Office of the President

Presidential Messages Protocol

Overview
The President of Portland State University is often called upon to issue public statements regarding a variety of public policy issues and local, national and global events. The university recognizes the powerful tool of its leader's voice and acknowledges that overuse of the president’s voice can diminish its impact. Nor is it appropriate for the president to weigh in on global issues not tied to the PSU campus. This protocol establishes the guidelines for determining when the president will make any statements on behalf of the university, offers alternatives to a presidential statement, and identifies the various methods of communication.

General guidelines for issuing a presidential statement
The president of Portland State University may issue a written or video-recorded public statement via email and on the Presidential Messages webpage when the following circumstances are met:

  • A crisis directly impacts the university campus and/or students, faculty and staff, especially concerning safety or if our collective community has experienced a significant tragedy.
  • Public policy (legislation, court decisions, ballot initiatives, etc.) and/or local, national and global events that impact the university’s ability to pursue its mission of academic excellence, research, equity, sustainability and community engagement.

Alternatives to issuing a presidential statement

  1. A statement from a campus leader who specializes in the relevant area and who the president has delegated to respond;
  2. Acknowledgement of an event or issue on the president’s social media channels or on the PSU social media channels;
  3. Targeted communications to a community that is directly affected by an issue, possibly delivered by a campus leader directly connected to the particular community (i.e. a Vice President or Vice Provost, director of a resource center, dean of a school or college);
  4. Direct engagement with the affected community; and/or
  5. A campus event.

Ways the president and PSU leaders can connect with the PSU community about important issues and events that impact the university:

  • Email statements (also posted on the Presidential Messages webpage)
  • Public statements (press releases)
  • Video messages
  • Social Media
  • Speeches at local events with audiences connected to the issue or event
  • Attending faculty senate meetings
  • Direct engagement with campus constituency groups
  • Assembling a campus panel discussion to foster and model thoughtful dialogue

Conclusion
The president's communication aims to align with and advance PSU's identity, mission, and strategic priorities, while also valuing the contribution of other voices within the PSU community.Portland State must be a place where all views can be expressed and debated in an environment free from harassment and hate. Effective and judicious communication ensures transparency, supports the community, and furthers PSU's commitment to scholarship, research, and positive societal impact.

(Updated December, 2023) 

Presidential Messages Protocol