Communications Advisory Council

AJCU Communications Advisory Council (CAC)

Each of the 28 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. is recognized for academic excellence and values-based education that includes a commitment to leadership, service, and social justice. The AJCU network is also known for working collaboratively on projects to promote the unique and compelling value of Jesuit higher education.

The AJCU Communications Advisory Council (CAC), an executive committee of the AJCU Communications Network, was established in 2004. The purpose of the Council has been to serve as a resource for all 28 members of the AJCU. The group's mission sums up the intent:

To collaborate in meaningful ways on the development of strategies and ideas that further the mission and values of Jesuit higher education through various means of communication, including media relations, public relations, marketing and technology.

Since it's inception, the CAC has undertaken key projects to benefit communications and marketing professionals at each of the Jesuit colleges and universities. The goal for the group is to continue to collaborate on joint initiatives to support the broader network, as well as strengthen each school's own marketing and communications activities through shared counsel, best practices and issue analysis.

The following individuals are members of the CAC for the 2011-2012 academic year:

Melissa Collins Di Leonardo, Director of Communications, AJCU

Terrell Fisher, Associate Vice President for Marketing, Loyola University New Orleans

Tricia Geraghty, VP for Marketing and Communications, Marquette University

Richard Giacchetti, Associate VP for Marketing and Communications, Santa Clara University

Bob Hill, Director of Marketing, Canisius College

Joe Lunardi, Assistant VP for Marketing Communications, Saint Joseph's University

Ellen Ryder, Director of Public Affairs, College of the Holy Cross

Kelly Shannon, VP for University Marketing and Communications, Loyola University Chicago

Kate Spencer, Assistant VP for University Marketing and Communications, Fordham University

Rama Sudhakar, VP for Marketing and Communications, Fairfield University

Soon Beng Yeap, Ph.D., Chief Marketing Officer, Regis University

Gerry Zaboski, VP for Alumni and Public Relations, University of Scranton

A Valuable Resource

The collective work of the CAC can support your own efforts to promote your school, manage issues and communicate key messages.

Accomplishments:

1) White Papers

At Jesuit institutions, there is an ongoing and constant dialogue about academic freedom and Catholic Church positions on issues ranging from campus speakers to financially supported speaker groups to course and program content being taught. Responding to such inquiries requires thorough research, a well-informed understanding of Church positions, and strategic messaging. The CAC took on the task of developing several white papers that summarize key Church positions and list resources on various topics that often generate a host of questions for Jesuit colleges and universities. The papers provide background information to give you context for developing your school's response to inquiries.

2.) Media and Public Relations

The CAC has begun the process of creating an experts guide for use by media and other organizations. It also coordinates national stories of interest by the media and is planning to proactively pitch national stories that highlight the distinct mission and role Jesuit higher education plays in society today.

3.) Surveys and Best Practices

Surveys are another resource that AJCU members may find helpful. For example, the CAC conducted a survey of AJCU marketing and communications functions for the purpose of sharing organizational structures, scope and roles that the marketing and communications functions play at the various schools. The results supported schools that were in the process of reviewing or reorganizing their communication and marketing functions and provided benchmark information on resources, marketing funding and organizational structure.

4.) Networking and Fellowship

In addition to gathering data and best practices through the CAC, another benefit is the network and fellowship opportunities provided by the council. AJCU members can use the council to gather information, vet project plans, locate vendor sources, and share success stories and challenges. The collective experience both in and external to higher education is an invaluable resource.

5.) AJCU Marketing & Communications Leadership Summit

Since 2008, the CAC has organized the AJCU Marketing & Communications Leadership Summit, which brings together the top leaders in the areas of marketing and communications at Jesuit institutions. The Summit is a professional development gathering and an educational forum, and it provides participants with an excellent opportunity to network with their colleagues and exchange information. Past summits have covered the following topics: Addressing Church-related issues on Jesuit campuses, integrated marketing challenges and opportunities, web/mulitmedia trends, promoting our shared identity, campus speakers, and the political landscape for Jesuit colleges and universities. Summit attendees have also met with national reporters to discuss trends in higher education and to address topics ranging from admissions and enrollment to diversity and college costs.

The 2012 CAC Summit will be held at Fordham University on April 12-13.