Breadcrumb
News Bureau Frequently Asked Questions
The purpose of sharing news is to bring the UCM mission and our myriad success stories to the public. By working with the Office of Integrated Marketing and Communications (IMC), we can ensure your news reaches the best possible channels, maximizing coverage and distribution opportunities. We look forward to collaborating with you to highlight the impactful work being done at UCM.
General Information
What tactics does the IMC team use to share news?
- News releases: For significant external updates.
- Media advisories: To invite media to upcoming events.
- Media pitches: For personalized stories.
- Expert interviews: Connecting faculty/staff experts with media.
- Press conferences: Reserved for major announcements.
- Social media: For suitable news items.
What can faculty and staff do?
Communicate with us regularly about:
- New grants
- Research findings
- Interesting collaborations
- Student activities
- Human interest angles
- Interactions with the press
- Classroom demonstrations or guest speakers
Areas of interest include:
- Unique utilization of technology in the classroom
- Student, faculty and staff achievements and awards
- Upcoming events of interest to the Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit communities or Central Missouri region
- Notification of grants or other funding opportunities
- Community and business partnerships
- Local ties to current events; program enhancements, upgrades or new offerings
Should we notify the Communications team about an upcoming study?
How do I request a news release, communications consultation or media training?
Please use our job request form to request assistance at least three weeks in advance.
Please note that the University Communications team reserves the right to recommend alternative means of sharing your news if it seems more appropriate.
I don’t need a press release, but I need other marketing assistance. Who do I contact?
Media Relations
Do you offer media training?
Yes. We will help you prepare for your closeup. Whether it is for a print, broadcast, podcast or online interview, we will give you tips, tactics and strategies for an effective media appearance.
What is the Experts Directory and how can I join it?
The News Bureau team works to amplify UCM’s message of redefining what's possible
beyond campus.
A major asset in these efforts is the university's diverse faculty and staff, whose
expertise spans a wide range of subjects, making them valuable resources for the media
and local organizations. The UCM Experts Directory highlights these individuals, offering them opportunities to gain media exposure
and showcase their knowledge on various topics. By engaging with the media and sharing
knowledge with the public, our experts help enhance UCM’s academic reputation while
serving as credible sources for public inquiries.
To be added or removed from the list, email ncooke@ucmo.edu.
How does the Communications team pitch faculty and staff expertise to the media?
Can IMC guarantee media coverage for our stories?
Why not send every story to the media?
How should faculty and staff respond to media inquiries?
Can faculty and staff contribute to op-eds?
Press Releases
What materials should I send IMC to be considered for a news release?
The main things we need are related to the following principles: newsworthiness, timeliness and adherence to the UCM strategic plan. In other words, we must be particular about allocating resources to write, pitch and distribute news releases.
News releases must be of public interest, timely, involve external publicity, be unusual or novel, have a direct audience effect, spotlight exceptional accomplishments and/or demonstrate UCM’s mission and values. Evaluation criteria for a news release include:
- Newsworthiness: Not every story is newsworthy: is it of general interest to the public or is it a very niche item with limited interest to a broad readership/viewership/listenership? This does not mean we never do features or releases about niche items; it just means we have to strategically allocate our time and the limited attention of the news media.
- Timeliness: Most news items should be released shortly after an event, announcement or trend. A press release in March about an announcement from December is usually a non-starter, as most news outlets will consider it “old news.” We strongly encourage notifying IMC a minimum of two weeks prior to an event you wish to promote or have us cover. The more lead time, the better to get your item into our workflow.
- Adherence to the UCM strategic plan: Put simply, our media outreach is designed to further awareness of our strategic plans and priorities as an institution of higher learning. News items should illustrate progress toward our strategic goals.
Unsure if your story idea is newsworthy? Please feel free to contact us and we can help determine the best course of action. We can’t promise to pursue every press release request or story pitch, but the News Bureau team is open to suggestions. The UCM community is a big place, and we know there are plenty of newsworthy stories we haven’t heard about yet.
Can we submit a press release draft for IMC to distribute to media lists?
Yes. All releases should be written in typical format with adherence to AP Style. IMC reserves the right to edit all press releases or consult with the submitter regarding newsworthiness, tone and timeliness.
What should we do once a news release is distributed?
What if IMC cannot write and distribute a news release?
Not all events warrant a news release, but there are other ways to share information, such as:
- UCM Daily: For employee-oriented news.
- UCM Weekly: For student-oriented news.
- UCM Event Calendar: For event information.
Other Communication Methods
Can you send my announcement via email from the News Bureau?
The News Bureau team determines when information reaches the level of a campus-wide email. Generally, this form of communication is reserved for significant university events, emergency notifications and other select announcements on a case-by-case basis.
How can I get something included in the UCM Alumni Magazine?
The UCM Alumni Magazine is published twice a year and includes feature stories and university updates that appeal to UCM’s worldwide alumni base. To pitch a story idea, email kstrickland@ucmo.edu.
How can I get something on UCM social media channels?
How can I appear on the Central Speaks podcast?
The Central Speaks podcast puts the spotlight on employees who propel the University of Central Missouri forward. Each episode, we delve into the stories of those who embody UCM’s spirit of innovation and service, showcasing the transformative work that redefines what’s possible on our campus and beyond. To nominate a guest, email jgreenwood@ucmo.edu.
Please click here for details.
How do I get information in the UCM Daily & UCM Weekly?
UCM Daily is a weekday e-newsletter for UCM employees and retirees, sharing university-related news. UCM Weekly is a Saturday e-newsletter for UCM students, providing university-related updates.
All UCM employees (not including student workers and graduate assistants) have access to post information in the UCM Daily and UCM Weekly newsletters. Faculty and staff are encouraged to use these newsletters to share information with the campus community, such as upcoming events, professional development opportunities, faculty, staff and student awards, and feedback surveys.
For more information, visit the UCM Daily & Weekly FAQ page.
How do I request photography?
What are the guidelines for submitting photographs?
