Chapter 19: Policies on Media, Communication, and Marketing

Emory is committed to the dissemination of knowledge and of timely and accurate information about its programs and activities through an effective media relations program. Emory must speak to the news media with a clear, unified voice to ensure that the university is properly and accurately interpreted to the many constituencies it serves. The offices of Communications and Public Affairs  and of Health Sciences Communications initiate all contacts and respond to all inquiries from the news media and release information about events, programs, research, emergencies, and incidents involving Emory. In addition, these two offices release information about events, programs, research, emergencies, and incidents involving Emory. The Senior Vice President for Communications and Public Affairs, in conjunction with other university and communications officers, will designate official spokespersons for the university in representing the institution's policies and positions on matters of controversy. This policy pertains to individual expressions of institutional positions. 

In rare occasions, it may be necessary to release patient information. The Working with and Releasing Patient Information to the Media (9.4) policy details procedures for working with the media; provides guidance for releasing patient information; discusses when patient information should not be released; offers details about releasing patient information in the event of a major crisis or disaster situation; and delineates one-word patient condition reports that can be used that parallel the American Hospital Association guidelines. 

Use of Emory's name, logo, or marks in any commercial setting requires prior approval from Emory, and this policy describes how requests for such approval should be made. 

Emory University supports the use of social media as a way to facilitate communication for the greater good of the Emory community. Social media is a valuable tool and has revolutionized the way people communicate with those around them. These guidelines are provided for official university social media communications. Official social media sites must comply with all applicable laws and exiting Emory policies including Information Technology Conditions of Use, University Mission, and Standards of Conduct. 

Except in rare circumstances, Emory University does not endorse the use of university funds for purposes of fund-raising by other nonprofit organizations. The policy also describes the procedure for review of requests for Emory to purchase advertisements in publications.