Guidelines for presidential and university statements

Universities and university leaders are increasingly asked to issue statements about complex national and global issues and events. 

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and university supporters hold many different opinions and beliefs. As such, institutions and leaders must take caution when asked to comment about external issues and events. 

This is especially true for a public university like VCU, which must maintain trust with the many stakeholders to which it is accountable and who benefit from its core mission.

At VCU, the president and university do not typically issue statements, but consider doing so if there is a direct connection to the university’s core function and mission. The following questions are considered before issuing university or presidential statements:

• Is the topic directly connected to the university’s mission or strategic goals?
• Is the topic directly connected to the president or senior leader’s area of expertise?
• Is a statement the most direct way to connect students, faculty or alumni to available resources?
• If a statement is appropriate, should it come from the president or from another leader more directly connected to the issue or intended audience (the Provost, the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences, the Vice President for Student Affairs, a dean, etc.)?
• Is a statement the most effective platform for engaging with the community? Or is the communication better suited for classes, scholarship, or a meeting with appropriate stakeholder groups?  

VCU is a national institution of higher education that cares deeply about the well-being of its entire community. Issuing statements of empathy may have the unintended consequence of appearing to favor some people, positions, events or locations over others. We will continue to support members of our community when they are impacted by these issues and events and we are committed to an engaging academic environment for our community. 

We acknowledge that not everyone in our community will agree with these guidelines. Nevertheless, we share them to enhance understanding about decision making to issue — or not issue — statements. 

Thank you for your understanding and continued support of all of the people who benefit from VCU.