Department of Brand Strategy

The department of brand strategy is responsible for maintaining the integrity of The University of Alabama brand. The role of the director of brand strategy includes reviewing all external marketing and advertising collateral submitted through the branding and licensing approval form.

As a reminder, the UA System office requires that all advertising and marketing materials are submitted for review and approval prior to purchase or placement. This includes, but is not limited to, print advertising, brochures and other materials, giveaway/promotional items, invitations, digital ads and graphics, radio and television ads, billboards, magazines and other promotional materials.

Artwork and quotes should be submitted via the branding and licensing approval form. This form should be completed even if Strategic Communications assisted in the design process as it is also reviewed by Procurement Services and Trademark Licensing.

Beginning August 2021, all external advertising and marketing expenditures above $15,000 will require review and approval by Strategic Communications. Applicable expenditures include: billboards, TV and radio advertisements, internet and digital marketing, advertisements in non-UA printed publications (newspapers, magazines, etc.), public relations and marketing consulting expenses, sponsorships of events and promotional (swag) items and t-shirts. For items above $15,000, please complete the Advertising, Marketing and Promotional Budget Request Form. Once your request is approved, attach the approval confirmation to your branding and licensing approval form. If you do not include this approved form for expenses over $15,000, you will receive an email from Jennifer Rodrigues with the form to fill out before the review process can continue. Please allow an additional three days for branding and licensing review for expenses above $15,000.

For questions regarding the brand approval process or for access to UA logos and design templates, please contact Jennifer Rodrigues, director of brand strategy, at 348-5768 or jennifer.rodrigues@ua.edu.

For assistance with completing the Branding and Licensing Approval Form, please review the User Guide.