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The Pennsylvania State University A Communications Plan for an Athletic Department Travel Crisis
Hannah Aboulhosn, Erica Avallone, Julie Bacanskas, Jamal Barakat and Robyn Barebo PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgements & Agreements 3 Introduction 4 A Word From AD Sandy Barbour Purpose & Objectives 5 Strategic Considerations 6 Developing the Best Option Key Internal Publics 7
Key External Publics 10
Telephone Tree 11
Possible Spokespeople 12 Sandy Barbour & Stephanie Petulla Fact Sheets 13 Penn State Football Boeing 737-800 Control Center 15 Holding Statement 16 Press Release 17 Regional & State Officials 19 Medical & Law Enforcement Contacts 20 Risk Assessment 22 Incident Identification Sheet 23 Media Directory 24 Potential Q&As 26 Dark Site 29 PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !3
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS & AGREEMENTS
This is to acknowledge that the following individuals have received and are able to access a copy of the Pennsylvania State University’s Crisis Communication Plan. These individuals have access to a hardcopy version of said plan and may also obtain one through the Communications Department.
By signing below these individuals agree to the set forth the terms and conditions of the plan. Furthermore, they are prepared and able to enact the Crisis Communication Plan should the need arise. Each party acknowledges that they have the responsibility and duty to do so in a timely manner following the occurrence of said crisis.
All parties also agree to meet semi-annually to review the details of the plan and update it as needed.
______Employee Name (Printed) Date Employee Signature Date ______Employee Name (Printed) Date Employee Signature Date ______Employee Name (Printed) Date Employee Signature Date ______Employee Name (Printed) Date Employee Signature Date ______Employee Name (Printed) Date Employee Signature Date PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !4
INTRODUCTION
This Crisis Communication Plan is a detailed guide to managing both internal and external communications in the case a Penn State Athletics plane crashed carrying a number of important individuals. Please take this very seriously. In the event this tragedy should occur here is a step- by-step guide on how to respond. We need to be prepared and by following this plan we can better protect ourselves, ensuring that we do not do a disservice to the Pennsylvania State University. The importance of this plan cannot be overstated. This could mean the difference between the happiness and security of our staff as well as its publics as opposed to disorganized chaos and uncertainty for the entire Penn State family.
Being familiar with the different parts of this plan and the role you play will help us better serve the entire Penn State community, not just those located in the State College vicinity. This plan outlines the roles, responsibilities and protocols to guide the University in sharing information with all of Penn State’s audiences.
Sincerely,
Sandy Barbour PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !5
PURPOSE & OBJECTIVES
PURPOSE: The purpose of this plan is to provide a clear and effective communications plan for the internal and external management in the event of travel crises or emergencies that would impact the Pennsylvania State University. The University shall be prepared to effectively protect and inform its publics as well as itself in the event of an emergency or crisis situation.
OBJECTIVES: • To communicate facts as quickly and accurately as possible • To update information regularly as the circumstances change • To ensure the safety of the Penn State community and continue the operation of essential services • To communicate through a variety of communication mediums including but not limited to social media, news networks and news publications • To communicate honestly and in a timely manner in an effort to avoid inflicting lasting damage to the University and the members of its family • To be open, accountable and accessible to all audiences impacted by this crisis • To be mindful of the Penn State legacy and privacy of those impacted by the crisis • To use honesty and timely communication to avoid inflicting lasting damage to the University and the members of its family
Our communication efforts will be quick as well as accurate. Consequently, information regarding particular aspects of the crisis may be released after initial statements. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !6
STRATEGIC CONSIDERATIONS
Should we consider using another airline in the future?
