Explore our frequently asked questions below to learn more about our offered services and how to request support from a member of our team.
For additional information, please contact us at masseycomms@vcu.edu.
VCU Massey's Marketing, Communications and Public Relations (MCPR) Office offers a full suite of communications and public relations support, including generating news and media coverage, digital and print marketing, website content development, social media management and graphic design support.
Our team also offers expert communications support, including executive and crisis communications planning. We have long-standing relationships with external media and work closely with our colleagues across Enterprise Marketing & Communications to cross-promote news releases, events, and timely communications across the larger VCU and VCU Health community.
Visit our News and Media page to learn more about how we can help faculty and staff.
Massey’s public relations staff regularly works with print, broadcast and electronic media from around the corner to around the world.
Research, clinical and administrative staff are encouraged to contact the MCPR Office with information about research, special programs, accomplishments or awards to determine the best news coverage approach.
Depending on the story and timing, our team can help promote through various channels, such as:
- Write and distribute a news release and/or media advisory
- “Pitch” the story to internal or external media
- Offer your expertise to the media for an expert opinion
- Write or edit an op-ed or article for targeted media
- Write a story for Massey’s website and/or our newsletters
- Promote through Massey’s social media sites
- Arrange and manage a press conference
- Produce a video or podcast
We use the following questions to help determine what may be newsworthy.
- Is the news timely? The word "news" means exactly that — things that are new. The more timely, the more newsworthy.
- Is the story unique or innovative? We’re looking for new ideas, approaches, and solutions that didn’t previously exist.
- Will the story impact the public’s health or safety? The number of people affected by the story is important, especially in the healthcare industry. We are committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date health information for our community.
- Does the news hit close to home either in terms of location or interests? A newsworthy story must seem relevant to the audience. We’re looking for stories that impact our community.
- Does the story have human interest? The most successful news stories include some element of human interest – the impact of the news on an individual or group of individuals
Clinical and academic awards and achievements are communicated to the Massey faculty and staff, alumni, donors, and other Massey and VCU audiences through print and digital communications, such as digital newsletters and social media. These outlets include online publications for faculty and staff, alumni magazines and alumni and donor publications of the university’s schools and departments.
If you believe you or your department’s academic recognitions are newsworthy and should be considered for a national, regional or local media distribution, please let us know the details, and we’ll help determine the best channel for promotion.
Patients who agree to be interviewed on hospital premises must provide prior written consent and a public relations representative must be present. Hospital security will remove unauthorized media personnel as necessary.
In compliance with federal government regulations, if the media is calling to obtain the condition of a patient, they must identify a patient by name to obtain said information. If a patient opts out of the hospital directory, no information can be provided.
The VCU Massey identity (name, logo and sunburst element) should be represented in a consistent manner, providing the center with a visual signature for all digital and printed communications.
All clinical, research and administrative staff at VCU whose work involves cancer should adhere to our brand guidelines.
Custom merchandise, such as t-shirts and event items, are excellent team incentives and help promote Massey to our community. The MCPR Office can support your vision with design consultation and final approval.
Prior to contacting the MCPR Office, you should determine the budget or index that will support the production and shipping costs. Merchandise designs with appropriate Massey branding can be handled through an approved vendor, as determined by Massey Finance.
For Massey-hosted events and external sponsorships, the MCPR Office works directly with teams to provide design support and final approval.
To request a change to the website, email your request to masseycomms@vcu.edu and be sure to include the specific page URL(s) you need updated.