Brandeis hires PR firm to handle Rose media attention

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 11:45:00 GMT

The University is paying the public relations firm $20,000 for two months.

Daniel Silverman's Reply

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:27:00 GMT

Posted: 2/10/09 @ 9:27 AM EST
By: Daniel Silverman

I'm curious, as it seems that president Reinharz is backpedaling on the Rose decision in a way that indicates that the uproar is due more to a communication failure than the actual decision. If the Board is changing its decision, that should be said. If the decision stands, but the attempts are only to better communicate it, that should be said. But having it both ways, attempting to carry out the decision to close the Rose while simultaneously claiming that the whole thing is a miscommunication is the absolute worst of both worlds and, as much as I hate to say it, most business as usual.

Stakeholders demand transparency, and transparency demands clear action. If the intention was never to completely close and dismantle the Rose, then this is a massive failure of communication, and the person at the University responsible for the communication should be fired due to incompetence. But if the intention was always to close the Rose, as was communicated so bluntly in the original Press Release and letter from president Reinharz, then the University should own up and use its new PR firm to better explain the impetus for doing so, the behind the scenes decision making process, and how they believe an orderly and considered closure will benefit the University.

Nathan Hakimi's Reply

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:23:00 GMT

Posted: 2/12/09 @ 10:23 AM EST
By: Nathan Hakimi

I disagree with this piece. If Jehuda and Peter want to drop their g's on PR, it's cool with me. Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. The Rose Art thing went all the way to Time Magazine and New York Times. I'd say it can't possibly be good for the desirability of our school, and thus could really have a bad impact long-term. So better deal with it now than never, and DAMN WELL better they pay for it. I'm all for it.

Tony's Reply

Thu, 12 Feb 2009 22:44:00 GMT

Posted: 2/12/09 @ 5:44 PM EST
By: Tony

At least they're not planning on selling some other part of the campus property to pay for the spin doctors.

Boston PR firm's Reply

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:31:00 GMT

Posted: 2/18/09 @ 3:31 PM EST
By: Boston PR firm

With the tough economic times well underway, Universities need to look into additional resources, such as PR firms to help bring students to their campuses and get solid media attention.

-Timothy

cosmetyn's Reply

Fri, 20 Feb 2009 19:18:00 GMT

Posted: 2/20/09 @ 2:18 PM EST
By: cosmetyn

Shouldn't there be better uses for school funding than PR firms though.

jb0206475's Reply

Fri, 06 Mar 2009 18:43:00 GMT

Posted: 3/06/09 @ 1:43 PM EST
By: John Bottonari

"Rasky Baerlein is] charged with helping the University present a fuller picture of the varied efforts now underway to seize the economic challenges we, and all other institutions of higher education, are facing in proactive, inspired, and creative ways," wrote Reinharz.
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If Reinharz can confect drivel like this, on his own: Why hire a flack?

FURTHER SUGGESTION: Write a press release that characterizes the Museum sale and the business major as "TRANSFORMATIONAL."

cosmetyn's Reply

Sat, 14 Mar 2009 23:03:00 GMT

Posted: 3/14/09 @ 7:03 PM EST
By: cosmetyn

Well at least they're doing it the correct way and taking a pay cut. You don't know how many times I've heard about some university hiring someone and then raising tuition.