Should we consider placing individuals on multiple flights as opposed to just one? PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !7
KEY INTERNAL PUBLICS
NAME POSITION CONTACT INFO (814) 865-7611 or Eric Barron University President [email protected] (814) 865-2505 or Nicholas Jones Provost [email protected] Lawrence Lokman VP for Strategic Communications (814) 863-3160 or [email protected] (814) 863-3160 or [email protected] Sandy Barbour Director of Athletics u Deputy Director of Athletics & Chief Phil Esten Operating Officer (814) 867-6115 or [email protected] Senior Associate AD, Student-Athlete (814) 865-1104 or Charmelle Green Performance, Health and Welfare [email protected] (814) 867-6352 or Lynn Holleran Senior Associate AD, Administration [email protected] Senior Associate AD, Finance and (814) 865-7780 or Rick Kaluza Business Operations [email protected] Dave Baker Associate AD, Business Operations (814) 863-0270 or [email protected] Mark Associate AD, Facility and Event (814) 863-3489 or Bodenshcatz Operations Management [email protected] Associate AD, Student-Athlete (814) 863-0420 or Jan Bortner Success [email protected] (814) 865-9080 or Tom McGrath Associate AD, Business Relations [email protected] Associate AD, Strategic Jeff Nelson Communications (814) 863-3160 or [email protected] (814) 863-8048 or Matt Stolberg Associate AD, Compliance [email protected] (814) 865-9462 or Mark Wharton Associate AD, Development [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !8
(814) 865-7639 or Morris Kurtz Interim Assistant AD, Ice Hockey [email protected] Executive Assistant, Director of (814) 865-1086 or Heather Wilson Athletics [email protected] (814) 865-8142 or Michelle Alterio Administrative Support Assistant [email protected] (814) 863-3489 or Janet Bosco Administrative Support Assistant [email protected] Valerie Cingle Administrative Support Assistant (814) 865-1104 or [email protected] Tammy Davis Administrative Support Assistant (814) 863-0429 or [email protected] Tammy Helwig Administrative Support Assistant (814) 865-1086 or [email protected] (814) 865-2497 or Kristina Peterson Associate Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 863-3163 or Alissa Cledenen Associate Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-1757 or Mark Brumbaugh Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-1759 or Greg Campbell Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 863-3164 or Patrick Donghia Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] Jeremy Fallis Assistant Director of Communications (814) 863-1388 or [email protected] (814) 865-1757 or Matt Franzblau Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-3613 or Jen Heisel Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-0412 or Tony Mancuso Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-2498 or Will Rottler Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] (814) 865-8139 or Arielle Sargent Assistant Director of Communications [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !9
(814) 865-8141 or Ronda Andrews Administrative Support Assistant [email protected] Thomas Wolf Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Cynthia Dunn Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Russell Redding Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Pedro Rivera Board of Trustees Member [email protected] John Hanger Board of Trustees Member N/A Clifford Benson Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Kathleen Casey Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Mark Dambly Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Allison Goldstein Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Todd Rucci Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Paul Silvis Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Edward Brown III Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Barbara Doran Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Robert Jubelirer Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Albert Lord Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Anthony Lubrano Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Ryan McCombie Board of Trustees Member [email protected] William Oldsey Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Alice Pope Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Adam Talialferro Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Donald Cotner Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Keith Eckel Board of Trustees Member [email protected] M. Abraham Harpster Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Betsy Huber Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Keith Masser Board of Trustees Member [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !10
Carl Shaffer Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Richard Dandrea Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Kenneth Frazier Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Edward Hintz Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Ira Lubert Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Daniel Mead Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Walter Rakowich Board of Trustees Member [email protected] Alumni Association Executive Roger Williams Director (814) 865-6516 or [email protected] Penn State Newswire Student/Faculty Electronic News [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !11
KEY EXTERNAL PUBLICS
