Guidelines for University Messages and Statements
As a university president, I am asked or encouraged to make statements (both written and verbal) on a variety of issues or situations that impact members of our campus community. I am sharing some of the challenges and thought processes I undergo when determining when I should or should not make a statement to the campus community.
The decision on when to make a statement is often complex and nuanced, and one that I approach through the lens of supporting every member of our diverse campus community. Cal State Monterey Bay is a public university with 7,000 students and 1,000 employees, all with unique perspectives, opinions and lived experiences. As a richly diverse and inclusive academic community, it is a microcosm of our local, national and international landscape.
Deciding When to Make a Statement
When planning for campus wide communications, there are four main areas to consider:
- Situations connected directly to CSUMB, including updates on campus events, accomplishments, achievements, issues and safety: these types of messages are sent out regularly in email, through cabinet updates, on the university website, social media posts or other channels of communication
- Local/CSU community issues, including incidents or situations that directly impact the campus or campus safety - for instance, if there is a tragic event at a local community college or nearby CSU, a weather event that requires updates to the campus or other local emergencies: these types of messages are sent occasionally via Otter alert, email, social media, website notices or other channels of communication as needed
- Higher Education in general, including local, state or national issues or situations in higher education that connect to the CSUMB community: these types of messages may be sent out if there is a strong connection to the CSUMB community, and the leadership team may also engage in advocacy work at the state and federal level
- Policy issues, including state, national and international policy decisions or laws: the leadership team and university will take no official position on policy issues
With all campus matters and communications, it is a judgment call whether or not to make a statement. Depending on the situation, sometimes a different cabinet member is the appropriate person to communicate about a matter. We may also determine that we should connect with a subset of the campus community rather than communicate campus-wide.
I sometimes must refrain from discussing circumstances that occur on campus. These can include legally protected matters involving ongoing investigations, collective bargaining, personnel issues, Title IX/DHR reports and student conduct. In these situations, we should prioritize and protect the integrity of our processes. I understand that in the age of social media and 24-hour news cycles, there are expectations that we express opinions and share updates in real-time, but that can risk undermining our core values of fairness and due process (among other legal considerations).
External events or activities
When I am asked to discuss external events or activities occurring on a local, regional, national or international level, I evaluate if it falls into one of the four above categories and if the event or activities impact the core mission or values of our university. In such cases, a message may not provide a direct opinion on the events or activities but serve as a way to offer resources or support services for those in our campus community who may need them. For instance, we may send a reminder about affinity groups, student organizations and clubs, or mental health services we offer through the Personal Growth and Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program.
Freedom of Expression and Freedom of Speech
While I may not make a direct statement, the university champions the rights of freedom of speech and freedom of expression for our students, faculty, staff and community members. Our Interim Time, Place and Manner Policy guides when and how community members can express themselves.
*These University Messages Guidelines were developed with review of CSU Fullerton and UCI statements, as well as other university best practices.