Media Relations publicizes Bluefield State faculty, staff, and student news, programs, and events within the context of a broader strategy of institutional communications, and seeks to secure media coverage of college events, programs, and achievements. Media Relations produces official news releases for Bluefield State and promotes stories directly to news media, handles crisis communication, and helps to coordinate key institutional events.
Emergency Notification
The Office works with the college's leadership and the Office of Public Safety to coordinate timely notification to the college community in the event of an emergency that poses a threat to the health and safety of students, employees, and/or guests on campus.
Emergency Services
Government Relations
Media Relations facilitates the College’s interactions with legislative and government bodies. This includes collaborating with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission on state legislative relations, staying informed of recent or proposed legislation, and assisting faculty, staff, and students who seek to be informed of, and engaged in, the political process.
Issue Management
Media Relations provides input in dealing with issues that are of a sensitive nature to the College and the general public.
Media Relations
The Office develops and maintains contact with the news-editorial departments in print and broadcast news media at the local, state, and national level, providing story suggestions on a regular basis. In addition, media inquiries are initially directed to this Office for referral or answer.
General Advance Publicity
Media Relations provides advance news releases and requests for coverage about pending campus events, including workshops, lectures, theatrical performances, concerts, and special information by the university. Individuals and organizations interested in utilizing the Office of Institutional and Media Relations to publicize an event or activity are encouraged to contact the office, preferably at least six weeks in advance of the event. This lead time will facilitate planning and scheduling methods for promoting the event.
Institutional Announcements
Media Relations prepares news releases about key administrative and institutional changes, including appointments, promotions, and other information of interest to the general public. To request publicity from external news outlets for students’ honors and awards, send details in writing about the honor or award to our office.
Announcements of new programs or changes in policies are initiated by the administrator with immediate oversight.
Internal Communication
Ongoing internal communication with the campus is facilitated through The Bulletin, e-mail, publications, and other appropriate channels. The office also maintains contact with the Blue & Gold Magazine.
Event Checklist