NAME POSITION CONTACT INFO Thomas King Chief of Police (814) 234-7150 Stacy Parks Miller District Attorney (814) 355-6735 Timothy Mercer University Park Police VP (814) 863-1111 Mt. Nittany Hospital Communications Dept. (814) 234-6727 Federal Aviation Administration US Department of Transportation (866) 835-5322 The Daily Collegian Penn State School Paper (814) 865-1828 Centre Daily Times Local Paper (814) 238-5000 Altoona Mirror Local Paper (814) 946-7411 Centre County Gazette Local Paper (814) 238-3500 Philadelphia Inquirer Philadelphia Media Outlet (215) 854-2000 Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pittsburgh Media Outlet (800) 228-6397 Philadelphia Daily News Philadelphia Media Outlet (215) 854-2000 Associated Press Philadelphia (215) 561-1133 Associated Press Pittsburgh (412) 281-3747 Associated Press Harrisburg (717) 238-9413 USA Today National Media Outlet (703) 854-3400 New York Times National Media Outlet (888) 698 6397 Penn Live Online Media Outlet (717) 255-8150 (814) 238-3500 or Onward State Online Media Outlet [email protected] AP Newswire Electronic News (814) 238-3649 WTAJ-TV Local News Station WJAC-TV Local News Station [email protected] Big Ten Network Sports Conference Network [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !12
The Lion 90.7 FM Local Radio Station WPSU 91.5 FM Local Radio Station (814) 865-3333 WIEZ 670 AM Local Radio Station [email protected] WBLF 970 AM Local Radio Station (814) 272-9700 webmaster@forevermed ESPN Radio 1450 AM Radio Station iainc.com Elizabeth Goreham State College Mayor (814) 234-7110 Centre County (814) 355-6700 Commissioners Commissioners Office State College Borough Human (814) 234-7115 Cynthia Hanscom Resources Director FAA Officials FAA (202) 366-4000 Flight Standards District Office Teterboro Office (201) 556-6600 DOT Department of Transportation (202) 366-4000 TSA Transportation Security Administration (866) 289-9673 PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !13
TELEPHONE TREE PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !14
POSSIBLE SPOKESPEOPLE
Sandy Barbour Penn State Athletic Director
Sandy Barbour came to Penn State in August of 2014. She brings 30 years of experience as a collegiate educator and coach. Barbour now directs the 31-sport-board-based program with 850 student athletes and an intercollegiate staff of more than 300 employees.
Stephanie Petulla Penn State Assistant Athletic Director/ Marketing Communications Director
Stephanie Petulla has been working for Penn State Athletics for 12 years with responsibilities from directing athletic communications to brand management. Petulla is a respected face in the Department and has a great understanding of Penn State Athletics. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !15
PENN STATE FOOTBALL FACT SHEET: APRIL 2015
Head Coach: James Franklin Number of Varsity players: 75 Number of Assistant Coaches: 18
Nickname: Nittany Lions Stadium: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA Big Ten Championships: 3 National Championships: 2
2014 Season: 7-3-0
2015 Schedule: (* Indicates Home Games)
9/05 vs. Temple 10/17 Ohio State 9/12 Buffalo* 10/24 Maryland 9/19 Rutgers* 10/31 Illinois* 9/26 San Diego State* 11/07 Northwestern 10/03 Army* 11/21 Michigan* 10/10 Indiana* 11/28 Michigan State
Media Contact: Erica Avallone [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !16
! FACT SHEET – Boeing 737-800 APRIL 2015
QUICK FACTS
Occupancy: 166 passengers Crew: Pilot, co-pilot, four or five flight attendants Cruise Speed: 530 mph Propulsion: 2 General Electric CFM56-7B24 High Bypass Ratio turbofan engines, rated at 24,000 pounds thrust each Wingspan: 112 feet, 7 inches Number of aircrafts in service: 240
SEAT MAP
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UNITED AIRLINES
Destinations: 372 Domestic U.S. destinations: 222 International destinations: 150 Countries served: 62 Hub cites: 10 Daily flights: 5,675 Passengers: 144 million per year Number of aircrafts in service: 1,262
Contact: Erica Avallone [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !17
CONTROL CENTER
1. Bryce Jordan Center a. Lori Rigg, Event Coordinator i. Phone: 814-863-1225 ii. Email: [email protected] b. Sarah Caterson, Marketing Manager i. Phone: 814-863-1225
2. Beaver Stadium a. Mark Bodenschatz, Director of event operations i. Phone: 814-863-3489 ii. Email: [email protected] b. Stephanie Petulla, Brand management i. Phone: 814-865-2152 ii. Email: [email protected]
3. Old Main a. Lawrence Lokman, Vice President of Strategic Communications i. Phone: 814-865-4100 ii. Email: [email protected] b. Betty Roberts, Administrative Coordinator i. Phone: 814-865-4100 ii. Email: [email protected] PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !18
HOLDING STATEMENT
A United Airlines flight carrying the Penn State football team crashed this morning on its way to Ireland. The plane was a couple hours into its flight when it crashed over the Atlantic Ocean. On board the flight were players, coaches, sports information directors and trainers. President Eric Barron and Athletic Director Sandy Barbour were on the plane as well. The team was on its way to play the University of Central Florida Saturday in the Croke Park Classic in Dublin, Ireland. Our thoughts and condolences are with all those affected by this horrific accident. We must all stay strong and come together in this difficult time. We will let the public know as soon as we have more information on the accident. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !19
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The Pennsylvania State University 101D Bryce Jordan Center University Park, PA 16802 (814) 865-1757 (814) 863-3165 (FAX)
Contact: Hannah Aboulhosn Phone Number: (571) 205-0251 E-mail: [email protected]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE PLANE CARRYING FOOTBALL TEAM AND PERSONNEL CRASHES
STATE COLLEGE, Pa., Aug. 23-A United Airlines flight carrying the Penn State football team crashed this morning on its way to Ireland, killing all passengers on board.
