Recent questions about management of home-page web content have prompted efforts by Public Affairs and Communications staff to clarify how we choose stories and events to emphasize on the institution home page, particularly in the new “On Campus” events-oriented section.

Our successful implementation of our communications strategy depends on our telling compelling stories that express the primary message themes in our communications plan: academic leadership; global and local engagement; and our being in and of Portland. These stories can be conveyed through several vehicles and methods, including media pitches, Chronicle stories, web “headlines” and features, and alumni E-News, for example. We rely on your stories and appreciate your sharing them with us.

With respect to web content, whether and how we showcase a story (or event) depends on the nature of the story, type of information/content available, and the organizer’s goals. A story might work best as a center-column feature, a right-hand column news item, or a featured event for the “On Campus” section in the upper-right corner.

Understandably, those organizing lectures, performances, etc., want to make sure their event receives maximum visibility and turnout, including potential inclusion in the On Campus section. However, it’s imperative that you consider publicity needs and take appropriate action well in advance of the event. The shorter the time interval between our hearing from you and the date of the event, the less we can do with you to help meet your goals. (And, in the case of the On Campus section, earlier entries are ranked higher in the queue.)

Text Last Updated: 4 March 2008