Statements and Announcements

Policy number: 5.11

Policy section: Development and External Affairs

Revised Date: October 23, 2024

1.  Definitions

Definitions of capitalized terms are set forth in Appendix A.

2.  Policy Statement

At the direction of the President, the Vice President for Development and External Affairs (“the Vice President”) and the Division of Development and External Affairs (“DEA”) will have authority for creating and disseminating official University Statements and Announcements; as well as determining spokespeople.  DEA also coordinates Statements and Announcements created and distributed by Schools and Units, following established guidelines.

3.  Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to protect the public image of the University while ensuring the accuracy and, as appropriate, the confidentiality of its information.

4.  Applicability

All faculty, students, staff, volunteers, and contractors are expected to comply with this Policy.

5.  Questions

Questions regarding this Policy are to be directed to the Office of the Vice President.

6.  Department Administrative Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines

Development and External Affairs guidelines for responding to social and world events can be found here.

Appendix A: Definitions

“Announcement” refers to timely, celebratory, or promotional University information provided to the public.

“School” refers to SMU’s seven schools and one college, and departments and programs within.

“Statement” refers to a University opinion or situational status/update provided to the public proactively or in response to an inquiry.

“Unit” refers to established entities other than Schools, such as the Office of the Provost, Central University Libraries, Department of Athletics, Division of Students Affairs, etc., and departments and programs within.

Revised: October 23, 2024

Adopted: January 2, 2019

The official University Policy Manual is housed in the Office of the University Secretary. The University Secretary is responsible for maintaining new and updated policies and for maintaining this website. Should the official University Policy Manual conflict with any internal policies, procedures, departmental administrative rules, or guidelines, that may be contained in manuals provided by schools, departments, or divisions within the University, the official University Policy Manual controls.