Online Expert Guide Available from TAMIU

Texas A&M International University continues to grow and expand in order to better meet the needs of the area. Just this Fall, 19 new full-time faculty will be added.

In order to assist members of the media in getting the most accurate and timely information for breaking and feature news stories, the University's Office of Public Affairs and Information Services (PAIS) has created a University Experts Guide website. The site can be reached at http://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo/services.htm.

Journalists will find a subject index of topics covered by faculty and other experts at TAMIU from Archaeology to Urban Studies. Visitors are given the names of personnel with expertise in the selected area and can read more detailed descriptions of the experts' subject area.

Steve Harmon, director of PAIS, said experts were solicited from the Deans of all four Colleges as well as the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library and several key service areas, such as the Athletics and Student Life departments.

"We hope the media will find this an expedient way to locate sources for comment. TAMIU has a diverse group of experts who are available as resources on a tremendous number of topics," said Harmon.

He said the website would continue to be updated and that if a reporter had a subject that was not listed, he or she should contact the Office of Public Affairs.

"The website should be viewed as a supplement to our normal service role for working journalists. We believe that it will address a growing interest in electronic access to our University experts. Of course, we'll continue to welcome opportunities to work with journalists and reporters directly," he said.

For more information on the TAMIU University Expert Guide, please call 326.2180, visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268 or e-mail pais@tamiu.edu. The office's website is http://www.tamiu.edu/newsinfo. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu