In addition to serving as the primary point of contact between media organizations and the college, the director of public relations provides a full suite of external communications and media relations services to ensure faculty and staff are prepared and present their best selves when engaging with media.
Media Training
Public Relations offers media training to assist college leaders, faculty, staff, and others to better understand the media landscape, the basics of interacting with media, and preparing for interviews. Those interested in media training should contact the director of public relations at stolafmedia@stolaf.edu.
Amplying Faculty Expertise and Published Research
Q&A that amplifies faculty expertise to local, statewide, and national journalists around pertinent topics in the news.
A brief press release that showcases how the key findings from published research relates to our everyday lives and advances a body of work.
A blog on St. Olaf News that amplifies media placements of faculty, staff, and students that align with our mission and brand.
Advice and guidance on how to write an op-ed or commentary piece on a certain current event or issue. The director of public relations can assist in recommending which outlets would be the best fit to read your op-ed piece and how to gear your argument toward a specific audience.
Responding to online harassment
Becoming a target of online harassment can be an overwhelming experience that can lead to uncertainty and a number of feelings of being exposed or having a lack of privacy. Find a full list of resources and a helpful checklist at Responding to Online Harassment.
Note on event promotion
The director of public relations prioritizes institutional events that puts St. Olaf students and culture first — such as opening convocation, commencement, or homecoming. If a speaker through a center or institute is interested in speaking with the media, our priority is collaborating with their publicist or public relations representative on campus guidelines on bringing media to campus. Upon request, the director of public relations will assist with reputational management around events, but not promotion of the event itself.
If you would like to promote an event to students, faculty, and staff, please reach out to our Editorial and Communications team.