The team, flying on a 737800, was a couple hours into its flight when the plane crashed over the ocean. On board were players, coaches, trainers, sports information directors and media personnel. Athletic director Sandy Barbour and University President Eric Barron were on board as well. The total number of victims on board, including plane staff, was 173.
Rescue workers have confirmed that all people on board the flight were killed. The cause of the crash is said to have been a faulty engine, but further investigation will continue. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !20
The plane was on its way to the season-opener in Dublin, Ireland where the team was set to play the University of Central Florida in the Croke Park Classic on Saturday.
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Plane Crash
Add 2-2-2
Our thoughts are with all people affected by this terrible accident. Once more information is gathered we will notify the public immediately. For more information, please contact Hannah
Aboulhosn at (571) 205-0251, or visit www.gopsusports.com.
-30- PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !21
REGIONAL & STATE OFFICIALS
• Mayor: Elizabeth Goreham • Governor: Tom Wolf • City (borough) Council: James L. Rosenberger (president); Thomas E. Daubert; Catherine G. Dauler; Sarah Klinetob; Theresa D. Lafer; Peter Morris; Evan Myers • County officials o Board of Commissioners: Steven G. Dershem; Chris Exarchos; Michael Pipe o District Attorney: Stacy Parks Miller o Jury Commissioners: Ruth L. Luse; Hope P. Miller o Sheriff: Denny Nau o Treasurer: Richard A. Fornicola • State Legislators: Scott Conklin; Jake Corman; Rep. Thompson • U.S. Senators: Bob Casey Jr.; Pat Toomey • U.S. Representatives: Chaka Fattah; Tom Marino; Charlie Dent; Keith Rothfus; Mike Fitzpatrick; Bill Shuster; Matt Cartwright; Lou Barletta; Pat Meehan; Brendan Boyle; Scott Perry; Robert Brady; Joe Pitts; Michael F. Doyle; Timothy F. Murphy; Mike Kelly; Glenn Thompson PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !22
MEDICAL & LAW ENFORCEMENT CONTACTS
State College Police Department
Chief of Police: Thomas King 243 South Allen Street State College, PA 16801 (814) 234-7150 (814) 235-3324 (fax)
University Police and Public Safety
Primary Phone (814) 863-1111
Business/Records Department Phone: (814) 865-1864 or (814) 865-1865 Fax: (814) 865-0466
Office of District Attorney District Attorney of Centre County: Stacy Parks Miller 102 South Allegheny Street Room 404 Bellefonte, PA 16823 Map
Phone: (814) 355-6735 Victim/Witness Phone: (814) 548-1107 Fax: (814) 355-6756
Medical Enforcement Contacts
Mount Nittany Health – Blue Course Drive 1700 Old Gatesburg Road State College, PA 16803
Communications Department (814) 234-6727 1800 East Park Avenue State College, PA 16803
Mount Nittany Physician Group Internal Medicine PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !23
Phone number: (814) 237-3122 Toll-free: (844) 278-4600
Mount Nittany Physician Group Pain Management Phone number: (814) 237-3360
