You’ve got an announcement, event or story. You want to get the word out. The best strategy depends on your message and audience.
Here’s a good start
- If your department or division has a communication or marketing person, work with them. See the list of campus communicators.
- Consider the subject or impact. Not all messages are necessarily suitable for all channels. If the message is critical, potentially sensitive, or if you’re unsure, contact the communications department for guidance.
- Know your audience. Put their wants, needs and interests first when crafting your message.
- Make a plan. Develop objectives with a list of tactics and a timeline. (Pro tip: write them down!)
- Give as much lead time as possible. Make requests and submit items well in advance of your deadline. Consider the workload and schedules of those you are working with.
- Utilize channels you own. Don’t forget to put it on your department website!
Best practices for your message
- Include the what, where, when, who, why and how.
- Make sure the message is approved by the right person or persons.
- Follow University style and brand guidelines.
- Keep it short and memorable.
- As often as possible, provide a link to a web page with more information.
Campus media and channels
Here’s a list of ways to communicate across campus. Select each one to see details.
Keep in mind each of these channels has its own set of content guidelines and processes.
Inside UA — Campuswide Newsletters
A campuswide survey showed Inside UA was one of the top sources of news and announcements for students, faculty and staff, and our analytics support that.
There are two editions — one for students and one for faculty and staff — each distributed every Wednesday morning throughout the spring and fall semesters, and every other week during the summer.
Anyone on campus is welcome to submit an item for one or both editions. Items can be announcements, reminders, events or ads. See Inside UA details, content guidelines, example newsletters and more.
UA Events Calendar
All non-private events should be placed on the UA Events calendar.
Is your event related to diversity, equity and inclusion? Share it with the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at diversity@ua.edu so they can promote it on their website and newsletter.
Merit
Merit is a platform for publicizing student achievements like making the dean’s list, presenting research at a conference, winning an award, participating in volunteer activities and more. Merit sends their story to their hometown media outlets, local elected officials and high school.
Social Media
The Division of Strategic Communications manages the University’s main social media accounts and Undergraduate Admissions accounts. Careful planning and thoughtful strategy go into determining content for these channels, and submissions from campus partners are welcome by contacting Mallori Lanier, mallori.lanier@ua.edu.
Many individual departments manage their own social channels. You can reach out to them through the social media directory or join Trending Tide, a network of social media managers on campus. Trending Tide has a Facebook group where you can post to request your content be shared by others.
92.5 FM UA Info Radio
This UA station, which focuses on public safety communications, features content 24/7, ranging from practical information for campus visitors to interviews with faculty and staff and recordings of musical performances by UA faculty and students. Send info for consideration to Stephanie Plumb, stephanie.plumb@ua.edu. Note that due to FCC rules, the station cannot run fundraising promotions.
Phone On-Hold Messaging
On-hold messaging for the UA phone systems is rotated monthly, so submit info at least two weeks before the start of the month.
Send considerations to Stephanie Plumb, stephanie.plumb@ua.edu.
MyBama Home Page
The Office of Information Technology can post short, important announcements and reminders on the home page of myBama targeting faculty and staff and/or students.
Email oitcommunicationsteam1@ua.edu to make the request. Specify a title, a short paragraph, targeted roles (student, faculty, staff) and a start and end date for the announcement. Hyperlinks in messages are accepted, but images can’t be used.
Intra-Campus Mail
Print and send physical communications like postcards or flyers through intra-campus mail. You can choose blind distribution (pieces aren’t addressed to specific people) or University Printing can print campus addresses on your pieces.
Digital Media Center
The DMC is home to four professional media outlets including University-owned WVUA 23, Alabama Public Radio, The Center for Public Television and Crimson Tide Productions.
Student Media — Advertising
Student-led publications including The Crimson White, Bama Life newsletter and others offer digital and print paid advertising opportunities to on- and off-campus organizations.
Advertising through Crimson Ride and Student Life events are also options.
To learn about advertising opportunities, contact Julie Salter, julie.salter@ua.edu.
Parent Newsletter — Crimson Connection
Parent and Family Programs has a robust online platform and newsletter for communicating with UA parents and families. Submit an item for the Crimson Connection Parent Portal and Newsletter.
For questions, corrections or additions to the content on this guide, contact Laura Braddick.
