Communications and Marketing

Who We Are

The Office of Communications and Marketing develops, creates and produces strategic, comprehensive, consistent and targeted short- and long-term support for Ohio Northern University’s strategic plan. We are an award-winning team of professionals who work to continually engage our audiences, and build brand and value awareness among key constituents. Our efforts strive to elevate awareness of the institution and raise reputation to a national audience while supporting the University’s endeavor to “Become ONU.”

We accomplish this by collaborating with our colleagues across campus to integrate all University communications. We work to create a consistent look and message, disseminate purposeful, accurate and timely information and content, and deliver quality examples about the University’s programs and people through all available communication channels:

• Print and electronic publications (including Web site, social media and e-publications)
• Media relations
• Multimedia (photography and videography)
• Sports information

Meet our team>>

What We Do

Art and Design Services

From banners and billboards, to print and electronic advertising, publications, posters, invitations and much more, this team is responsible for the visual marketing and identity of the University for all channels of communication. We also coordinate all print projects with Printing Services to facilitate estimates and production.

The University’s logo and graphic standards are available online, but get in touch with us for help using the University’s logo on any publication, apparel or item for sale or distribution.

Communications Services

As content clarifies and promotes the University’s brand position and supports strategic goals, UCM provides professional writing and editing services for publications produced by all University departments and offices as needed. The writing style guide is AP based and is available online.

Print publications include: advancement mailings and publications (Advancing Northern), admissions, college magazines (Arts & Sciences Newsletter, Business Exchange, Smull Talk and Ampul) and the University’s Alumni Journal. Publications are available online.

UCM produces the online newsletter Northern Express which is delivered weekly during the school year to alumni, parents of current students, faculty, staff and others who choose to sign up to receive ONU news. Utilizing Constant Contact, we produce other electronic newsletters and html emails to reach our key audiences.

Communication Services also assists in the development of publications for special events required by various colleges and departments. UCM facilitates crisis communications, emergency text messaging to cell phone sign ups and on the Web site.

Marketing

Our marketing area creates engaging strategies to support and sustain the Ohio Northern University brand and image. We promote awareness by utilizing a wide range of tactics and techniques as well as use available market research to help determine the best strategy to reach your target audience. Our mission is to keep the University’s identity strong.

Before contacting UCM, you should have a general sense of your project’s scope – will you need writing, design and/or photography, what format will best suit your objectives (brochure, booklet, postcard, other), what is your overall budget and when do you need delivery. The creative and production process can take anywhere from several weeks to many months.

Multimedia

Photography and videography visually tell the University’s story. Both are powerful marketing tools that build brand and reputation awareness to the University’s important constituents. These professional services include high-quality images and archives that chronicle campus life and enhance key University messages through photos and video. A well-equipped video production area produces studio and field videos in support of key University initiatives and projects.

Our video and photography are purposeful, and generally, story driven. We do not routinely “cover” events. For large event coverage, we can assist you in securing an outside production company. Call or email us to arrange.

News Services

UCM coordinates media relations for the University and is the pressroom for news bureaus and reporters seeking information or experts for stories they are working on. The office sends out press releases to constituent and news outlets to inform, pitch stories and publicize news, programs and events locally, regionally and nationally. The office also serves as chief media contact for day-to-day news on campus, including sending student accomplishments to hometown news outlets and acts as the voice of the University in the event of an emergency.

See our news site

Sports Information

Sports Information holds the responsibility of media and public relations for the University's NCAA Division III varsity athletics. In addition, it maintains the athletics Web site, produces media guides and all game programs, provides photography, many game management services, and maintains statistics and historical athletic records.

See our athletics site

Web Services

Web services provides creation and development of Web content, Web design and Drupal content management use and training. We also maintain the official social media sites of the University: Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, YouTube, Tumblr and RSS feeds.

Resources

• Plan a project
• Submit a story idea
• Be an expert
• Get Web site technical assistance
• Create or revise Web content
• Sign up for Northern Express, ONU’s weekly e-newsletter
• Northern Express archives
• Request a photo you’ve seen online or in print