Media and the return to school
From: Virginia.Tech.news@vt.edu
To: Multiple recipients <LISTSERV@LISTSERV.VT.EDU>
Subject: Media and the return to school
TO: The students, faculty, and staff of Virginia Tech
RE: Media and the return to school
With the beginning of the fall 2007 semester, there will be intense media interest in the Virginia Tech community in light of the events of April 16. While some may prefer otherwise, there will again be many broadcasters, reporters, and cameras on the campus. Indeed, some already are on campus.
Our university is public property. Our roads are public thoroughfares. We cannot bar the media from campus. However, although our buildings are open to the public, residence halls, offices, and classrooms are restricted. Faculty members control entry to classrooms while teaching there. Labs are open only to those authorized. Offices are semi-private spaces open to anyone with a reason to be there. University residence halls are living quarters and open only to those living there and their guests.
What should you do if a member of the news media approaches you for an interview? You are never REQUIRED to speak to the media. Politely telling a reporter "no thank you" will suffice. If a reporter is particularly troublesome, just walk away and do not feel guilty about doing so.
However, I am proud -- very, very proud -- of our university community and how we have represented ourselves to the world through the media over the past several months. You have shown the world the special nature of Hokie Spirit. If you are comfortable, feel free to speak about yourselves, your involvement with the university, or your feelings about the future. I wouldn&#39;t be surprised if reporters want to take you back to April 16. You control discussion and you talk about what you want to talk about. It&#39;s your time.
Should you engage a reporter, take advantage of the opportunity to share some Hokie Spirit. The world mourned with us and maintains an interest in the collective health of our extended university community. I believe that most reporters share this concern and compassion. With so many reporters present, this is a unique opportunity to again convey the character of our community and tell a little about why Virginia Tech and Blacksburg are such very special places.
Lawrence G. Hincker
Brent Jesiek
hincker, media, reporters, return to school, university relations
Lawrence G. Hincker, "Media and the return to school," The April 16 Archive, accessed July 19, 2019, http://april16archive.org/items/show/1088.