University Communications

The following are some questions we often use to decide if a story is fit for the News Center and media relations promotion:

• How recent is the news? Can we connect it to a topic trending in the media?
• Does your story show faculty and student expertise, research, and/or community engagement?
• Will your story grab the attention of prospective applicants to Purdue Fort Wayne?
• Does the story set us apart from other institutions?
• Can we promote this story in a unique or interesting way?
• Does the story illustrate institutional knowledge or resources that benefit the community?
• Is this story visually interesting?
• Does the topic highlight the student experience?
• Is this an event open to the public, specifically an activity focused on recruitment, retention, and development?
• Can the university communicate the project while balancing other obligations?

Individual Projects, Pursuits, and Accolades
We do not consider published works, awards, accolades, or off-campus, unsponsored events unless there is a direct, significant connection to our university. The following are some of the rules to which we adhere, but exceptions may apply:

• Published works are only mentioned in reference to university activities that are open to the whole community.
• Awards and accolades of major significance will be assessed on a case-by-case basis for a possible news release.
• Items of national or international significance will be considered.

Employment Announcements
Employment announcements are considered for publication as a standalone communication only if the employee holds an executive director or higher position or the job is public-facing. Information on new and transfer employees provided by Human Resources appears periodically in the On the Job section of Inside PFW.

Student and Class Projects
Individual or group activities that are related to routine coursework (including capstone projects) do not qualify for media relations publication. Exceptions to this rule apply to work that involves a definable, significant connection between Purdue Fort Wayne and the community. Other exceptions are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Our internal newsletters communicate key information that may be of interest to all university employees and students. We consider stories on a case-by-case basis, but focus on the following content-criteria questions: 

• Is it exclusive to faculty and staff?
• Does it have a direct benefit to university students?
• Is there universal appeal?

Story ideas, appeals for inclusion, or policy clarifications can be sent to [email protected] or [email protected]. Final content-related decisions are made by the Office of Strategic Communications vice chancellor or a designee.

Inside PFW Tuesday edition: 2 p.m. on Monday

Inside PFW Thursday edition: 2 p.m. on Wednesday

Don Life Wednesday editions 2 p.m. on Monday

Story ideas related to events, approaching deadlines, or other time-sensitive issues should be submitted at least two weeks before the target date, taking into account the publication schedules.

Special editions of the newsletters are distributed only when absolutely necessary.

Inside PFW and Don Life are official university communications with important—and often time-sensitive—information about university news, policies, operations, procedures, and programs.

Employees and students may not opt out of receiving their designated newsletter.

Our newsletters feature short-form articles (typically two to three paragraphs long). Topics that require more information are suitable for the News Center and must include links to updated websites and the email addresses of the primary points of contact.

We do not include promotions for services or discounts from external companies or organizations in our newsletters. Neither Inside PFW nor Don Life accepts paid advertising.