We're working with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to create a book of Castleton's history as told by you, our valued alumni.
You may recognize PCI (or Publishing Concepts) from our partnership with them in the past to produce a directory of alumni. Now, we've teamed up to collect an oral history of Castleton, which will be compiled into a bound book. It's free to participate, and you'll have the opportunity to order a book as well as apparel. We want to take moment and answer some frequently asked questions:
1. received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and Castleton story. Is this a legitimate project?
Yes, it's legitimate! We've partnered with PCI in the past to publish our alumni directory, and now we've partnered with them again to capture the history of Castleton from the perspective of our alumni.
2. Does Castleton benefit from this at all?
Yes, but not monetarily. We'll benefit from this by having up-to-date contact information to engage with you, as well as preserving the history of Castleton. We're not soliciting donations through this project, and the cost associated with the purchase of the book and/or apparel goes directly to PCI.
3. How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?
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 any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.
4. I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?
If you've 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 the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your experience at Castleton. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Castleton at the conclusion of the project. If you've 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 can contact our Director of Development & Alumni Affairs at +1(802) 468 -1089 or by e-mail at carrie.savage@castleton.edu
5. Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you'd like your information to be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com
6. I updated my information but need more time to think about what experience to share.
No worries! You can call back at any time to share your story
7. 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 two photos (black and white or color) 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).
8. Can anyone purchase a book?
No, the Castleton Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Castleton alumni
9. When will I receive my book?
The Oral History Project runs for approximately 12 months, from story collection to publishing. We started our project in November 2022 so you can expect your book to ship in late November 2023. We understand that this is a long time to wait for something you've purchased, but orders must be placed in advance to ensure that the correct number is published.
10. I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
You can contact PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590, and they will take care of this for you.