SUNY ESF Alumni Association
Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about my time at ESF. Is this a legitimate project, or is it a scam?
We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the ESF Alumni Association (ESFAA). PCI is a company located in Dallas, TX that publishes directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities and military organizations across the nation. This project allows the ESFAA to hear about your personal experiences and explain how ESF has helped shape your lives.
Does the ESF Alumni Association benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Legacy - Preserves the oral history of our school.
- Updated Information - Allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni.
- Revenue - Provides an opportunity for alumni to give to the ESF Annual Fund.
- Pride - Wearing apparel shows support and love for our school.
How do I know my information will only be used for this specific purpose?
The ESFAA has a contractual agreement with PCI that states:
The names, addresses and information provided to PCI by the ESFAA for the publication of the Oral History Publication will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Publication and except as required by court order or law.
The Oral History Publication will be made available only to alumni of ESF. Upon completion of the project, PCI will return to the ESFAA any and all electronic files that have been supplied by the ESFAA or produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Publication.
I would like to update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
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 Publication. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at ESF. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip provided to the ESFAA at the conclusion of 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.
If you did not receive a postcard or email, you may call the dedicated ESF update line at 1-866-884-2106.
If you have questions, you may call PCI's customer service desk at 1-800-982-1590.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can notify the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 or customerservice@publishingconcepts.com.
I updated my information but need some more time to think about what story to tell.
You can call back at any time to share your story or schedule a call back with an agent.
I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?
You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos plus captions.
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 physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
I'd like to add/remove info from my story. How can I do this?
You will receive an email prior to publication with a link to review your transcribed story and make any edits.
If I share a story, do I have to provide a photo? If I want a photo included, do I have to share a story?
You may share as little or as much as you'd like. Some people only want to share a story, others only want to share a photo and caption.
Can anyone purchase a book?
Tales from the Forest: An ESF Oral History Publication is available for sale only to alumni of ESF.
When will I receive my book?
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in June 2020, the books will be distributed in early Summer of 2021.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Call the PCI customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.