The Office of University Relations (OUR) will be among the most creative, persuasive, and credible communications and marketing programs in higher education, thereby supporting The University of Iowa’s goal of becoming one of the nation’s 10 most-distinguished public universities.

Purpose

OUR is the core of University of Iowa communications and is the steward of the University's reputation.

We:

• Direct, create, and implement UI messages
• Advise and provide resources for internal customers to adapt these messages for specific audiences
• Provide UI representatives for off-campus events
• Respond to and disseminate information to news media and the general public
• Anticipate and provide counsel for UI responses to public issues and crises

We accomplish this purpose in an environment that honors and supports our core values.

Core Values

1. Service

Definition: Strive to meet or exceed the needs of colleagues, supervisors, and current or prospective clients.

2. Innovation

Definition: Take chances by moving from comfort zones and considering new trends, styles, and alternative approaches.

3. Professionalism

Definition: Consciously honor our responsibilities, respect our coworkers, and present ourselves as the public face of OUR and The University of Iowa.

4. Cooperation

Definition: Work together toward a common goal or purpose, approaching others with an open mind and willingness to consider alternative viewpoints, tactics, and solutions.

5. Quality

Definition: Produce superior work, exceeding customer expectations within project parameters.

6. Accountability

Definition: Be responsible for our behaviors and work, accepting that each of us is the source or cause of a situation or outcome.

7. Communication

Definition: Exchange information, internally and externally, in a timely, clear, and honest way.

Core Values – Operational Demonstrables

Service:

• Ensure that all departmental functions can be performed by at least three staff members.
• Respond to all calls, e-mails, and contacts within the same business day.
• Develop effective and uniform project routing and approval systems.
• Update and maintain OUR web sites at least every 30 days.

Innovation:

• Support each staff member through professional development opportunities on or off campus at least once per year.
• Evaluate means and methods for gathering and delivering information every six months.
• Conduct pre and post reviews of key jobs to identify expected outcomes, actual results, and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and implement market research at least once a year in each unit and share results throughout OUR.

Professionalism:

• Be approachable, consistent, and respectful of clients and colleagues.
• Conduct ourselves in a manner that furthers positive impressions of the University.
• Demonstrate appropriate of behavior, demeanor, and appearance in all work-related contacts.

Cooperation:

• Collaborate on joint projects within and across units.
• Establish clear and measurable goals for every project.

Quality:

• Measure client satisfaction and audience response on every project.
• Complete projects that are accurate, timely, compelling and appropriate for multiple audiences.
• Assess our work through comparisons to the top ten public universities as identified by the OUR leadership team.

Accountability:

• Evaluate client/audience satisfaction through feedback and formal reviews.
• Establish schedules for regular post-project reviews.
• Identify a primary OUR contact or point person on every project.
• Emphasize self-evaluation in performance reviews.

Communication:

• Create a centralized information source for sharing projects, stories, information, deadlines, and content.
• Conduct department-wide meetings quarterly.
• Maintain open and honest communication with the leadership team and HR representative on issues and problems within the department.

Updated 2006