Publicizing campus news and events

We're happy to advise faculty, staff and even students who are seeking publicity for college projects or programs. We may be able to connect you with media outlets and reporters with a known interest in your topic.

If you're seeking media coverage

First: skip the press release! Despite widespread assumptions, most media outlets don't want them anymore. Instead, let us help you craft a strategy based on your subject matter and desired audiences. Here are some easy ways to get started:

  1. Join our Faculty and Experts list, which we promote to the media as a source of people willing to talk to reporters about areas of particular expertise. Contact Jim Reische to be added to the list.
  2. Arrange a chat with Jim to explore the possibility of developing a pitch for local, regional or national media.
  3. Use social media! X (formerly Twitter) is still watched by many journalists as a source for possible story ideas. Instagram can also be useful under certain circumstances (Facebook, not so much). The Communications team can help you identify strategies for drawing media attention. (We can also offer advice on how to avoid unwanted attention, and to protect yourself if controversy arises)

If you're seeking community attendance/awareness

There are many ways to publicize your campus event, program or news, including the college Events Calendar, Daily Messages, the Williams Record, Williams Student Organization (WSO) announcements, and posters and flyers.

  • Williams College Calendar

    The college Events Calendar lists most campus events. Listings are publicly viewable by default, and many local community members and reporters check it often. A "campus-only" toggle on the submission page also lets you limit your event so it's only viewable by logged-in Williams users.

    Anyone with a Williams username and password can submit an event listing. For instructions, please see the calendar guidelines.

    Did you know you can also subscribe to an automated daily email of all public events listings?

  • Daily Messages

    The Daily Messages email digest of college news and events is sent to all Williams faculty and emeriti, staff, and students every weekday morning. To submit an announcement, visit https://events.williams.edu/events/community/add. When promoting an event or program you can use our one-stop form to create both a Daily Message and an Events Calendar posting at the same time.

    Questions? Contact Noelle Lemoine at [email protected] or 597-4277.

  • Social Media

    See our Social Media page for information.

  • The Williams Record

    Williams' student-run, editorially independent newspaper is published on Wednesdays during the academic year, with breaking news posted online year-round. The editors consider pitches from members of the campus community and this can be a great way to raise awareness of your subject. See their masthead for a list of editors in each topical area.

    Note that the paper's print deadline is Tuesday evening: for the best chance of success, contact the paper at least a week in advance of your desired publication date.

  • WSO

    WSO (Williams Students Online) is a student-run organization devoted to creating innovative and useful computer-based services and offering them to the Williams community. You can post announcements to WSO by going to http://wso.williams.edu/ and scrolling down for announcements. WSO is editorially independent of the college.

  • TV and Radio

    Use the following links to post ads or promotions to the events calendar webpage at any station (usually free), or to ask if they can be announced on air.

  • Posters and Flyers

    Posters are an important way to promote your event to the campus and local community. The best way to start is by reviewing the Campus Postings Policy.  The Office of Information Technology provides support for designing and printing posters. Print and Mail Services can duplicate posters in black and white or in color, up to 11x17 inches, for a fee.

    There are many local businesses in the Williamstown area that also print posters. Contact them directly for requirements and pricing.

  • Word of Mouth

    Talk it up to your colleagues, students, and friends! Williams is still a very small place, and you'd be amazed at how far and fast word can spread!