Policy overview
1 Purpose
To provide direction for the framework of interaction between the University and the Media.
The policy provides University Member and Student responsibilities in relation to direct contact with the Media, and obligations with regard to the management and dissemination of information, which could reasonably reach the Media.
2 Scope
This policy applies when a University Member or Student:
- is authorised to represent the University in the Media for University business purposes; and/or
- makes reference to the University when interacting with the Media in a personal capacity.
Exclusions:
This policy does not apply to personal interaction with:
- the Media, where a University Member or Student makes no reference to University related issues
- internal University publications.
3 Policy Statement
The University will ensure a coordinated and consistent approach when dealing with the Media, while not detracting from the concepts of intellectual and academic freedom.
4 Principles
4.1 Position and profile
The University seeks to celebrate the successes in its education, research and community capacity building through Media engagement.
In all Media - local, national and international, specialist and digital - the University's position and profile must demonstrate a unified position and support its professional reputation.
4.2 Reputation and image
University Members or Students must respect and care for the reputation and image of the University and at all times will conduct themselves in accordance with the University's Code of Conduct Policy, the Student General Conduct Policy and other relevant policies. Consideration will be given to the impact that all communications and/or activities may have on the University's standing in the regional, national and international communities in which it operates.
4.3 Academic and intellectual freedom
The University recognises the rights, concepts and practice of academic and intellectual freedom and enquiry in supporting the role of Universities as places of independent learning and thought, where ideas may be put forward and opinions expressed freely and independently.
University Members and Students have a responsibility to practise academic and intellectual freedom and enquiry in a manner consistent with a responsible and honest search for, and dissemination of, knowledge and truth. This will be undertaken in accordance with the University's Code of Conduct Policy and the Student General Conduct Policy.
4.4 Authorisation to comment
Comment on any University management issue must be made by the Vice-Chancellor or a person authorised by the Vice-Chancellor.
The Vice-Chancellor may at any time give or withdraw authorisation for any University Member or Student to initiate or respond to Media contact.
4.5 Confidential information
University Members and Students must respect the confidentiality of others and ensure that Personal Information and University business (in particular, commercial and in-confidence matters) are accessed and used only for University purposes and not disclosed except where authorised by legislation. University Members and Students who have access to such information have a duty to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and security of such information, irrespective of the storage medium.
5 References
Nil.
6 Schedules
This policy must be read in conjunction with its subordinate schedules as provided in the table below.
7 Policy Information
| Accountable Officer | Pro Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) |
| Responsible Officer | Director (Media and Strategic Communications) |
| Policy Type | Executive Policy |
| Policy Suite | |
| Subordinate Schedules | |
| Approved Date | 23/8/2019 |
| Effective Date | 23/8/2019 |
| Review Date | 15/1/2029 |
| Relevant Legislation | Corporations (Queensland) Act 1990 |
| Policy Exceptions | |
| Related Policies | Academic Freedom and Freedom of Speech Policy Enterprise Risk Management Policy Handling Personal Student Information Policy and Procedure Public Interest Disclosure Policy |
| Related Procedures | Employee Complaints (Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault and Sex Discrimination) Procedure |
| Related forms, publications and websites | |
| Definitions | Terms defined in the Definitions Dictionary |
| All print, radio, television and electronic Media including the internet and allied distribution channels. Includes social Media which are works of user-created video, audio, text or multimedia that are published and shared in a social environment, such as a blog, podcast, forum, wiki, or video hosting site. More broadly, social Media refers to any online technology that enables people...moreAll print, radio, television and electronic Media including the internet and allied distribution channels. Includes social Media which are works of user-created video, audio, text or multimedia that are published and shared in a social environment, such as a blog, podcast, forum, wiki, or video hosting site. More broadly, social Media refers to any online technology that enables people to publish, converse and share content online. Is information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion....moreIs information or an opinion, including information or an opinion forming part of a database, whether true or not, and whether recorded in a material form or not, about an individual whose identity is apparent, or can reasonably be ascertained, from the information or opinion. A person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled....moreA person who is enrolled in a UniSQ Upskill Course or who is admitted to an Award Program or Non-Award Program offered by the University and is: currently enrolled in one or more Courses or study units; or not currently enrolled but is on an approved Leave of Absence or whose admission has not been cancelled. The term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland....moreThe term 'University' or 'UniSQ' means the University of Southern Queensland. Persons who include: Employees of the University whose conditions of employment are covered by the UniSQ Enterprise Agreement whether full time or fractional, continuing, fixed-term or casual, including senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University; members of the University Council and University Committees; visiti...morePersons who include: Employees of the University whose conditions of employment are covered by the UniSQ Enterprise Agreement whether full time or fractional, continuing, fixed-term or casual, including senior Employees whose conditions of employment are covered by a written agreement or contract with the University; members of the University Council and University Committees; visiting, honorary and adjunct appointees; volunteers who contribute to University activities or who act on behalf of the University; and individuals who are granted access to University facilities or who are engaged in providing services to the University, such as contractors or consultants, where applicable. The person bearing the title of Vice-Chancellor and President, or as otherwise defined in the University of Southern Queensland Act 1998, including a person acting in that position....moreThe person bearing the title of Vice-Chancellor and President, or as otherwise defined in the University of Southern Queensland Act 1998, including a person acting in that position. | |
| Definitions that relate to this policy only | |
| Keywords | Media, social Media, public relations, press release, corporate information, communication standard, communications standard |
| Record No | 13/492PL |