Media Inquiry Protocol

DEM Media Inquiry Protocol & Decision Tree

When a team member of the Division of Enrollment Management (DEM) receives a media inquiry and/or request for comment/representation, it is often assumed that they will be speaking on behalf of the University of Wisconsin–Madison and/or DEM. It is essential that all DEM Team Members consult with their Communication Lead (OAR: Greer Davis, OSFA: Karla Weber Wandel, RO: Logan Reigstad, & OVP: Cori Splain) prior to responding to any media inquiries related to their job and/or position at UW–Madison.

Once the Communication Lead has been notified of the inquiry, they will use their expertise and the decision tree below to consider whether it is appropriate to respond and what information may be shared. If a response to a media inquiry is desired, the Communication Lead will also alert University Communications, for review and consideration as appropriate.

  1. Does the media inquiry come from a reputable source?
    • If yes, proceed to next question
    • If no, decline the request
  2. Is the media inquiry related to an ongoing process, a politically sensitive subject matter, and/or data specific to UW–Madison?
    • If yes, seek guidance from OVPEM for next steps
    • If no, proceed to next question
  1. Would responding to the media request benefit UW–Madison?
    • If yes, seek final guidance from Director for next steps/approval
    • If no, decline the request

Canned Text for Declining Requests

If Source is Not Reputable:

Thank you for your inquiry. We have no comment on this topic.

If Process Is Ongoing:

Thank you for your inquiry and for reaching out to us about the piece you’re working on. Unfortunately, we are unable to comment on <PROCESS> as its ongoing. We typically report on <PROCESS> at <SPECIFIC TIME>.

If Data Is Not Available:

Thank you for your interest in the University of Wisconsin–Madison and for reaching out to us about the piece you’re working on.

  1. Unfortunately, we are not able to share that data due to FERPA.
  2. Unfortunately, we do not have the data requested available.

You may find helpful data about UW–Madison students for your article at our Academic Planning and Institutional Research site.