Frequently Asked Questions
I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Washington State University. Is this a legitimate project, or is it a scam?
It’s legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for the Washington State University Alumni Association. PCI is a family-owned business based in Dallas, TX, that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations nationwide for almost 100 years. This project allows the Washington State University Alumni Association to hear about your personal experiences and explain how Washington State University has helped shape your lives.
Does the Washington State University Alumni Association benefit from this at all?
Yes, in a few different ways:
- Updated Information–allows us to communicate with and engage alums effectively
- Legacy–preserves the history of our school
- Revenue-–generates revenue for our programs
- Pride–wearing apparel shows support and love for our school, there will be merchandise packages available for purchase through the project
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 law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (personally 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.
I want to verify or 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 Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, and then ask you to share your story about your time at Washington State University. Your story will be recorded, and the sound clip will be provided to the Washington State University Alumni Association 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 Washington State University Alumni Association update line at 1-800-476-9272.
- If you are living internationally or are unable to call the update line, please email PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
How can I participate if I am Deaf/Hard of Hearing?
If you like to participate and are Deaf/Hard of Hearing, please email customerservice@publishingconcepts.com. PCI will send you a personalized link for you to share your written story and photo.
Can I choose what information prints in the publication?
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 September 26, 2025, by contacting PCI’s customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / PCIservice@publishingconcepts.com.
I updated my information but need more time to think about what experience to share.
You can call back at any time before September 26, 2025, to share your story.
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 (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 to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).
Can anyone purchase a book?
The Washington State University Alumni Association Oral History Publication is available for sale only to Washington State University Alumni Association members and Washington State University alums who become members. You can guarantee your story will be included in the book if you purchase the book. There will be a nonmember price for the book which will include an annual membership with WSUAA and a member price with the opportunity to renew or upgrade your WSUAA membership.
When will I receive my book?
The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in end of March 2025, the books are scheduled to be distributed April 2026. We will communicate updates during the production phase of the project.
I ordered a book/package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?
Contact PCI’s customer service help desk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com, and they will handle your request.