Communications

The Office of Communications is responsible for supporting strategic initiatives of the University that advance institutional visibility and reputation.

We work collaboratively to provide communications and marketing planning in accordance with the University’s vision and institutional priorities. Our team serves the external community by building awareness through the management of:

• Brand and identity messaging;
• Official print and digital publications;
• The Converse website;
• Primary social media sites;
• Strategic public relations initiatives;
• the Converse press and media kit;
• Institutional advertising;
• Photography and video assets;
• and the release of news.

We also provide the campus community with in-house counsel for strategic and creative communications, and can provide recommendations for external vendors for design, print, photography and video production.

Guidelines on University Statements

Converse University is an institution rooted in its mission to empower students to become transformative leaders who see clearly, decide wisely and act justly. We exist as an institution of higher learning so that members of the campus community are free to express their views on a broad range of issues. For Converse to remain a beacon of education where we cultivate critical thinking skills and respectful dialogue, the university and its leaders will refrain from issuing statements on political, social or policy issues. 

University leaders may choose to make an official university statement only when the following conditions are met:

• The external event affects the ability of Converse to advance our mission of education, research and service; or
• The external event causes a level of disruption that raises questions about our community’s ability to pursue education, research or other operations – or for members of the community to function effectively in their roles.

Supporting the Converse Community

Converse is dedicated to the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and well-being of the campus community. We provide an array of services and programs in a caring and compassionate environment in which the diverse social, religious, and cultural identities of the members of our campus community are respected, valued, and affirmed. In addition, Converse actively provides campus-wide professional development resources for all faculty and staff to maintain an inclusive learning environment.

In the case that external events affect segments of our Converse community, it is our practice to extend support and provide direct means of caring for any individuals or groups in need. This may include but are not limited to:

• Listening sessions for those in need of support and to be heard
• Ensuring mental health resources are available and known
• Events/opportunities or training about resources available to our community, such as panel discussions, information sessions, or opportunities to hear points of view or historical context
• Avenues to report incidents related to discrimination, bias or violations of our values, codes of conduct or the law