As a North Carolina public agency, the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) has a responsibility to provide accredited news media outlets with access to its campus, employees and public information, while respecting and protecting the privacy and personal information of students, faculty and staff. Interaction with external media outlets on behalf of the university is overseen and coordinated by the Office of University Relations (OUR).
Spokespersons
- Only OUR staff and other employees who have been designated by the Chancellor as spokespersons of the university may make statements on behalf of the university.
- Any inquiries from media representatives received by university employees requesting information or comment from them as to the university’s statement or position regarding a matter must be directed to OUR.
Athletics Information
- Information relating to student-athletes, coaches and staff in the Department of Athletics is the responsibility of sports information and the associate athletic director for communications.
University News Releases
Although individual departments may draft their own press releases, all media releases, media advisories and plans for press conferences must be reviewed, approved and distributed by OUR prior to dissemination. Other colleges, schools, departments or offices may not independently release information to the news media.
Personal Expression
UNCW employees and students may always choose to speak with representatives of the media in order to express their personal position or opinion, but they do not have to do so. If they do so, they are requested to clarify and distinguish that it is a personal opinion when doing so and that they are not giving it by virtue of their position at the university.
As a courtesy, employees are strongly encouraged to inform OUR when they have spoken with a media representative, but are not under any obligation to do so.
For information regarding media relations policies contact our@uncw.edu.
