Faculty & Staff

The Office of Communications can help promote department and center initiatives and faculty work, such as published research, service initiatives, events, or program launches. It is important to contact us early in the process so that we have time to determine the relevance for media and plan an appropriate strategy.

For example, here is how the news release process works for published research:

1. Once it is determined that research is appropriate for a press release, we will work with you to draft the release, coordinate a media outreach plan, and schedule for distribution.
2. As soon as a study is accepted for publication, please let the Office of Communications know. You can send us a manuscript or galley proof and the journal’s contact information.
3. We then discuss with the study authors how to translate the work for a lay audience, draft the news release, and send it to the authors for final approval.
4. Upon approval by the author(s) and discussion regarding any embargo issues, we then distribute the release externally to an appropriate media list as well as to Columbia University / Columbia University Medical Center.

We also can help authors prepare for interviews with reporters in terms of content and logistics.

• A member of the Office of Communications is responsible for escorting all television crews, reporters, and photographers.
• During interviews it is important that faculty specifically mention their affiliation with the Mailman School of Public Health.
• If study authors are contacted directly by a reporter, please let us know.

Coaching or Training

The Office of Communications offers assistance should you require coaching or training for media calls or interviews. This assistance can be informal helpful hints or more structured guidelines when dealing with the media.

Identifying Communication Outlets

The Office of Communications assists in identifying opportunities when you have content for other communications vehicles. This includes informing the Columbia University Medical Center and Columbia University communities and external media outlets about your service activities or other announcements.

For more information, please contact the Office of Communications.