Lab Services Phone number: (814) 231-6876
Imaging Services Phone number: (814) 234-6106
Mount Nittany Health 3901 S. Atherton Street State College, PA 16801
Mount Nittany Physician Group Ear, Nose & Throat/Audiology Phone number: (814) 466-6396
Mount Nittany Physician Group Pulmonary Medicine Phone number: (814) 231-7888
Mount Nittany Physician Group Pediatrics Phone number: (814) 466-7921
Imaging Services Phone number: (814) 466-7927
Mount Nittany Health – Center for Wound Care 120 Radnor Road, Suite 100 State College, PA 16801 Phone number: 814.231.7868
Mount Nittany Health – Bellefonte 141 Medical Park Lane Bellefonte, PA 16823
Mount Nittany Physician Group Internal Medicine Phone number: (814) 355-7322 Toll-free: (844) 278-4600
Mount Nittany Physician Group Pediatrics PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !24
Phone number: (814) 355-3626
Lab Services Phone number: (814) 355-7322 PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !25
RISK ASSESSMENT
PRODUCT RELATED CONTROL PROBABILITY IMPACT Low/Medium/High Low/Medium/High Low/Medium/High
Advertising Issues High Medium High Environmental Concerns Medium Low Medium Product Boycott Low Medium High Product Defect Medium Low High Product Sabotage Low Low High Promotions Problems High Low Medium Safety of Product in Use Medium High High Safety of Raw Materials High Medium Medium
PROCESS RELATED
Distribution Delays Medium Medium Medium Explosion/Fire Low Low High Production Breakdown Low Medium High Technology Failure Low High High
PEOPLE RELATED
Blackmail Low Low Medium Bomb Threats Low Low High Equal Opportunity Issues Medium Medium Medium Health & Safety Issues High High High Industrial Tribunals Medium Medium Medium Kidnap Low Low High Labor Disputes/Strikes Medium Low High PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !26
Redundancies High Medium Medium Serious Accidents at Work Low Medium High Other
CORPORATE RELATED
Activists Low High Medium Extortion Low Medium High Financial Results Medium High High Lawsuits Low High High Merger/Take-over High Low High Regulatory & Trade Barriers High Medium Medium Restructuring/Closures High Medium Medium INCIDENT IDENTIFICATION
Type of Incident: Penn State football team plane crash
Details of Incident: While flying to Ireland, the plane carrying the Penn State football team and other Penn State personnel experienced engine failure. The plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean, killing everyone on board. The team was flying with United Airlines out of Newark Liberty International Airport on a Boeing 737-800.
Actions Taken 1. Call the families of all Penn State personnel on the plane 2. Write a press release explaining the accident 3. Activate the Dark Site 4. Alert the media using 5. Call a press conference, which will take place at the Bryce Jordan Center 6. Remain in contact with airline officials 7. Post all new information to the website
Contact Details: Contact the families of all Penn State personnel on the flight. Those on board are included below.
