Issues Management

Faculty, researchers, and staff can turn to FAS Communications & Marketing for support when facing challenging external situations that may affect their work, reputation, privacy, or safety. These can range from difficult or inaccurate media coverage and heightened public scrutiny to online harassment, coordinated external campaigns, and other fast-moving situations that attract unwanted attention.

Our team can help assess the situation, develop a communications strategy, prepare for and respond to media inquiries, monitor emerging coverage and online activity, and determine when engaging publicly—or choosing not to engage—is the most effective approach. In rapidly developing situations, we work closely with faculty and staff to anticipate potential escalation, mitigate harm, and navigate the immediate response as well as any longer-term communications needs.

FAS Communications & Marketing can also help connect and coordinate with other resources across Harvard when appropriate, including the Associate Deans for Faculty Affairs, HUIT, FAS security and HUPD, and other University offices with relevant expertise. The Associate Deans for Faculty Affairs, in particular, can provide guidance on issues affecting faculty and help connect faculty members with resources across the FAS and University. Harvard also maintains dedicated resources for responding to online harassment, digital-security concerns, and threats or abuse.

If you are dealing with a challenging external situation — or believe one may be developing — contact James Chisholm, Senior Director of Strategic Media and Issues Management at james_chisholm@fas.harvard.edu.