OUR HISTORY

In March 2007, the Office of University Communications (OUC) was formally instituted after the Chancellor accepted the recommendation by the University Council of Deans to create and maintain such an office.

The OUC was established within the Office of the Chancellor, with representation* from the Office of the Provost, and it works very closely with the Office of University Publications on projects involving publications destined for an external audience.

* Dr House, as Vice Provost, represents the Office of the Provost

OUR MISSIONUR MISSION

To promote the vision of the University and to enhance its standing in the world by raising standards of our internal and external communications.

OUR CHARGER CHARGE

The charge of the OUC is to oversee all University Communications in the following areas:

1. External Communications. The OUC articulates the University to the world. This includes all the publications and communications which forward the University’s image externally. Our communications include recruitment publications, newsletters, magazines, press releases, paid editorials and communications with the media, either proactive or reactive. Every communication incorporates a respect for the University’s reputation and brand and each one must tell our story clearly and consistently.

2. Internal Communications. The OUC ensures that all constituents in the University are informed of events, developments, and accomplishments. In an ever-growing University, internal communications are a key to success. All members of the University community should share in the accomplishments and strengths of the University, while being aware of areas needing development. Internal communications about the achievements of students, staff, faculty and administrators should strike a chord, instilling into each of us both pride and desire to emulate. When each of us responds with emulation the University grows in stature. The OUC will ensure that some of our internal success stories feature in our external communications.

3. Crises Communications. In an internal or external crisis affecting the University, the OUC will communicate promptly crucial and accurate information to minimize harm to all members of the University community and to limit damage to the University’s reputation. The extant Crisis Communications Protocol is designed to guide the response procedure and ensure a satisfactory outcome to any actual or perceived crisis. The members of the Central Committee for Crisis Communications are: The Chancellor, the Dean of Enrolment Planning (Co-Director of Communication) and the Vice Provost (Co-Director of Communications).