| Policy Category | Policy Owner | Version Effective Date | Review Cycle | Last Reviewed | Policy Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IX. External Relations | SVP and Chief Communications and Events Officer | Feb. 24, 2026 | Every 5 years | Feb. 24, 2026 | media@umgc.edu |
- Purpose
This policy is intended to ensure official representations of University of Maryland Global Campus (“UMGC”) in unpaid external Media align with the University’s institutional messaging and strategic communication priorities. - Scope and Applicability
This policy does not apply to academic journal submissions or scholarly publications, paid advertising produced for marketing purposes, or content or representations of UMGC produced under the terms of contractual business relationships with the University, including memorandums of understanding. - Definitions
- Media: Any formal print, digital, or audio publication—whether journalistic, non-profit, governmental, or private enterprise—operated by a third party beyond the direct control of the University and outside the terms of a formal contractual relationship with the institution. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Newspapers, magazines, news websites, and official blogs
- Broadcast video and radio programs, podcasts, and online video channels
- Newsletters produced by a partner organization or business, whether intended for their internal or external audiences
- Representing the University: Engaging in any communication or interaction with a Media entity on behalf of the University for possible or planned external publication. This includes providing content, statements, or commentary intended for publication in external Media, as well as responding to questions or supplying information to any representative of a Media organization, such as reporters, editors, producers, or similar personnel.
- Media: Any formal print, digital, or audio publication—whether journalistic, non-profit, governmental, or private enterprise—operated by a third party beyond the direct control of the University and outside the terms of a formal contractual relationship with the institution. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Policy Statements
- The Office of Communications is the primary institutional contact with the Media. UMGC staff and faculty are prohibited from representing UMGC in the Media without approval from the Senior Vice President, Office of Communications.
- All requests and proposals for Media engagement must be channeled through either the Senior Director for Public Relations or the Vice President for University Communications in the Office of Communications. Upon receipt or proposal, please immediately forward all requests and concepts for engagement with external Media to media@umgc.edu for review.
- Responses to the Media from UMGC's overseas offices should also be coordinated with the Office of Communications.
- To support timely and effective engagement, the Communications team will aim to provide an initial review of all internal requests for Media engagement within one (1) business day. Depending on subject matter complexity, coordination requirements, workload, or other factors, the Communications team may require up to 72 hours to review after the initial request is received.