September 23, 2004

Two news publications added

Internal communications now consists of Web site, weekly e-mail, biweekly newspaper

Northwestern has expanded its internal communications program by creating a comprehensive news Web site and a weekly e-mail alert.

Following up on the recommendations of last year’s Internal Communications Working Group, chaired by Vice President for University Relations Alan Cubbage, the new program is designed to clearly and consistently deliver Northwestern’s messages to its internal and, in some cases, external audiences.

The additional channels create a coordinated flow of news, information and features from three media on three time cycles.

Northwestern NewsCenter, the new Web site at www.northwestern.edu/newscenter, will be updated frequently throughout the week. It is the primary resource for the latest coverage of administration announcements, faculty news, campus events, as well features, profiles, sports highlights and community affairs. Content is generated not only by University Rela-tions staff but also by communicators in schools and units around the University, making it a community-wide effort.

Northwestern NewsWire, the new weekly e-mail, is delivered each Thursday to all undergraduate students, faculty and staff on both campuses. NewsWire features the week’s top news and events and links to the NewsCenter and Plan-It Purple, among other sites. Although NewsWire is delivered automatically, recipients can easily opt off the mail list.

With two electronic publications covering news throughout the week, the Observer has shifted to biweekly publication. Now 12 pages, the newspaper continues to run top news and announcements, faculty and staff news, features and fine arts coverage. In addition, it will include more student-related news and profiles.