Penn State Football Players on Board Marcus Allen, Mark Allen, Kyle Alston, Troy Apke, Matthew Baney, Tarow Barney, Noah Beh, Brandon Bell, Gordon Bentley, Joe Berg, Saeed Blacknall, Nick Boumerhi, Adam Breneman, Brendan Brosnan, Torrence Brown, Jason Cabinda, Christian Campbell, Kyle Carter, Colin PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !27
Castagna, Sean Corcoran, Curtis Cothran, Parker Cothren, Da'Quan Davis, Desi Davis, Tyler Davis, Adam De Boef, Tom Devenney, Kyler Diehl, Derek Dowrey, Jordan Dudas, Will Eikenberry, Koa Farmer, Billy Fessler, Seth Ford, Brian Gaia, Evan Galimberti, Gregg Garrity, Adam Geiger, Mike Gesicki, Chris Godwin, Malik Golden, Chris Gulla, Christian Hackenberg, Jack Haffner, Grant Haley, Albert Hall, DaeSean Hamilton, Bryant Harper, Colin Harrop, Joe Holmes, Charles Idemudia, Sterling Jenkins, Austin Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Joey Julius, Jake Kiley, Ben Kline, Zach Ladonis, Wendy Laurent, Geno Lewis, Robby Liebel, Jordan Lucas, Akeel Lynch, Brendan Mahon, Angelo Mangiro, Josh McPhearson, Trace McSorley, Carl Nassib, Andrew Nelson, Amani Oruwariye, Paris Palmer, Tom Pancoast, Daniel Pasquariello, Troy Reeder, Dominic Salomone, Evan Schwan, Nick Scott, Charlie Shuman, Garrett Sickels, Anthony Smith, Brandon Smith, Jordan Smith, Chance Sorrell, Evan Steinfeld, Tommy Stevens, Troy Stivason, Johnathan Thomas, DeAndre Thompkins, Brian Tomasetti, Javon Turner, Luke Vadas, Kyle Vasey, Von Walker, Nyeem Wartman, Antoine White, Brent Wilkerson, Trevor Williams, Gary Wooten, Daquan Worley, Chasz Wright, Tyler Yazujian, Matt Zanellato, Anthony Zettel
Penn State Football Coaches and Trainers on Board James Franklin, Bob Shoop, John Donovan, Charles Huff, Brent Pry, Josh Gattis, Herb Han, Ricky Rahne, Terry M. Smi, Sean Spencer, Jemal Griffin, Andy Frank, Michael Hazel, Kevin Threlkel, Winston Etheridge III, Evan Ostrow, Dwight Galt, Tim Bream, Cameron Patria
Other Penn State Employees on Board: Eric Barron, Sandy Barbour, Jeff Nelson, Kris Peterson PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !28
MEDIA DIRECTORY
NEWS SOURCE EMAIL PHONE NUMBER The Daily Collegian [email protected] (814) 865-1828 Centre Daily Times [email protected] (814) 238-5000 Centre County Gazette [email protected] (814) 238-5051 Allentown Morning Call [email protected] (610) 820-6500 Philadelphia Inquirer X (215) 854-4500 Pittsburgh Post- Gazette X (412) 263-1100 Buck County Courier Times [email protected] (215) 949-4161 Altoona Mirror X (814) 946-7411 Philadelphia Daily News X (215) 854-5901 USA Today [email protected] (703) 854-3400 ESPN X 1-(888)-549-3776 WLVT-TV X (610)-867-4677 WPSU-TV [email protected] (814)-865-3333 WJAC-TV [email protected] (814)-255-3958 WWCP-TV X (814)-949-4780 WTAJ-TV [email protected] (814)-296-8730 WATM-TV X (814)-266-7749 WLYH-TV [email protected] (717)-238-2100 WHTM-TV [email protected] (717)-236-1444 WPMT [email protected] (717)-843-0043 WPVI-TV X (215)-878-9700 PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !29
WCAU X (610)-668-5510 WPHL-TV X (215) 878-1700 WTXF-TV [email protected] (215) 925-2929 KDKA-TV [email protected] (412) 575-2200 WTAE-TV [email protected] (412) 242-4300 WPXI [email protected] (412) 237-1100 WPGH-TV [email protected] (410) 568-1500 WNEP-TV [email protected] (570) 207-2825 WYOU X (570) 961-2222 GoPSUsports.com X (814) 865-0561 State College News [email protected] (814) 238-3500 Penn Live [email protected] (717) 255-8176 Onward State [email protected] (814) 238-3500 Lions 24/7 [email protected] (615) 879-3786 Associated Press [email protected] (212) 621-1500 Big Ten Network [email protected] X WPSU 91.5 FM X (814) 865-3333 WIEZ 670 AM [email protected] X WBLF 970 AM X (814) 272-9700 ESPN Radio 1450 AM [email protected] X PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !30
PRESS CONFERENCE POSSIBLE QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Q1: When and where did the plane crash? A1: The plane crashed early Wednesday morning while over the Atlantic Ocean.
Q2: What type of plane was the team flying on? A2: The team flew out on a Boeing 737-800.
Q3: What airport did the team fly out of? A3: The team flew out of Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey.
Q4: What caused the plane crash? A4: The official cause is still under investigation. At this time, however, it appears the plane’s engine failed.
