Media & Public Information Guidelines for Coppin State University (CSU)
An effective public information system is an integral part of Coppin State University (CSU).
Coppin State University's Office of University Relations (OUR) is charged with handling all
public relations and public record requests, and establishing standards for the public
dissemination of written materials.
We must provide timely and accurate information on activities and available services, to
effectively convey information in a consistently understandable and professional manner, and
to inform our various external publics about our ongoing efforts to meet and maintain our
mission of providing high quality graduate and undergraduate education and primarily focusing
on the problems, needs and aspirations of the citizenry of Baltimore's central city and its
immediate metropolitan area.
For these reasons along with our duties as employees of a public institution, it is
imperative that our public information system be well-organized and systematic. To
achieve this objective, all university employees are asked to comply with the following
guidelines:
- Only University officials designated by the President, the Provost/Vice President of
Academic Affairs, and/or the Office of University Relations shall respond to inquiries from
the media or represent CSU on radio and television or any print media (newspapers, magazines,
etc.). The Office of University Relations should be informed immediately of all media
inquiries.
- Press releases, media alerts and stories are disseminated to external media,
placed on the university website, and/or included in The Talon through the Office of
University Relations. Individuals requesting press releases or stories are required to
complete and submit the PR Marketing Form at least 20 business days prior to the event.
Click to View Forms.
- As private citizens, CSU employees may respond to the media after work hours.
However, it must be made clear to the interviewer that the opinions expressed are not
official CSU views. We request that CSU employees inform the Office of University Relations
of such media interviews.
- All requests to photograph or film CSU facilities and to interview employees
must be cleared first by the Office of University Relations, which has the responsibility of
ensuring compliance with confidentiality statutes and other relevant procedures. Taking an
image of an employee or student in any form may only be done with the express written
permission of the person or authorized person on an approved release of information form
available from the Office of University Relations. It is the responsibility of the Office of
University Relations to ensure that photography or videotaping takes place with little or no
disruption to classes or activities that are in session.
- The Office of University Relations is responsible for the coordination of
media coverage for all CSU events and activities such as press conferences, ribbon cuttings,
award ceremonies, conferences and seminars. The Office of University Relations should be
advised of all such activities well in advance of the time the event is to take place at
least 60 days.
- All flyers, posters, brochures, pamphlets and other written materials for
external distribution shall by reviewed by the Office of University Relations. This will
help to insure that all publications representing Coppin State University are held to the
highest standards. Documents will also be reviewed for branding and image consistency. At
least 72 hours will be required to review materials before printing.
Subject to change under the discretion of the Office of University Relations
Effective: 6/30/2005