Scripps Communications Advisory Committee 2004 Report


The Scripps Communications Advisory Committee was established to provide academic assistance to the Scripps Communications Office in increasing the visibility and awareness of Scripps Institution of Oceanography to internal and external audiences. The committee serves in an informal advisory capacity as needed to support the communications efforts.

The committee met once during this academic year in June 2004. Although this committee remains intact, there was some discussion at the Staff Council level of dissolving the committee. The committees value was reinforced and committee members made a commitment to continue to advise and support the efforts of the Scripps Communications Office, regardless of the Staff Councils decision.

This years meeting focused on several areas that provided information on new and existing programs aimed at improving outreach and internal communications. Invited guests Sharon Franks and Cheryl Peach provided a comprehensive overview of their education and outreach program, COSEE. The Scripps-based California COSEE is part of a national network to create partnerships between scientists and science educators. The program encourages scientists and educators to build on existing resources to accomplish goals that include promoting ocean science and increasing ocean literacy. The Scripps arm of California COSEE serves as a catalyst to connect scientists with primarily informal science educators for the benefit of both by addressing the needs, challenges, and barriers in educational outreach.

This meeting also focused on web communications and Scripps Webmaster Wayne Suiter provided a demo on the proposed Intranet site (still under development), requesting that committee members serve as reviewers once a beta site is ready. Wayne also previewed the basic look and content for the new Scripps Alumni Chapter web site. This site is part of a larger Scripps alumni program aimed at engaging alums in getting reconnected with Scripps. Lastly, Wayne showcased some of the past Scripps web excursion sites, focusing on the engaging and educational opportunities of providing links from the field. Educational needs, including COSEE partnerships, are being encouraged.

As always, Scripps Communications staff request advance notification about upcoming science publications, research findings, new programs and research initiatives, and policy issues. The committee is dedicated to soliciting story ideas for the general news media and publications such as Explorations. Committee members agree that reporting Scripps science not only provides a beneficial public service, but also helps promote Scripps Institution at the local, regional, national, and international levels.


Peter Franks
Chair, Scripps Communications Advisory Committee
12/17/04