Academic and outreach units across the Illinois campus have communications staff members who can provide expertise with media interactions, but we all need occasional help with various public relations opportunities.

Public Affairs' resources help those units reach audiences, while ensuring consistent communications across the campus at critical times.

The News Bureau

The News Bureau at Public Affairs is available to help you reach the public with the news your unit generates using local, state, national, and international media.

• Submitting news to the News Bureau: tips on how your unit can best work with the News Bureau
• Local media outlets you may choose to contact without News Bureau assistance
• Advice on preparing for print and broadcast media interviews

crisis communications

Public Affairs advice on handling communications issues in crisis situations on campus.

• Crisis communications tipsheet
  • What constitutes a crisis?
  • What should our unit do during a crisis, and what will Public Affairs do for us?
  • What information is critical, and who needs to have that information?
  • Are there crises that can be anticipated?
• Crisis interview strategies
• Sample critical incident summary
• Sample FAQs

Illinois Freedom of Information Act

Every communicator on the Illinois campus should have some familiarity with the Illinois Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), although Public Affairs is the only office on campus authorized to respond to FOIA requests, even those filed in unit offices.

• FAQs about FOIA
• Types of documents typically requested
• Download the University of Illinois FOIA request form (pdf)