click here to download MS Word format

UNIVERSITY POLICY

I.        PURPOSE

To ensure accuracy and the highest ethical standards in relationship to news of academic, medical or dental matters.

II.       ACCOUNTABILITY 

Under the direction of the Vice President for Government and Public Affairs, the Senior Manager of University News Service shall ensure compliance with and implement this policy.

III.      DEFINITION

Academic, medical and dental information generally deals with advances in techniques, new procedures and research projects. 

IV.     REFERENCE:

A.         Media Release:  General                                    00-01-10-105:00

B.         Press Conferences and Media Releases              00-01-10-115:00

C.         Use of University Name and Symbol                  00-01-10-95:00

D.         Legislative Interaction                                        00-01-10-125:00

V.      POLICY

The following guidelines are provided for the release of academic and clinical information to media, call a press conference, or seek radio, television, or print‑media interviews.  Since professional ethics sometimes do not permit identifying physicians or dentists by name, no name shall be mentioned in news releases without the consent of the physician(s) or dentist(s) involved.

1.          To insure accuracy and consistency, any administrator or faculty member wishing to release information, call a press conference, or seek radio, television, or print‑media interviews must have his/her plans approved in advance, in writing from the Senior Manager of University News Service.

2.          The Senior Manager of University News Service will direct the preparation of news releases, statements or other suitable material, and/or arrange a press conference, if appropriate.  Release must, however, be cleared with the faculty source, department chair, appropriate dean, and Vice President for Government and Public Affairs in order to assure orderly and propitious disclosure and conformity with University policy.

3.          Exceptions to the foregoing are public statements or professional publication by members of the faculty or staff, such as research papers, testimony before legislative committees, or participation in scientific or medical meetings and symposia, as a consequence of their academic or scholarly activities and achievements.  The Senior Manager of University News Service requests information on such activity as a matter of record, in order to be able to offer such special assistance as may be appropriate to both the news media and to the faculty or staff member concerned.

NOTE:    Copies of all professional papers should be filed with the UMDNJ Library and with University News Service.

By Direction of the President:

________________________________________
Vice President for Government and Public Affairs

Policy Manual Table of Contents

OPPM Home Page

UMDNJ Home Page