Media and Public Relations

• Each week, we facilitate an editorial meeting that is open to campus communicators. Join us on Mondays at 11 a.m. to discuss stories and projects and how we can amplify their impact. For more information about the meeting, email Tamara Wilder at tamara.wilder@comm.gatech.edu.
• Before pitching stories to the media, contact our media relations team with your story ideas. Refer to the Op-Ed and News Pitching Guidelines to determine the best outlet for the story.

• Contact a member of the media relations team (on call 24/7) to review the request.
• Inform us of the deadline for response. Promptly let us know whether you can or cannot accommodate the request by the deadline. Keep in mind that many media outlets have immediate deadlines.
• We can facilitate the interview process and, if needed, bring in additional faculty members who can provide expert insight about their research area and related topics.
• Queries involving international film crews require additional coordination. Please contact the  media relations team upon receiving such a request.

When public comment on behalf of Georgia Tech is requested:

• Contact a member of the media relations team (on call 24/7) to review the request.
• We will coordinate with senior leadership to designate an appropriate spokesperson.
• Faculty members are always free to discuss any topics related to their areas of academic expertise but should not speak on behalf of the Institute unless designated as a spokesperson.

Through media training, our team helps members of the Georgia Tech community prepare for media interviews. We offer media training each semester in a small group setting.

Sign up for Media Training
Email Ayana Isles or Siobhan McBean-Swan.

During a crisis or incident that disrupts normal operations, Georgia Tech has procedures in place to communicate with the campus community, the media, and the public.

Crisis Coordination and Communication

• The media relations team directs and coordinates Georgia Tech’s crisis communication message and serves as the official voice of the Institute.
• The Georgia Tech Police Department and Institute Communications are authorized to communicate emergency information on behalf of the Institute. 
• Read and familiarize yourself with the Georgia Institute of Technology Crisis Coordination and Communications Plan.
  • These plans are to be used in collaboration with the Office of Emergency Preparedness’ plans for Business Continuity and Crisis. 
  • Each unit should create a shadow plan that works along with these plans.

Weather Events

• During a weather emergency or other event that disrupts normal university operations, Institute Communications media team members will reach out to the media to engage their assistance in notifying the public.

Campus Community Deaths

It is important and necessary for the campus community to be informed of the death of an individual as soon as it is reasonably possible.

• When the death involves a student, the Vice President/Dean of Students will act as the primary liaison with the family of the deceased.
• The Communications Director for Student Life will act as the primary coordinator for campus communications.
• Read and familiarize yourself with the Campus Death Notification Protocol.

Communication Channels

The approved channels of communication include, but are not limited to:

• Georgia Tech Emergency Notification System (GTENS)
• Email
• Voice mail
• Text messages
• Siren system
• Georgia Tech websites
• News releases
• Digital campus signage and screens
• Emergency phone lines

Questions?

Contact a member of the media relations team.