Division of Government Relations and Public Affairs

Our mission

As the principal clearinghouse of information about the University of Massachusetts Boston, the Division of University Government Relations and Public Affairs creates and disseminates the news of the university. We bring reports of research, events, special programs, exceptional students, and faculty achievements to the general public, to elected governmental officials and to our own university community. Our efforts result in increased public awareness of the many strengths of UMass Boston.

Responsible for all university media relations, University Government Relations and Public Affairs produces news releases, media advisories, lead sheets, and public service announcements conveying news about the activities and accomplishments of UMass Boston students, faculty and staff to print and broadcast media. These are produced in conjunction with faculty well in advance of the events. We also provide faculty and staff with one-on-one media relations guidance and help prepare them to communicate effectively on camera or to print reporters.

In addition, University Government Relations and Public Affairs oversees government affairs and community relations as well as special events and graphic design/creative services. University Government Relations and Public Affairs produces multiple publications, including the university's Annual Report, the monthly newsletter, the University Reporter, the UMass Boston Fact Sheet, the Reporter's Guide to UMass Boston, and the Calendar of Events. In collaboration with University Advancement and Alumni Affairs, University Government Relations and Public Affairs also produces UMass Boston magazine, which is published twice a year.

We reach on-campus audiences via our monthly newsletter, the University Reporter, an eight-page tabloid published monthly September to May and distributed free of charge to the University Community. The purpose of this publication is to celebrate the mission of the University by providing information on events, faculty, student and staff accomplishments, feature stories, administrative and academic changes, and all aspects of campus life. The editor, along with the editorial staff of the University Communications determines which news will be covered in each issue. Individuals interested in submitting story ideas or news items to the Reporter should do so by sending an email to news@umb.edu.

We offer to UMass Boston faculty, staff, and students, free public and media relations expertise. Our services help promote UMass Boston effectively both off and on campus and preserve our positive working relationships with members of the local media. We rely on members of the university community to communicate with us details of upcoming events well in advance so that we can execute a strategic public relations effort. Using media relations tools, we work hard to convey this news to the general public.

We are also available for assistance to faculty who need help preparing for media interviews. University Government Relations and Public Affairs encourages UMass Boston faculty, staff, and students to speak with members of the media to promote research, events, and other points of pride for the university. Communicating the wealth of their knowledge, UMass Boston faculty provide useful insights in news reports on the environment, the economy, and world events.

While many faculty members are comfortable speaking with the press and aware of effective media communications techniques, others may require some guidance. We advise faculty speakers to be well prepared, concise and helpful sources of information for journalists. It is recommended that those who have never been interviewed by members of the media call University Government Relations and Public Affairs prior to their first interview. We also provide crisis communications expertise to faculty and staff.

The benefits are obvious: when a knowledgeable and faculty member communicates effectively with the media, he or she shares valuable research with the public, and promotes the overall quality of UMass Boston education. If you are a member of the UMass Boston community in need of any of these services, please e-mail news@umb.edu.