Welcome to CUPRAP

CUPRAP is a voluntary organization of communications professionals from colleges, universities and independent schools dedicated to advancing the understanding of higher education and enhancing the professional development of its members. CUPRAP members work in public relations, media relations, marketing, publications, sports information, web and graphic design, and more. Members come from private and public colleges and universities, junior colleges, community colleges, independent schools, as well as other organizations involved in higher education. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1980 as one of the nations few statewide organizations, CUPRAP members now come from many states. Today, CUPRAP has nearly 400 members from 100 institutions.

Formed in 1980 by a dedicated group of Pennsylvania higher education public relations professionals, CUPRAP today has a membership of nearly 350 members at over 100 institutions, comprising nearly all of the institutions of higher education in Pennsylvania and several in New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware. More specifically, CUPRAP members include: public relations directors, publication editors, graphic designers, Web designers, writers, marketing specialists, sports information directors, media relations managers and special events coordinators. Members come from private and public colleges and universities, junior colleges, community colleges, independent schools and other organizations involved or interested in higher education. Members can enjoy a number of benefits and take part in a variety of programs, including a series of professional development activities:

  • Professional Development Workshops: A number of one-day professional development workshops, in fall and spring, in different parts of the state.
  • Professional Development Conference: A three-day professional development workshop, held each year in early spring at the Hotel Hershey.
  • CUPRAP Communications Internship Award: For students of color—an award for minority students interested in pursuing careers in communications.
  • CUPRAP News, a quarterly newsletter.
  • Annual Membership Directory.
  • CUPRAP website, with links to members and resources.
  • CUPRAP-L, an exclusive electronic discussion group for members.
  • Arthur V. Ciervo Award—awarded to a public relations professional, president, higher education advocate, public official, or outstanding faculty or staff member who exemplifies CUPRAP's fundamental purposes of supporting and advancing the understanding of higher education.
  • Don Hale Award—awarded annually to a CUPRAP member who has significantly contributed to the organization.