CONTACTS WITH THE MEDIA
UTSA recognizes the important role of the media in the
fulfillment of our mission. It is our policy to maintain an open
atmosphere, and employees are encouraged to interact with the
news media regarding their areas of expertise. The Assistant
Vice President for University Communications acts as the official
spokesperson for UTSA. If an employee is contacted by a member
of the media regarding an official matter internal to the university
or a matter of institutional policy, the media representative
should be referred to the Assistant Vice President for University
Communications.
| Q: I am employed in the Development Office at
UTSA. A local newspaper reporter called to
ask me questions about a recent large gift to
the university. May I answer the reporter’s
questions? |
A: Possibly. You should first discuss the inquiry
with the Assistant Vice President for University
Communications who generally responds to all
calls from the media regarding official university
matters. |
CONTACTS WITH GOVERNMENT AND OUTSIDE INVESTIGATORS
It is our policy to cooperate with government investigations of UTSA
and its employees. UTSA employees are responsible for notifying
their supervisor immediately if they receive a subpoena, inquiry or
other legal document from any governmental agency regarding official
UTSA business, whether at home or in the workplace. Supervisors
should inform the Office of Legal Affairs regarding subpoenas, depositions
or other legal requests concerning government investigations of
UTSA and its employees. If a UTSA employee is contacted at home
by a government agent, without a search warrant or a subpoena, concerning
a government investigation of UTSA, that employee should
request that the agent make such contact at work the next business day
and should immediately contact his/her supervisor.
When providing information to elected officials, notify the Office of
the President for coordination with the UT System Administration
Office of Government Relations.
| Q: Last night, while I was having dinner with
my family, there was a knock at my door.
The person identified herself as an FBI agent
and wanted to talk with me about my work at
UTSA. Should I have spoken with her? |
| A: You are not required to speak to the agent at
your home. UTSA does not prevent you from
talking to the agent; however, to protect yourself
and UTSA, you may ask the FBI agent to
contact you at your office the next business
day, then immediately contact your supervisor.
Should the FBI agent produce a search
warrant or subpoena, if possible, notify your
supervisor before you answer any questions
from the agent. Always answer the questions
truthfully. |
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