MSU Billings Foundation & Alumni have partnered with Publishing Concepts LP (PCI) to produce an Oral History Publication for Montana State University Billings. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, Texas, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for over 100 years.
Q: I received an email/postcard/phone call asking for my personal information and a story about Montana State University Billings. Tell me more about the project.
A: This project allows us to hear about your personal experiences from your time at Montana State University Billings and how the school helped shape your life since then. And while we have you on the phone, we want to ensure your contact information is up to date.
Participation is voluntary. We hope you’ll be part of this important initiative.
Q: Does Montana State University Billings benefit from this?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- When you update your contact information, that allows us to communicate with and engage alumni effectively.
- By sharing and collecting Yellowjacket stories, we can preserve the history and legacy of our school.
- You demonstrate support and love for our school when you wear Yellowjacket apparel.
Q: How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
A: PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses, and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or the law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable Information) from all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
Q: Do I have to purchase the publication for my story to be included?
A: No purchase is required. All stories are included in the digital version; however, the printed version has limited space. While a purchase is not required to be included in the physical publication, a purchase does guarantee inclusion. To check out the product offerings, click here.
Q: I want to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
A: If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Montana State University Billings. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip will be provided to Montana State University Billings after the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.
Q: Can I choose what information appears in the publication?
A: The only information that is included in the publication is your name, class year, and degree, along with your story and photo. No contact information is printed. When you call to update your contact information, it will only be used to update your alumni record for the school/alumni association. You may revoke consent for your story and/or photo to appear any time before December 23, 2022, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
Q: I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.
A: You can call back anytime before January 27, 2023, to share your story.
Q: I shared a story, and the representative said I could send a photo. How do I do this?
A: You will receive an email with a link to upload one photo (black and white or color) plus a caption.
If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send a physical photo in to be printed (note: the picture will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Q: Can anyone purchase a book?
A: The Montana State University Billings Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Montana State University Billings alumni.
Q: When will I receive my book?
A: The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in late July 2022, the books will be distributed in August 2023.
Q: I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
A: Contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590.