University Communications

Communication with External Media, Policy on

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Title: Policy on Communication with External Media
Policy Owner: University Communications
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, and Student Employees
Campus Applicability: All campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date: May 5, 2017
For More Information, Contact Tysen Kendig, Vice President for Communications
Contact Information: Phone: (860) 486-0871
Official Website: http://communications.uconn.edu/

REASON FOR POLICY

The University of Connecticut (“the University” or “UConn”) needs to be able to communicate accurately, effectively and consistently with a variety of diverse audiences including the media. University Communications is the primary and official liaison to the news media. It is responsible for initiating, developing and maintaining effective, productive and beneficial relations with the news media in communicating University news and in responding to media requests. University Communications is responsible for coordinating official University comment on all matters regarding the institution. This includes both proactive interaction and responses to requests. University Communications is responsible for disseminating and pitching news stories, responding to media inquiries, arranging interviews and visual productions, and handling requests for distribution of information on behalf of the University’s main campus in Storrs, UConn Health and all campus locations and programs.

The purpose of this policy is to gather the University’s existing policies regarding employee communication with external media into one accessible statement while reaffirming the University’s continuing commitment to the principles of academic freedom.  It incorporates policies on three distinct but related situations:

  1. Requests for Official University Position or Response
  2. Requests to Faculty Regarding Subject Matter Expertise
  3. Personal Speech

APPLIES TO

This policy applies to all University employees including administration, faculty, staff and student employees. employees at all campuses including the University’s main campus in Storrs, UConn Health, the regional campuses, and the School of Law. It applies to all employees in all programs wherever located. The policy applies to employees when they are acting in their capacity as employees of the University, including when they are asked questions.

POLICY STATEMENT

  1. Requests for Official University Position or Response

All inquiries seeking an official University response or a statement on behalf of the University should be directed to the University spokesperson within University Communications. All inquiries seeking an official response or statement specific to UConn Health and its clinical and academic areas should be directed to the UConn Health Information Officer.

Authorization to speak on behalf of the University may only be given by the President or the Vice President for Communications. No faculty or staff member may make official statements on behalf of the University without consultation with, and express authorization from, the President or University Communications.

University Communications will coordinate the University response with appropriate members of the University and UConn Health communities.

Any employee who has not been authorized by the President or University Communications to speak to the media in the context of his or her role as a University employee must direct inquiries from the media about the official University comment on all matters regarding the institution to the University spokesperson.

No employee is authorized to speak “off the record” on behalf of the University to media on any matter pertaining to the University.

University employees must adhere to relevant UConn policies as well as all federal, state and local laws and policies regarding the release of information about activities of the University, or its employees, students, volunteers, patients or research subjects, including those that apply to privacy and patient confidentiality such as HIPAA and FERPA.

  1. Requests to Faculty and Staff Regarding Subject Matter Expertise

UConn is proud of its faculty and staff, and their expertise and scholarship in a vast array of subjects and disciplines. Many senior administrators and staff also have expertise. Individual faculty, administrators and staff experts are encouraged to provide subject-specific commentary based on their scholarship in their academic concentration or their expertise in their professional field. This includes athletics coaches and staff on matters related to university athletic contests and team- or program-related matters.

When offices and/or individuals are contacted for their scholarly or professional expertise, they are encouraged and expected to notify University Communications that a media representative has made contact. University Communications facilitates accurate, ethical and timely news coverage of significant programs and the achievements of faculty, administrators, staff, students and alumni. University Communications is available at all times to consult with administrators, faculty and staff about the most effective ways to work with the media.

Any questions that fall outside of a faculty member’s academic interest or expertise should involve consultation with the University spokesperson, who can be a resource in these instances. Questions also may be referred to the University spokesperson for direct handling. Inquiries seeking an official University comment must be directed to the University spokesperson.

If a faculty or staff member is unsure of whether a question or request for comment from the media concerns the faculty or staff member’s area of expertise or seeks an official University position, University Communications must be consulted.

  1. Personal Speech

Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict the freedom of faculty and staff members to engage in their scholarly activities or their personal involvement in community activities. Nothing in this policy is intended to affect individual employees’ rights to express personal opinions on University or non-University actions and policies. Nothing in this policy is intended to restrict faculty or staff members from commenting on matters of public concern implicating an employer’s official dishonesty, deliberately unconstitutional action, other serious wrongdoing or threats to health and safety. When speaking or writing as a citizen, an employee should be accurate, should exercise appropriate restraint, should show respect for the opinions of others and should make every effort to indicate that he/she does not speak for the institution.

The University reaffirms its continuing commitment to the principles of academic freedom and its protections as set forth in Article XIV of the Laws and By-Laws of the University of Connecticut and the right to freedom of speech protected by the United States and Connecticut Constitutions.

ENFORCEMENT

Violations of this policy may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University Laws and By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, Office of Student Financial Aid Services – Student Employment Guide, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and any other applicable University policies and procedures.

