San Jose State University : Public Affairs

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Publicizing Events

The thousands of events held on and off campus annually by our students, faculty and staff reflect San José State's diversity and vitality. Help us publicize your events effectively and let the world know what a great place this is to work and study. Get a list of all the contacts you'll need to publicize and plan a campus event.

Event ABCs

Start by picking a date. Check the university events calendar to avoid conflicts. If you're planning a major event open to the general public, check regional events calendars such as Zvents and Artsopolis. They're also great places to advertise, given they're free!

Visit Zventsexternal link and Artsopolisexternal link

It's never too early to begin spreading the word. Start by preparing a budget in terms of time and money. Because your resources are limited, focus on groups most likely to attend your event. Select specific classes, department and instructors. Reach out to feeder high school and community college programs.

Word of mouth and personal endorsement are the most effective means of securing attendance. Form a committee to help plan and publicize the event. Ask a department chair, dean or top administrator to send a short e-mail about the event with a Web site link for more information.

Does your event have corporate sponsors? Or do instructors and students organizing your event have direct connections to people in the business world who are potential sponsors or future employers? If so, consider sending personal notes to your contacts inviting them to attend.

Remember, the Student Union can help you reserve many campus venues and offers excellent audio-visual services. The University Police Department assists with parking passes and security.

Event news releases

Public Affairs can help with news releases and graphic design services. News releases work best for events involving hundreds, if not thousands, of students and employees taking a new or unique approach to academics, community service or a specific issue. Journalists thrive when they can watch everyday people in action. Need examples? Visit SJSU in the News. While the many distinguished speakers that come to campus are a testament to SJSU's prominence, reporters rarely cover lectures.

 


Event Calendars

SJSU Events Calendar
Contact Public Affairs
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

Spartan Daily
Contact the Spartan Daily
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

San José Mercury News
(online and print calendars based on Zvents)
Contact Zvents
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

San José/Silicon Valley Business Journal
Contact the Business Journal
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

Metro Silicon Valley
Contact Metro
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

Silicon Valley Community Newspapers
(online and print calendars based on Artsopolis)
Contact Artsopolis
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

San José Convention and Visitors Bureau
(online calendar based on Artsopolis)
Contact Artsopolis
Deadline: 3 weeks prior to the event

San José Downtown Association
Contact Communications Director Rick Jensen
Deadline: 6 weeks prior to the event

Gentry magazine
Contact Associate Editor Emily Heitman
Deadline: 4 months prior to the event

 

Public Affairs Services

Washington Square, university magazine
Contact Washington Square
Deadline: up to 4 months prior to the event

Graphic design service requests
Contact Graphic Designer Eunice Ockerman
Deadline: up to 4 months prior to the event

University e-newsletter/homepage/news release submissions
Contact Media Relations Specialist Pat Lopes Harris
Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the event

 

Other Campus Services

Student Union scheduling office
Contact the Student Union: 408-924-6300
Deadline: up to one year prior to event

Parking permits, parking garage digital signs
Contact University Police Department Lt. Jim Renelle
Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the event

Security for events
Contact Capt. Bill Coker
Deadline: at least 3 weeks prior to the event

TV, Radio, Film and Theatre Department digital sign
Contact TRFT Administrative Support Coordinator Mari Aranoff
Deadline: 2 months prior to the event

Spartan Daily advertisement
Contact the Spartan Daily ad department
Deadline: 1 month prior to the event

Flyers to all 2,500 campus mailboxes
Contact the campus print shop: 408-924-6291
The cost is $100 for black & white 8 1/2 X 11,
$875 for color 8 1/2 X 11
Deadline: 2 weeks prior to the event

Flyers to all 250 student clubs
Contact Student Activities Director Richard Kelley
With his permission, you may duplicate flyers and fill mailboxes at Student Involvement's office in Clark Hall.

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