Faculty Protections Workshop:
Media Readiness

This event is brought to you by the SACUA Protections for Faculty Working Group, with support from the Faculty Senate Office, in partnership with Michigan News.

Best Practices for Difficult Media Interviews, Events, and Requests

Faculty today should be prepared to manage engagements with potentially aggressive reporters. Are you unsure about whether to respond quickly to a charged media request with a deadline today? Do you know what you should do to manage your reputation and position as an expert in your field? Do you know what not to do when a reporter contacts you for a story? This workshop is designed to support faculty members as they navigate interactions with the media—especially when confronted with challenging contacts.

The Michigan News team offers interactive workshops and training, for individuals and groups, that prepare faculty for a variety of media engagement scenarios. Michigan News is part of the Office of the Vice President for Communications, and its staff includes former reporters from new agencies such as The Associated Press, the Detroit Free Press, Crain’s Business, Rocky Mountain News, Folha de São Paulo, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Telemundo, WXYZ-TV and more.

At the request of SACUA’s Protections for Faculty Working Group, Michigan News will provide training to help reduce worry and empower faculty to interact with potentially aggressive journalists. This event is part of the working group’s efforts to support faculty facing external threats and harassment. Michigan News will share, step by step, what to do when faculty receive a reporter’s email or call, and will provide resources and opportunities for further media training.

Event Details: 

February 25, 2026

3:30-5:00pm

Room 1010, Weiser Hall

500 Church Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48109

Light appetizers will be provided.