University of Minnesota Protocol
The President's Office
Contact
President's Office
202 Morrill Hall
100 Church St SE
Minneapolis MN 55455
612-626-1616
612-625-3875 (FAX)
www.umn.edu/pres/
The President's Office should be called upon when compelling educational, cultural, or political circumstances mandate the president's presence and participation. In most cases, however, another central officer can be equally effective. Often it is more appropriate to schedule meetings with offices directly responsible for various programs in central administration.
A letter of welcome from the president or a gift from the President's Office bestowed by another person can also substitute for an in-person visit.
If a visitor is to meet the president, the requesting unit should be prepared to answer the following questions:
How long should the appointment be?
- 15 minutes: ceremonial duties, courtesy calls, and get-acquainted sessions
- 30 minutes: negotiations, fact-finding, information-sharing
- 30 minutes: negotiations, fact-finding, information-sharing
- The President's Office can accommodate up to 12 people comfortably.
- Gifts from the president to visitors will be the responsibility of the President's Office; please inform the President's Office when you call or write for an appointment if you feel a gift should be given. Is the visitor likely to give a gift to the president or institution? What are the cultural factors to consider with the choice of gift? (See Gift Giving for cultural considerations in gift giving and suggestions of appropriate gifts.)
- If so, is it important to try to include the president's spouse?
What is the expected degree of formality or informality?
- Coordinating the president's attendance at a meeting or social event with the visitor is the responsibility of the requesting unit, in consultation with the president's senior staff. At times, Eastcliff (the president's residence) may be used to entertain visitors (see sidebar).
When a letter or written invitation from the president is appropriate, the requesting unit should send a draft to the President's Office where it will be completed. In all cases, provide the president with briefing materials not exceeding two pages. If the event requires the president to speak, welcome, or introduce an international visitor, provide speaking points for the president's speechwriter.
Eastcliff
In certain situations, Eastcliff, the president's home, can be used to host events sponsored by University-affiliated groups.
For more information, contact the Eastcliff management staff at 612-627-6800 or eastclif@umn.edu