Southern Connecticut State University's intercollegiate athletic teams generate a higher level of public interest and media coverage. The Department of Athletics and Recreation is aware that its image affects the reputation of the entire University and urges you to always be cooperative, yet exercise care when making statements to the media. The department has an open policy of allowing any student-athlete to express him or herself to the media. Therefore, it is expected that you repay this trust by using good judgment in the statements you make. In general, when speaking to the media be confident, courteous, and prompt. Do not hesitate to say, "I'd rather not discuss a topic," and avoid discussing any complaints or criticisms you have to the media.
You will mostly likely interact with the media through an interview. Most interview topics are about you but may shift to your team. Interviews should be looked at as part of the educational experience offered at SCSU and viewed as an opportunity to develop communication skills that can assist you not only in the classroom but in future professional and business careers.
Interviews can be a very valuable part of a student-athlete's life at SCSU. They can serve as a great learning and growing experience for you. As a freshman, you may be nervous about speaking to media representatives. However, by the time you graduate, you will have become relaxed, confident, and articulate. This growth and personal confidence can be carried with you throughout your life. The more interviews you do, the better you will become at handling them and the more fun they will be.
While we encourage you to make yourself available to the media, especially because student-athletes have been tremendous representatives of SCSU, we ask the media to direct all interview requests through the athletic communications office. You should never agree to any interview unless the arrangements are coordinated through the SCSU Athletic Communications office. Never give your phone number out to the media. These rules exist in an effort to reduce disruptions to your schedule and also to avoid having someone contact you who may attempt to gain information for other purposes outside of media information. If you receive an interview request, ask the media representative to make arrangements through the SCSU Athletic Communications office. We will contact you and work around your athletic, academic and social schedules. You'll be asked to come to the Athletic Communications office, or meet prior to or following a practice at an appropriate location, at an agreed-upon time to be interviewed in person or to conduct a phone interview. In addition, following the conclusion of games, coaches and athletes are requested to make themselves available for interviews within a reasonable period of time (generally after a 10-minute "cooling off" period). These post-game interviews occur in various forms: a press conference in front of a group of media, a one-on-one interview with a reporter, or a live interview on radio or TV.
SCSU Student-Athletes On Social Media
Playing and competing for Southern Connecticut State University is a privilege. Student‐athletes at SCSU are held in the highest regard and are seen as role models in the community. As leaders you have the responsibility to portray your team, your University and yourselves in a positive manner at all times. Sometimes this means doing things that are an inconvenience to you, but benefit the whole team.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat and other social media sites have increased in popularity globally, and are used by the majority of student‐athletes here at SCSU in one form or another.
Student‐athletes should be aware that third parties - - including the media, faculty, future employers and NCAA officials - - could easily access your profiles and view all personal information. This includes all pictures, videos, comments and posters. Inappropriate material found by third parties affects the perception of the student-athlete, the athletic department and the University. This can also be detrimental to a student‐athletes future employment options, whether in professional sports or in other industries.
Examples of inappropriate and offensive behaviors concerning participation in online communities may include depictions or presentations of the following:
- Photos, videos, comments or posters showing the personal use of alcohol, drugs and tobacco e.g., no holding cups, cans, shot glasses etc.
- Photos, videos, and comments that are of a sexual nature. This includes links to websites of a pornographic nature and other inappropriate material.
- Pictures, videos, comments or posters that condone drug-related activity. This includes but is not limited to images that portray the personal use of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
- Content online that is unsportsmanlike, derogatory, demeaning or threatening toward any other individual or entity (examples: derogatory comments regarding another institution; taunting comments aimed at a student-athlete, coach or team at another institution and derogatory comments against race and/or gender). No posts should depict or encourage unacceptable, violent or illegal activities (examples: hazing, sexual harassment/assault, gambling, discrimination, fighting, vandalism, academic dishonesty, underage drinking, and illegal drug use).
- Content online that would constitute a violation of conference or NCAA rules (examples: commenting publicly about a prospective student-athlete, providing information related to sports wagering activities; soliciting impermissible extra benefits).
- Information that is sensitive or personal in nature or is proprietary to the SCSU Athletic Department or the university, which is not public information (examples: tentative or future team schedules, student-athlete injuries and eligibility status, travel plans/itineraries or information).
For your own safety, please keep the following recommendations in mind as you participate in social media websites:
- Before participating in any online community, understand that anything posted online.is available to anyone in the world. Any text or photo placed online becomes the property of the site(s) and is completely out of your control the moment it is placed online - even if you limit access to your site.
- Set your security settings so that only your friends can view your profile.
- You should not post your email, home address, local address, phone number(s), or other personal information as it could lead to unwanted attention, stalking, identity theft, etc. This includes information that may be posted by others on your page.
- Be aware of who you add as a friend to your site – many people are looking to take advantage of student‐athletes or to seek connection with student‐athletes.
- Consider how the above behaviors can be reflected in all Facebook applications. If you are ever in doubt of the appropriateness of your online public material, consider whether it upholds and positively reflects your own values and ethics as well as the SCSU Athletic Department's and the University's. Remember, always present a positive image and don't do anything to embarrass yourself, the team, your family or the University.
SCSU Athletic Communications
Ken Sweeten
Associate Director of Athletics/Athletic Communications
Football, Field Hockey, Baseball, Athletic Department Inquiries
Office Phone: 203-392-6005
Cell Phone: 203-917-5787
Office Fax: 203-392-6006
E-mail: sweetenk1@southernct.edu
Siobhan Gilmore
Athletic Communications Assistant
Volleyball, Women's Basketball, Women's Lacrosse
Emily Lange
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
Men's Soccer, Gymnastics, Swimming & Diving, Softball
Sam Trumbley
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
Women's Soccer, Cross Country/Track & Field, Men's Basketball
Robert Zapor
Athletic Communications Graduate Assistant
Video Operations, highlights
