Report Period
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Introduction
PRC mission statement: is responsible for developing, updating, and monitoring the Division’s communications policies, supporting the lead users of DivCHED social networking accounts as well as recommending new strategies for the Division to communicate by social media and other venues with DivCHED members and the larger chemical education community.
Information Since Last Report
- Leadership and transition: Theodore "Troy" Alivio assumed the role of Public Relations Committee Chair on January 1, 2026. Past Chair Stephen Prilliman continues to support the Committee in a consulting role. The Chair Succession met with Troy in Spring 2026 to outline committee responsibilities and priorities.
- Mailchimp and CER listserv moderation: PRC met with Heather Ryan and Ryan Stowe to establish a transition plan for taking over management and moderation of the DivCHED Mailchimp account and the CER listserv.
- Membership Committee collaboration and creation of promo materials: William "Bill" Donovan was appointed PRC liaison to the Membership Committee. He is currently assisting in creating a promotional poster for the DivCHED social at the ACS Fall 2026 Meeting. PRC aims to fully assume design responsibilities for all future social event posters by the ACS Spring 2027 Meeting.
- Branding and logo policy: PRC is drafting comprehensive guidelines for the appropriate use of DivCHED and ACS branding and logos across print and digital media.
- PR needs assessment: PRC distributed a Google Form to all DivCHED board and committee chairs to identify specific public relations and promotional needs across the Division.
- Operations manual: PRC has completed the initial draft of its Operations Manual and established a new committee vision statement. The Operations Manual and the PRC vision will be published on the DivCHED website before the ACS Fall 2026 Meeting.
- PRC vision statement: To elevate DivCHED’s collective voice through effective communication strategies that highlight member excellence, advance chemistry education research and practice, and foster a connected, vibrant community.
- Committee meetings:
- PRC held an open virtual meeting last March 26th (Thursday).
- PRC held a closed virtual meeting last July 20th (Monday).
Future Plans
- Upcoming meetings: PRC will host an open virtual meeting on August 22, 2026 (Saturday).
- Platform and transition of responsibilities:
- A partial transition of poster creation and Mailchimp and CER listserv moderation will be completed by the end of Q4 2026.
- A full handover of these operational responsibilities is targeted for the first half of 2027.
- PR needs assessment: PRC will compile and complete a detailed analysis report summarizing the PR needs of DivCHED committees and boards by Q4 2026.
- Branding policies: Formal promotional guidelines for the proper use of DivCHED and ACS logos will be finalized by Q4 2026.
Did your committee request funding from DivCHED in the past budget year?
No
New Business
PRC charge revision: Following a review of the Committee's tasks and responsibilities, the Public Relations Committee (PRC) is updating its committee charge. A draft of the proposed charge will be submitted to the Executive Committee before the ACS Fall 2026 Meeting.