The Office of Communications plans and produces the college’s internal and external communications efforts to various constituencies, including prospective students/parents, alumni, and donors. We work closely with the college’s administrative offices and academic units as well as the University’s Division Divisions of Marketing and Communications.Our Our projects are prioritized based on the college’s goals and strategies. Priority is given to college-wide projects (recruitment materials, for example) and dean’s initiatives. While we would like to accommodate every request, demand or the timing of your request may require us to refer you to a University-approved resource.
What does our office do?
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Communication Services Policy for VPA Schools, Departments, and Offices
The VPA Office of Communications provides a number of services to VPA schools, departments, and offices, including:
- Stewardship of University and VPA brand tools, including VPA logo and school/department visual representation and messaging
- Website design, content management, development, and oversight of website accessibility for the college’s site (vpa.syr.edu). Note: Information related to VPA degree programs and initiatives should be hosted on vpa.syr.edu and not an independent website for a better user experience and to ensure appropriate branding, accessibility, and search engine optimization (SEO).
- Design and copyediting of print and digital pieces, including brochures, postcards, flyers, invitations, posters,
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- and advertising*
- Sourcing and design of branded premiums (promotional products) via approved University vendors**
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- Oversight of college photo and video assets
- Administration and content management of digital signage in VPA buildings
- Marketing and communications strategies, including media relations
*Advertising refers to paid promotional messages or listings in print and digital publications, online, or on billboards, radio, or television that utilize the college and University name, logos, trademarks, images, or URLs referring to any program, initiative, service, or operation of VPA.
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**A
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branded premium
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is a custom-imprinted item that utilizes the college and/or University name, logos, trademarks, images, or URLs referring to any program, initiative, service, or operation of VPA
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. Many college and University marks are considered trademarks or registered trademarks, and improper use of them can result in personal or institutional legal liability.
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We can work with you to customize your communications strategy and craft materials that
Consistency in visual identity helps drive a unified college vision and strengthens the power of our individual units. |
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Before contacting the Office of Communications, it helps to have a general idea of the scope of your project. If there is a cost associated (for example, for the production of print materials or advertising), you should secure permission from your chair/director. The Office of Communications can only pay for college-wide projects approved by the dean at this time; however, if requested, the communications team can assist you in securing vendor cost estimates and working with the vendor on your behalf. Before you request our services, please consider:
Other important questions:
TimelineThe time required to effectively complete your project will vary depending on 1) its complexity; 2) the timeliness and completeness of the content provided; and (3) the number of priority projects in our queue. Three weeks’ notice is ideal for most press releases and design projects (not including time needed for any printing/production); however, complex design projects will require more time. Please note these tips:
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Policy
If you are planning a project supported by VPA funding that requires one of these services (including faculty research projects supported by VPA or University funding), please contact the Office of Communications before beginning the project, placing an order, or hiring an outside vendor. We require you do this for several reasons:
- We may be able to provide the services you need at no cost to your school, department, or office. Our staff includes a graphic designer, web content manager, and web developer. We also have access to University marketing and communications resources.
- We will ensure that University guidelines for branding, editorial style, trademarks, and accessibility are followed.
- If we are unable to provide the services you need, we can connect you with a vendor that has been vetted and approved by the University. You should not hire an outside vendor for communications-related services until you receive approval from the Office of Communications.
NOTE: In coordination with the college’s Office of Budget and Operations, the director of the Office of Communications reviews and approves proposals for purchases or contracts related to the services listed above. The purchases/contracts must then be reviewed and signed by the University Comptroller. Please note that faculty, staff, and deans are not authorized to sign contracts as these documents must be reviewed and signed by the University Comptroller.
Should you choose to hire a vendor without prior approval from the Office of Communications, your school/department/office request for payment may be denied.
Contact Us:
Questions Related to Our Services and Policies
Erica Blust
Director, Office of Communications
College of Visual and Performing Arts
esblust@syr.edu
Design Requests
Please fill out and submit our brief design project initiation form.
Website Requests (vpa.syr.edu)
Email vpa-webmaster@syr.edu. Be sure to include the URL of the page to which you are referring
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News Items and All Other Requests
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