Media Relations / PR
Share your expertise with the world.
Public Relations
Public Relations support is available for campus entities with news to share and performances/ events to promote which may be of interest to the public.
Please note due to limited resources, the Office of Communications and Creative Services reserve the right to determine which items will be promoted widely.
Don’t Wait
With sufficient advanced notice, we can help you engage traditional and digital media outlets and provide support with press releases, op-eds, media pitches, social media, and advertising buys for newsworthy items.
Please note that for major media outlets and monthly publications there is often a three-month lead time. For event listings, many publications request information be sent at least three weeks in advance. Op-eds should be written and submitted within a couple of days of the event or issue which inspired the column.
As news and events may be suitable for inclusion in larger stories, please contact the media relations specialist as early as possible with information and details about your upcoming projects and events.
Make It Social
Tag the main Purchase College accounts on your social media posts.
Mention Purchase
The college subscribes to a digital clipping service, so if you mention Purchase College, we will see it.
For all public relations matters, please contact: betsy.aldredge@purchase.edu
Offer Your Expertise
Members of the press often contact us in search of content experts willing to comment on trending stories. Please reach out to Betsy Aldredge if you are willing and available to be contacted, usually on short notice, to offer insight on a reporter’s story.
What’s Newsworthy?
Purchase is full of innovative faculty members and creative students. We love telling stories to a wider audience. The key is to identify which stories are newsworthy— and when.
Some things to consider.
- Have you seen similar stories on the topic in the past? Is there a reporter/outlet who covers the topic?
- Can you comment on a story in the news cycle and serve as an expert interview on local or national television or radio?
- How does your research/project add to a wider conversation?
- What makes your story unique? Who is the audience?
- Do you have facts and statistics to support your idea?
- How would you explain your research to a layperson?
- Does your story tie into a national trend? An important anniversary?
- Can you illustrate your story with video and/or images?
If you’re not sure, feel free to reach out and let us help consider it.
Tips for Writing an Op-Ed
As professors and university administrators, you are in the perfect positions to write op-eds about your areas of expertise.
Here are some tips to keep in mind.
- Keep it current. Make sure your topic is relevant to the current news cycle.
- Don’t get discouraged by rejection. Editors receive hundreds of submissions a day.
- Be straightforward. Make your point in the first paragraph.
- Keep it brief. Op-eds are usually 600-750 words.
- Read several op-eds to get a sense of the style. They usually feature short paragraphs and short sentences that advocate a strong point of view.
- Personal stories can help make your point. Don’t be afraid to use a little humor as well, if appropriate.
- Offer a solution. Close with your recommendations.
Feel free to send it to us for review.