Q5: Who from Penn State was on the plane? A5: All members of the Penn State football team, including players, coaches, trainers and communications personnel were on the plane. Additionally, Penn State’s Athletic Director Sandy Barbour and the University President Eric Barron were also on board.
Q6: Are there any survivors? A6: Rescue crews reported no survivors.
Q7: How will Penn State operate following the loss of the University’s president? A7: We will name a new University President in the coming days and continue to do what we can for the families and friends of the individuals who were on that plane.
Q8: What will happen during the remainder of the football season? A8: Penn State will forego the football season after this tragedy. We will think of the team and coaches every Saturday, and Beaver Stadium will shine bright each and every week in memory of them.
Q9: Why were all of these individuals on one plane as opposed to splitting them across separate flights? A9: Flying on one plane is the way the University has always operating across all sports. Using only one plane is far more cost effective and allows the teams to travel to different countries, which is what
Q10: What is the University doing for the families of those on the plane? A10: We have been in contact with the families of every Penn State student and employee on the plane to offer our deepest condolences. As we learn more about what exactly took place, we will remain in contact and do what we can to show our support. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !31
Q11: Will there be any University wide vigils taking place in the coming days? A11: To our understanding there will be. The students have already begun planning, but you will have to look to them for the exact details about the event.
Q12: How can something like this be prevented in the future? A12: In the future, Penn State will make sure to split the team, coaches and important University officials across multiple flights. It may not be as cost effective, but it would prevent another accident of this magnitude. Also, the University will be looking into using a different plane model in the future and possible a different airline.
Q13: How and when were Penn State officials notified of the crash? A13: United Airlines notified us about an hour after the crash.
Q14: How many total passengers were aboard the flight? A14: Including all Penn State personnel, pilots, flight attendants and others on the flight, 173 people were on board.
Q15: What airline did the team use to fly? A15: The team used United Airlines for this trip.
Q16: Who will act as the Athletic Director? A16: We are still in the process of determining who will take Director Barbour’s place, but until then the employees within Penn State Athletics Communications will all split the roles of the Athletic Director.
Q17: When will you have updated information about why the plane’s engine failed? A17: We’re not entirely sure of that yet. We have been and will continue to be in close contact with Boeing and United Airlines as we search for answers.
Q18: Is the engine failure the definite cause, or is there any chance the crash may have been caused by the pilots or something else? A18: Of course anything is possible, but at this point the initial reports were engine failure. If we hear anything different, we will get that information out as soon as it is available.
Q19: How will the school recover from this accident, emotionally and financially? A19: At this point, that’s hard to tell. Emotionally, it will be difficult. We lost so many friends and good people today. That loss and pain will never go away, but we will continue to remember these people forever. Financially, the University is not concerned about the potential losses this year. Working to understand and honor these lives is far more important.
Q20: Will Penn State bring in people the student can talk to in order to deal with tragedy? PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !32
A20: The University will be hosting sessions around campus in order to help students cope and to assist them in any ways possible during this time.
Q21: Will the other sports teams on campus be doing anything to honor the football team? A21: Yes. The other teams will be adding patches to their jerseys and will proudly wear them to remember their peers.
Q22: Does the University plan to create any memorials for the team in the near future? A22: In the future, we’re sure something will be created to honor the team, but at this time our focus is on doing what we can for the families, friends and all Penn State faculty, students and employees.
Q23: How will you continue to keep the public and media updated? A23: We will be releasing information on our website, GoPSUsports.com, and through email as we learn more.
Q24: Will the University be reconsidering future event in different countries? A24: As of now, we have not discussed that as a possibility because this tragedy did not take place solely because the team was traveling to a different country. Unfortunately, with this specific plane, it appears there would have been an issue no matter where the team was traveling.
Q25: Will Penn State be closing at all this week? A25: At this time, no plans to close have been discussed. Faculty, students and employees will be made aware of any closures if that decision changes. PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !33
DARK SITE
SITE LINK: http://jyb5373.wix.com/gopsusportscrisis
PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !34
PENN STATE ATHLETICS CRISIS PLAN !35