SJV PRIME+ Student Public Speaking and Representation Guidelines

SJV PRIME+ Student Public Speaking and Representation Guidelines

We encourage students to share their personal journeys to medicine, experiences in SJV PRIME+, and the impact of their education and training. Student perspectives are valuable and help prospective applicants learn about the student experience.

When speaking at panels, presentations, community events, media interviews, webinars, podcasts, or other public-facing engagements; engaging with prospective students; or posting on social media about SJV PRIME+, keep the following guidelines in mind:

  1. Speak from Personal Experience
    1. Share your own experiences, perspectives, and opinions.
    2. Use phrases such as “In my experience…” or “As a student, I have found…”
  2. Do Not Speak on Behalf of the Program
    1. Students are not authorized to make official statements, commitments, or representations on behalf of the program, institution, or admissions office.
    2. Avoid presenting personal opinions, experiences, or assumptions as program policies, guarantees, or official positions.
  3. Do Not Make Definitive Statements about Admissions
    1. Admissions requirements, application requirements, timelines, policies, financial aid, and admissions offer details are subject to change.
    2. Students should not provide guidance regarding admissions decisions, acceptance likelihood, financial awards, or future admissions policies.
  4. Do Not Establish Individual Admissions Relationships
    1. To ensure a fair and equitable admissions process for all applicants, students should not establish or imply special admissions relationships with prospective applicants.
    2. Avoid saying or implying statements such as, "I'll let them know you're applying," "I'll put in a good word for you," or "I'll talk to the admissions team about your application."
  5. Refer Admissions Questions to Official Sources
    1. Prospective applicants seeking information about admissions criteria, application requirements, timelines, or policies should be directed to the admissions office, SJV PRIME+ website, and official program communications.
    2. If prospective applicants have questions about the application process, admissions requirements, or their individual circumstances, encourage them to contact the SJV PRIME+ admissions team directly at primeplus@ucmerced.edu
  6. Maintain Confidentiality, Professionalism, and Student Privacy
    1. Do not share confidential, proprietary, or non-public information. Examples include, but are not limited to:
      • Interview questions or details about the interview process that are not publicly available
      • Internal admissions data
      • Identities or membership of the admissions committee
      • Any other information that has not been officially released by the program.
    2. Respect the privacy of fellow students, faculty, staff, patients, and applicants.
    3. Students are expected to comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and respect the privacy of fellow SJV PRIME+ students and cohort members.
  • Do not disclose or discuss another student's educational or personal information without that student's express written consent. This includes, but is not limited to:
    • Academic performance or standing
    • Financial aid, scholarships, or other financial offers
    • Admissions or enrollment status
    • Disciplinary matters
    • Medical information or disability accommodations
    • Any other personally identifiable educational information protected under FERPA
    • Avoid discussing or comparing financial aid, scholarship, or funding decisions across cohorts or individual students. Program funding and financial assistance may vary over time and are considered private student information.
    • If asked about another student's experience or circumstances, respectfully decline to comment and encourage individuals to seek information through official program channels when appropriate.
  1. Do Not Create or Represent Official Program Accounts
    1. Do not create or manage social media accounts, websites, groups, or other public-facing platforms that appear to represent or speak on behalf of the SJV PRIME+ program.
    2. Do not create social media accounts using the SJV PRIME+ name or branding in a way that could reasonably be interpreted as an official program account.
    3. Do not use program logos, graphics, or other branding without authorization.
    4. Official SJV PRIME+ social media and communications are managed through authorized program channels to ensure accurate, consistent, and up-to-date information.

By sharing authentic personal experiences while avoiding official representations of the program, students can provide valuable insights while ensuring prospective applicants receive accurate and up-to-date information from official sources.

Prior Notification for Public Representation

Before participating in any public-facing activity for which you have been invited because of your participation in SJV PRIME+, or in which you will be speaking about your experiences in the SJV PRIME+ program you are required to notify the program via email at least two (2) weeks in advance, whenever possible.

Please send a single email and include all of the following recipients:

SJV PRIME+ Outreach Team
primeplus@ucmerced.edu

Chair, UC Merced Department of Medical Education and Assistant Dean, UCSF
Margo Vener, MD
mvener@ucmerced.edu

Medical Education Manager
Maira Pulido, PhD
mpulido2@ucmerced.edu

This notification is intended to promote coordination and consistency in program communications. Advance notification helps ensure the program is aware of upcoming representation opportunities, can provide the most current program information if needed, and can offer guidance or support for the event.