Just the FAQs

What are the responsibilities of University Communications (formerly Public Information)?

The University Communications office is part of the University Marketing and Communications team, whose responsibilities include creating an integrated marketing strategy and image for the University. University Communications staff members offer support services to faculty, staff and students in a variety of ways, including representing the University to external audiences and the media, internal communications, crisis communications, photographic duties and public relations, public information and other activities. Questions related to University Communications issues can be forwarded to Director Pamela Young at 18 Welch Hall or e-mail her at pyoung@emich.edu.

What are FOCUS EMU and EMU TODAY?

FOCUS EMU is the electronic faculty/staff newspaper distributed by the University. EMU TODAY is an e-mail of daily and weekly events at EMU. The e-mail is sent out every morning to faculty and staff.

What is the publication schedule for FOCUS EMU?

FOCUS EMU is published weekly from September to May and monthly from May to August. Its web site is here.

How do I get something into EMU Today and FOCUS EMU?

EMU Today, the University's daily electronic calendar, announces a variety of events on campus, from meetings to entertainment and athletics. Submit your entry by e-mailing it to emutoday@emich.edu. Be sure to include the facts, such as what, where, when, event sponsor, ticket cost, a brief description, if it's open to the public and, most importantly, a telephone number for more information. FOCUS EMU is the campus' online faculty and staff newspaper published weekly during the academic year and monthly in May, June, July and August. Send campus news to editor Ron Podell at 18 Welch Hall or e-mail ron.podell@emich.edu.

Can I advertise in FOCUS EMU?

FOCUS EMU does not accept paid advertisements.

Are there any publications on campus in which I can have a paid advertisement published?

The Eastern Echo, the student newspaper, accepts paid advertisements. Call 734.487.1010 or visit their Web site at www.easternecho.com.

What is the EMU Newsline?

The EMU Newsline is a phone system that lists event information. In the event of bad weather, the Newsline is used to let the public know the status of classes. The number for the Newsline is 734-487-2460.

How can I schedule the University photographer?

EMU has one staff photographer and one student assistant to photograph the multitude of University activities. It is best to schedule your photo request well in advance with photographer Randy Mascharka at 487-4403 or leave a message on his voice mail at that number. The University Communications staff is interested in "breaking news" on campus, so when in doubt call the staff at 487-4400. And remember that area media are always interested in good feature photos, but your activity must show action and be of interest to their readers.

Can I get media coverage for my event?

Is your event open to the public? The University Communications staff announces public university events that are open to the public to more than 50 southeast Michigan media and specialized reporters at local, regional and national media. News is sent as calendar items, story ideas, feature articles, photo opportunities, news releases, public service announcements, expert sources and other media tools to get exposure for your event and EMU. Send your information to University Communications, making sure to let us know who, what, where, when, why, ticket cost, a brief description, if it's open to the public, and as always, a telephone number for more information. Send information to Ward Mullens, 18 Welch Hall, or e-mail Ward.Mullens@emich.edu.

What is news?

Editors and reporters define "news" as information that is timely, new and relevant to the lives of readers, viewers and listeners. It can be happening now or in the future. Remember, annual events that offer nothing new provide little "news."

What kind of news are you looking for?

Unique people, student activities and aspects of student and University life that are part of a larger societal trend; calendar items to help publicize your event; expert commentary on and interpretation of current events, especially if it contributes to a new or controversial point of view; original research findings that can be tied to current events or trends in society; books on current issues; programs that represent a solution to a national problem or response to a national trend. And we're always looking for a good photo that shows action, human interest or is very uncommon and unique.

What question is asked the most?

Several would get top billing. Many relate to the admissions process -- How do I apply to Eastern? Where do I come to apply? We get requests for travel directions to sites on campus; questions from sales people who don't know which office to call and visitors wanting to come to an event but need times, places and admission costs. We get many calls from media looking for expert sources and also for information on EMU's enrollment statistics. We advise callers on how to contact the Eastern Echo and the difference between FOCUS EMU and the student newspaper. And when it snows, we get calls from students wanting to know if the University is closing.

There's snow at my house. Are classes canceled and offices closed today?

The University president makes the decision on whether the University remains open during adverse weather conditions. This decision is based on updates provided by members of the campus emergency team, who monitor campus and regional conditions through the Department of Public Safety and the Physical Plant. During an alert, the Physical Plant staff monitors conditions on campus, including roads, sidewalks and parking lots. Public Safety monitors county and state roads with the help of other police agencies and through the computerized Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN). Other factors are also considered. When the University closes, the news will be carried on the EMU Newsline (734.487.2460), the University Switchboard (734.487.1849), WEMU (89.1 FM), WAAM (1600 AM) and WJR (760 AM), as well as other radio and television stations. It will also be published on this web site. Public Safety officers can be reached at 734.487.1222. Students and staff are urged to exercise good judgment during severe weather conditions.

Who are the members of the Board of Regents?

EMU's eight Board of Regents members are appointed by the governor. Please visit the Board of Regents web site for complete information.

Who is the president of EMU? Who are the vice presidents?

Complete information about the president and the university's executive leadership is here.

PHONE DIRECTORY

When is the printed phone directory distributed on campus each year?

The phone directory is usually distributed during the last week of October, but this time may vary.

Why can't the directory be distributed earlier?

Information about new faculty and staff hires is not available until after the fall term begins.

How can I change my home address and phone numbers?

You may make your changes online using your my.emich account. You may also file a Personnel Action Form (PAF) with Human Resources. Staff members at that office make the changes.

If I change offices/jobs on campus, how do I get the phone number changed?

You may make your changes online using your my.emich account. For University records, you must file a Personnel Action Form (PAF) with Human Resources. Staff members at that office then make changes.

If I do not want my home address and/or home phone number published in the phone directory, what should I do?

Each fall, a questionnaire is sent to all staff members, asking what personal informtaion should be published in the printed and online directory. You get the chance to change that each year; otherwise your most recent request will be honored until it is changed.

Does University Communications maintain the database for the directory?

No. The information is maintained on separate data bases by IT for faculty and staff (blue section) and by Registration for students in the student section. The Office of University Communications does compile information provided by University offices for the "office listings" section.

PHOTOGRAPHIC SERVICES

What photo services are offered by University Communications?

We can supply almost every type of photo or digital service, at a price. We primarily photograph events that have a news or publication value. We cannot, however, provide a photo record of every worthy happening on campus.

What costs are involved?

For basic photography, you will pay for film, processing, proofs & prints (or a CD with digital images. As a general rule , you will pay about $20 per roll of film before prints are made.

What do prints cost?

Print prices vary widely depending on size, quantity & the end use. A 4" X 6" automated print costs about a dollar; a large custom print can cost a hundred dollars or more.

How do I arrange to have photos taken?

Call (487.4403) or e-mail Randy Mascharka at University Communications. Keep in mind that the university has only one photographer. If we can't cover your event, it doesn't mean we don't love you. We simply can't photograph everything that goes on at a major university.

How far in advance should I request a photographer?

As soon as you have a date & time for your event, give us a call. The sooner we get you on our calendar, the better. If you know in January that your shindig is on June 12th, call us in January, not June 1.

How long does it take to have proofs or prints or discs made?

About one work week. Because of our small staff, many services are done by off-campus vendors. Rush service is available for some items, but the cost can be more than double the regular price.

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