Media Practices
The news media provides an important communication channel to the community, region, state, and nation. Public awareness and support of Hawkeye Community College and its programs is enhanced through the maintenance of good working relationships with the media and the public. Hawkeye’s Public Relations and Marketing office strives to disseminate information in a cooperative and coordinated manner to those people who request assistance.
Hawkeye’s media policy and practices are based on a commitment to supplying accurate information to which the media and public have a just and reasonable claim. Policies and practices take into account Hawkeye’s status as a public institution of higher education and the state/federal laws governing the release of information. As a result of these laws, Hawkeye may have limitations in releasing information to protect the rights of students or employees. Hawkeye’s policy pertains only to matters related to the college or that would affect the college.
Media Policy and Contacts
It is the expectation of the Administration that direct contact between Hawkeye and the media will be initiated by or through the Public Relations and Marketing office. A reliable one-stop shop fosters media confidence in the institution and ensures that the college speaks with one voice with timely and accurate information.
The Public Relations and Marketing office will assist the media in contacting members of the Hawkeye community. Staff members will also be responsible for coordinating all subsequent interviews and information sharing.
Student contact information will not be released by the Public Relations and Marketing office without permission of the student. The Hawkeye switchboard does not release student contact information.
Hawkeye employees should always make a distinction between official information and personal opinions when dealing with the media.
Crisis Communications
Hawkeye has a crisis communication plan that is a part of the college Emergency Crisis Plan. Hawkeye’s Crisis Management team will work with the Public Relations and Marketing office and a designated college spokesperson to coordinate the release of all information to the media and other internal and external constituents in the event of a major emergency situation.