Frequently Asked Questions for Faculty & Staff

What is considered “newsworthy” for the general media?
Research breakthroughs or developments, scientific progress or discoveries, programs that affect the community outside Rutgers, and public service initiatives are just a few things that are considered newsworthy. Contact the Media Relations staff member who handles your administrative or academic area (see the Media Contacts Directory) for advice on how to best publicize your news.

How do I publicize a campus event that I am organizing?
Contact the Media Relations staff member who works with your academic or administrative area at least four weeks ahead of your event. The staff member will work with you to determine the best strategy for publicizing your event.

How do I handle calls from the media?
If the call concerns an emergency, public safety, personnel, or other sensitive matter, please consult with the Media Relations office. You can either take the caller’s contact information or request that they call Media Relations directly at 732-932-7084.

If you are being asked to comment on an issue or news story, the decision to do an interview is yours. If you choose to speak with the media, please alert this office so that we can retrieve the resulting article or broadcast. If you feel the questions are outside your area of expertise or authority, please refer the reporter to the Office of Media Relations or request that a member of our staff contact the reporter.

Can I get pointers on doing interviews?
Media Relations can provide basic media training prior to print or broadcast interviews. A media consultant can be present during an interview if you wish, or if it is agreed that it would be in the best interest of the university to do so. Please notify the Media Relations office when media will be on campus so that they can be assured parking and appropriate access to facilities.

What kind of news is appropriate for Rutgers Focus?
Rutgers Focus highlights accomplishments of the university community and important programs and issues of interest to faculty and staff. Rutgers Focus is published every other week.

What kind of material is appropriate for Rutgers Magazine?
Rutgers Magazine is published by the Office of Creative Services. It publishes articles on campus culture and contemporary issues; alumni, student, and faculty achievements; and other news and information of interest to its targeted audiences. Rutgers Magazine has a circulation of approximately 75,000. It is distributed primarily to alumni and friends of Rutgers.

Will Rutgers Focus or Rutgers Magazine do a story on a book or major journal article I have written?
Rutgers Focus and the magazine consider books, major research, and other faculty accomplishments for articles. You or your publisher may submit books to those publications’ editors. You can also contact the Media Relations staff member who works with your department for guidance.

How should I submit an op-ed to a newspaper?
Media Relations can assist you with editing and placing an op-ed.

Can I be a Rutgers “expert?”
The media often reach out to Rutgers faculty and staff experts to comment on current events, topics, and issues. If you would like to share your scholarly or professional expertise with the media, you can participate in the Rutgers experts online directory administered by the Office of Media Relations. For more information on how to participate, contact Sandra Lanman, director of Media Relations, at (732) 932-7084, ext. 621 or send e-mail to experts@rutgers.edu.

How can I learn more about communicating information to the university community and beyond?

University Human Resources, in collaboration with University Relations, the Center for Teaching Advancement and Assessment Research, Mail and Document Services, and the Office of Instructional Research and Technology, offers the Communicator Certificate Program for faculty and staff. The program supports professional development and enrichment, and provides opportunities for networking and sharing resources with colleagues. Presented by subject-matter experts, the program ensures that employees responsible for promoting the university develop the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to do so effectively.