 

Policy created:   [5/05/2017] (Approved by President’s Cabinet)

Policy on Endorsements

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Title: Policy on Endorsements
Policy Owner: University Communications
Applies to: Faculty, Staff, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses
Effective Date:  September 1, 2016
For More Information, Contact University Communications
Contact Information: (860) 486-3530
Official Website: http://communications.uconn.edu/

 

The University of Connecticut is committed to achieving excellence in research, graduate and undergraduate education, teaching and engagement.  The University has attracted national and international recognition for many successes across a wide range of disciplines.  As the University continues to grow and build on its many successes, members of the UConn community and external entities will continue to seek to associate themselves with UConn.

As Connecticut’s flagship public university, the University must ensure that it associates itself with individuals, groups and organizations who share its values.  All units and employees of the University are responsible for ensuring that the University’s reputation and image are not affected by an improper external affiliation.

The University’s Bylaws prohibit units and groups within the University, including at UConn Health and regional campuses, clinics, and centers, from authorizing any individual, group or organization that is not affiliated with the University to use the name of the University without the approval of the President or the President’s designee. Typically requests to use the name of the University come from businesses wishing to promote the nature of their business relationship with the University or from individuals, groups or organizations wishing to be recognized as a sponsor of the University or any of its activities.

This requirement also applies to UConn employees and units at all locations. No employee or unit may endorse or promote a third-party business interest in the public domain in connection with their employment or service to the University without approval. This requirement includes providing quotes to or participating in interviews with a third-party about its product or service that would be used publicly.

If you receive this type of request, or anything similar, you are required to notify University Communications for review.

Policy History

Original Approval: February 3, 2016
Effective Date: September 1, 2016
Revision Approved by the President’s Cabinet: April 5, 2019

University Logo and Wordmark Policy

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Title: University Logo and Wordmark Policy
Policy Owner: University Communications
Applies to: All Employees, Students, Others
Campus Applicability: All Campuses, including UConn Health
Effective Date: 2/1/2015
For More Information, Contact Associate Director of Branding and Visual Identity
Contact Information: 860-486-0488
Official Website: http://brand.uconn.edu/

1/15/15

The UConn wordmark is the core element in the visual identity system. It is the official logo of the University, and is what is most strongly associated with the UConn brand. In order to be effective, all logo treatments must be consistent and accurate, and as such, coordinated through University Communications.

Custom marks are available for schools, colleges, departments, and University-affiliated groups to distinctly identify themselves, while maintaining a cohesive University brand identity. All primary and established wordmarks can be downloaded from brand.uconn.edu. Additional standards regarding wordmarks and logos can also be found at brand.uconn.edu. Standards related to UConn Health branding can be found at brand.uchc.edu.

Official UConn Wordmark

  • An official UConn wordmark must be used as the primary identifier for University entities. These include the primary, established, and personalized wordmarks. These wordmarks cannot be altered or replicated.
    • The primary wordmark is the logo that includes UCONN with or without “University of Connecticut.” The horizontal or vertical arrangements are acceptable.
    • Established wordmarks have been created for each school, college, and regional campus.
    • For UConn entities that do not have an established wordmark, a personalized wordmark is appropriate. This mark allows for one or two levels of information hierarchy. University Communications can provide   guidance on layouts that best suits individual needs.
  • Student organizations should refer to Student Organization Use of University Wordmarks and Logos for standards specific to their needs.

Secondary Logos

Secondary logos are marks that are separate from the official UConn wordmark established and enforced by the University brand standards.

Secondary logos are only considered for consortiums, retail establishments, departmental initiatives, or Centers that are not exclusively part of the University, such as the Korey Stringer Institute.

For UConn entities that do not fit fully into these specific categories, the UConn wordmark must be used as the primary identifying mark. Complementary artwork is permissible. Complementary artwork cannot include the name of the UConn entity, to avoid appearing like a logo.

Anniversaries, events, or campaigns can use badges to mark the event, but must not use the UConn wordmark as part of the graphic.

The development of all secondary logos is at the review and approval of University Communications. For full brand standards, visit brand.uconn.edu.

Trademarks

UConn’s Office of Trademark Licensing and Branding ensures correct and legal use of UConn trademarks on any product sold to the general public or to campus departments and organizations. UConn trademarks include the UConn wordmark, the University oakleaf, the University seal, the Husky Dog and phrases such as Students Today, Huskies Forever. Trademark and licensing approval is required for includes usage in the areas of Traditional Retail Merchandise, use by Campus Departments and Student Organizations, use by Affiliated Organizations (e.g., UConn Co-op, UConn Foundation, UConn Alumni Association) and use by Non-UConn organizations (e.g., alumni clubs, booster clubs, approved corporate use). The Office of Trademark Licensing and Branding provides approval for all trademark usage and may be contacted at licensing@uconn.edu