni. (MLW)

Provides advice to universities on communicating research. Before controversy, they should: be ready, know the plan, teach researchers and administrators how to talk to reporters, prepare general background materials, and use the Web. During controversy, they should: do triage, tell the whole story, use the moment, remember internal audiences, be…

Isolation of the college public affairs office from the institution's decision-making process is commonplace, either unintentionally or by design. Specific recommendations offered by creative public relations professionals can help officers avoid isolation from four important groups: the college president, campus, community, and staff. (MSE)

Increasing use of computer networks such as the World Wide Web makes it necessary for colleges and universities to formulate policies concerning institution-related postings. This involves designing institutional pages that are well-formulated, accurate, and in compliance with state and federal laws, and establishing policy that allows for some…