Frequently Asked Questions
- Who are we?
- The council is composed of more than 90 professional communications staff members from throughout the campus, including the UC Davis health system, the sports information office and the Mondavi Center. Members hold positions with responsibilities that include communications strategy for schools and colleges, marketing, newsletter production, publications development, Web oversight and production, alumni communication, media relations, graphic design and other communication functions.
- What is our purpose?
- To draw upon the collective expertise of UC Davis communications staff and the campuswide investment in communication human resources to improve collaboration among units and to more effectively promote UC Davis achievements and aspirations. The council plans to undertake annual communication projects that will benefit the campus at large, and hopes collectively to advise the campus on broad communication issues and become involved in campuswide efforts such as the upcoming comprehensive campaign. Council priorities will be determined by its membership, with coordination and assistance provided by University Communications.
- How often do we meet?
- The council convenes monthly, with volunteer task groups of people who share common interests meeting monthly or more frequently as needs arise. Working priorities for each academic year are identified by the council members.
- What are the task groups?
- We have established specialized groups in marketing, alumni engagement, student communication, Web and electronic content, media relations, strategic messaging and publications coordination. Each has a volunteer leader who convenes the group as needed. Council members can take part in more than one group.
- What is the benefit to participating?
- Council members have the opportunity to share best practices and seek advice from colleagues and peers at UC Davis. They can take part in projects that will have mutual benefit and direct application to their unit responsibilities. Council members are part of an e-mail listserv group that connects all UC Davis communicators for the purpose of seeking advice and staying informed. Council members automatically receive all UC Davis news releases and daily electronic summaries of news coverage. And they will have an opportunity to learn from outside experts and to take part in specialized professional development programs.
- What are the professional development opportunities?
- A series been developed for campus communicators, to take into account the wide array of experience, responsibilities and backgrounds of the staff. A UC Davis Campus Communicators Certificate Series has been developed through UC Davis Staff Development, and is open to anyone on campus at no charge. Employees can take one class that is pertinent to them, or take the entire eight-course series to receive a certificate.
- How do UC Davis staff members join?
- Any UC Davis employee with communications-related responsibilities is welcome to participate. Contact Lisa Lapin, Assistant Vice Chancellor for University Communications, lalapin@ucdavis.edu, to be added to the council roster.
