The Office of University Communications plays an important role in public relations at Portland State University. Office staff field calls from members of both local and national press, pitch stories about Portland State to media outlets, manage community outreach programs such as the Umbrella Tours program, and help faculty and staff promote stories about the University.
One of the most successful ways to educate the general public about Portland State University is through print, broadcast, and online media. Through press releases and advisories about events, research projects, policy changes, and other items of interest, University Communications staff maintains ongoing communications with reporters and editors throughout the region.
One way to keep Portland State University in the news is through our Faculty Experts service, a searchable online database that allows members of the media to search for faculty members with particular expertise in a field or subject. Some Portland State faculty also list expertise at Community of Science and Profnet. Contact the Office of Graduate Studies and Research for COS updates, and University Communications for Profnet updates.
Not all public relations involves working with the media. Other forms, such as government, alumni, or donor relations may never involve a reporter, and yet can be the most effective way to communicate with those particular audiences. The Office of University Communications can help advise on interactions with the general public--helping to provide general messages about Portland State University, updates and recent news from around campus, or even copies of media coverage relevant to the audience.
