Plugging In
CURRENTS Article Good public relations starts with the face of your institution, but what if your institution's leader needs a face-lift?

Ethics Case Study: Hide and They'll Seek
CURRENTS Article A sexual assault takes place in a dorm in which both the victim and the suspect live. After checking with the student affairs office, it's discovered that the suspect was not actually enrolled at the time and should not have been living in campus housing. The student affairs office asks that this information not be shared with reporters. Of course a reporter does call and asks for the suspect's hometown, which is provided, but nothing else. Is it ethical to respond to only those questions the reporter has asked? Is it ethical to withhold information about the error? CASE members respond.

Meet the Prez
CURRENTS Article There are many reasons why CEOs want to get in front of journalists--the campus just survived a major crisis or is moving in a new direction, for example. As the people charged with making it happen, public relations pros should carefully plan visits with editorial boards and other media representatives to make the most of these important meetings. The author, a seasoned journalist, outlines several strategies for making such encounters as effective as possible, including timing, who to meet with, who to bring, and what to say.

AdvanceWork: Alumni Relations Gains Ink
CURRENTS Article A recent jump in mainstream media coverage of alumni relations is primarily related to affirmative action and legacy controversies. Alumni officers can prepare to meet the press by investing in media training.

Well Schooled
CURRENTS Article Media training for campus leaders, administrators, faculty, and communications staff has become even more important in an era of increased media scrutiny. This article outlines the characteristics and purposes of media training programs and includes a short sidebar with tips for selecting a program.

Speak Up, Speak Out, and Speak English
CURRENTS Article Like renowned scientist Carl Sagan, many campus researchers would like to increase the public's understanding of science. And it is the communication officer's job to help researchers advance the cause of science and technology. After World War II, funding for science was so readily available that "a science agenda was rarely discussed." But the public is no longer willing to write a blank check in support of scientific research, so it is up to the communicators to articulate to taxpayers how their research funds translate into benefits for society. Surveys conducted by the National Science Foundation show the public is interested in science, but that only 10 percent view themselves as well informed on the subject.