DISCLAIMER:

If there is a discrepancy between this electronic policy and the written copy held by the Policy owner, the written copy prevails.

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Although the Senate acknowledges that members of the McMaster community do not have complete control over the way in which interactions with the media might be used, it feels that as much care as possible should be taken to distinguish between an official University position and the personal views of an individual or a group of individuals within the University.

To avoid confusion between the stated policies of the University and the personal or professional views of members of the McMaster community, the Senate has developed the following guidelines regarding communications with the media. When interacting with the media, care should be taken to ensure that on all matters, both internal and external to the University, every effort is made to avoid any confusion as to whether the individual is expressing a personal or professional opinion or is speaking as an authorized University representative.

However, this in no way is meant to restrict the academic freedom or freedom of speech of any member of the University community.

Approved by Senate - February 8, 2006
Approved by Board of Governors - February 16, 2008

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Contact Department: University Secretariat

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MUFA - pdk
February 2006