Official Communications Policy

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UCAR requires that UCAR-provided and -supported communications tools, including telephones, email, and Web sites, as well as hard copy communications, be used in an ethical manner and consistent with the mission and objectives of the organization.

All communications must comply with applicable laws, regulations, practices, and UCAR policies.  Communicators using UCAR communications tools should provide their UCAR affiliation to identify who is accountable for the accuracy of the information and for adherence to law and UCAR policy.  Personal opinions on matters within the scope of UCAR's mission and objectives should be clearly identified as such so others do not construe them as representing an official UCAR position.

Web pages or links not related to UCAR business or professional activities may not be hosted on UCAR servers, and Web pages may not contain commercial or political solicitations.

The UCAR Communications office is the sole source of news releases for the institution, and all requests for releases and media alerts must be coordinated through that office.  UCAR staff are expected to be responsive to reasonable media and public inquiries consistent with the performance of their assigned UCAR responsibilities.  Those who are contacted and either give a statement or arrange an interview must inform the UCAR Communications office of such contacts.  Staff must refer reporters and film crews requesting interviews, or coverage of UCAR, NCAR or UCP, to UCAR Communications on first contact. UCAR Communications will either accompany the film crews or delegate this responsibility at their sole discretion. If the matter is of a sensitive nature, the person contacted should refer the query to the appropriate Laboratory, Division, or Program Director and the UCAR Communications office.

As appropriate, UCAR employees are expected to participate in public forums, prepare articles and other material for scientific and general audiences, and participate in UCAR educational programs, media interviews, and other activities that result in the open and general dissemination of information.

Employees should consult the UCAR policies on Congressional and Agency Interactions and Lobbying; Outside Employment; Solicitation and Distribution of Materials; and Access to and Use of UCAR Computer and Information Systems for more information. 

Contact the Director of UCAR Communications for interpretation of this policy.