Media Relations
The media relations team acts as a direct liaison between Grinnell College and both print and broadcast media. Staff issue news releases, communicate Grinnell news and information to media outlets, and facilitate student/faculty interaction with the press.
For students, faculty, and staff
Contact Media Relations to:
- publicize an event, accomplishment, or other initiative
- suggest interesting Grinnell-related stories for coverage
If a reporter contacts you:
- Contact the communication team (641-269-3400) before responding to the media. All media who wish to come on the Grinnell Campus should check in with us. During the evenings and weekends, please notify Security (641-269-4600).
- You are individually responsible for what you say to media. Most reporters will not allow to you see or edit the piece before publication or broadcast.
- There is no such thing as "off the record." Speaking to the media is a choice. It is OK to say yes. It is OK to say no. It is OK to not answer a question that makes you uncomfortable, even if you have agreed to an interview.
- Information about students is limited to directory information only.
- Because they are private living spaces, residence halls are off limits to the media unless a written exception has been made by Student Affairs and the communication team.
- Most other buildings on campus, such as the Joe Rosenfield '25 Center, are public spaces where members of the media are allowed.
For the media
Reporters may contact the media relations team (641-269-3400) in order to:
- reach faculty, students, and staff;
- brainstorm story ideas; or
- get more information about Grinnell news releases.
Editorial
Most print and online communications for the College go through the editorial team. Major responsibilities include researching, writing, and editing The Grinnell Magazine, front-page feature stories for grinnell.edu, admission communications, alumni engagement, and more.
Interactive
The web team oversees the development, architecture, maintenance, and management of grinnell.edu.
Creative
The creative team oversees the graphic design, photography, and video content of all College communications, including The Grinnell Magazine, admissions, alumni, campus events, other publications, and grinnell.edu.
Photography
- Contact Justin Hayworth, Photographer/Videographer, 641-269-3115
- In addition, the Grinnell College Image Database stores thousands of images depicting campus life and Grinnell scenery.
Graphic Design/Publications
- Contact us (641-269-3400 or communications@grinnell.edu) when you first think you might need a publication.
- Give yourself, and us, enough time.
- Minimum of 8 weeks for smaller jobs
- Up to 6 months for larger jobs
- Focus your time on business decisions.
- Who do you want to reach? What is your message?
- Consider photography, printing, and mailing costs in your budget.
- Consider creating an annual communication plan.
Internal
The goal of internal communications is to promote College initiatives, advance campus awareness of events, programs and news, and foster an overall sense of community and common purpose across the campus.
Internal Communications Options
- Email/Listservs
- GrinnellShare
- Memo
- Posters