Communications

What are the main functions of CAS Communications?

The CAS Office of Communications (Communications) serves the College and Graduate School of Art & Sciences in three general areas: drafting and producing informational publications, developing and maintaining the CAS website and related electronic media applications, and managing media/public relations initiatives on behalf of the College.

Publications

Communications works closely with the Dean and the Dean’s senior staff to produce publications about the College for a number of key audiences, including publications for CAS faculty and staff. The Office also works with the Offices of Development and Alumni Relations on publications for CAS alumni, donors and friends of the College. Notable examples include the CAS alumni magazine arts & sciences, published twice annually, the CAS annual report, The Difference a Year Makes, and CAS News, an online newsletter published twice monthly beginning this fall (2010).

Electronic Media

Communications works directly with BU’s Office of New Media to maintain, develop and improve the web presence of the College, which includes the main CAS website and sites for CAS departments and centers. With the help of New Media, Communications has just launched an initiative to expedite the conversion of department and center websites sites to the WordPress content management system within the next year. WordPress conversion will give CAS faculty and staff members responsible for web content greater access and flexibility to edit, update and revise the content of their sites. Communications also is exploring ways to meaningfully adapt new social media applications, such as Face Book and Twitter, to advance the goals of the College, and plans to introduce blogs, streaming video, database-driven forms management and other tools to make the CAS web presence more engaging and functional for all users.

Media/Public Relations

CAS Communications works closely with BU’s Office of Media Relations to promote the work and accomplishments of all CAS faculty members, researchers and students by identifying media outlets and strategies most appropriate for a given story and actively pitching stories through media releases or direct contact with editors and reporters. Communications also works closely with the editors of BUToday, Bostonia and other BU publications to ensure the broadest possible distribution of positive information about the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences to the BU community.

Why would I contact this office?

Please tell us about research, grants, book publications and any other news you have to share. If you’re not sure how to move forward with a story idea, please feel free to contact us. We’ll work with you to find the appropriate news channel, whether that involves drafting and distributing a media release or working with our colleagues at BU Media Relations and BUToday.