Advertising and Marketing

University Communications and Marketing

dog with stuffed animal at I Love You Beary Much eventBrand Requirements

As you are creating your own marketing, consider the Miami University brand, maintained through University Communications and Marketing. While you have some freedom when designing flyers for fellow students, you should also be familiar with the Miami brand requirements for external audiences.

Miami Trademarks and Licensing

Student organizations frequently purchase merchandise that uses Miami University’s brand – including but not limited to logos, symbols, trademarks, quotes and photography. Prior to production of any of these items, you must request and receive approval by University Trademarks and Licensing in order to ensure that the products meet the University’s standards. You must select a licensed vendor, develop artwork in compliance with Miami's brand standards, and get approval for your product.

Find more information at the University Trademarks and Licensing.

Accessibility

Accessibility refers to the ability for everyone, regardless of disability, to access, engage, use and benefit from the information provided within the environment. The use of technology and Web based delivery of information has become an essential part of our lives.

At Miami University, we value and serve a diverse audience that relies on the internet and technology for many aspects of life. The University is committed to ensuring that instructional materials, technology, and information that are used will become more accessible and usable for everyone by compliance with WCAG 2.0 AA guidelines. 

Your organization should consider the following guidelines.

For websites

  • Provide descriptive surrounding text or images, image of text that has a meaning.
  • Make sure that there is enough contrast between the text and the background of the page.
  • Make links descriptive so that they are understood out of context. Avoid using non-descriptive phrases like:
    • click here
    • here
    • more information
    • more details
    • etc.
  • Use table headers and caption for data tables.
  • Use headings and sub-headings instead of just increasing font size and bolding. Start with H1 (or Heading1) and then use H2 (Heading2), then H3 (Heading3) and so on.
  • If you upload document, PDF is the best format.

For documents

  • Use a San Serif font (e.g., Arial, Helvetica).
  • Create headings and subheading using the built-in heading features of the authoring tool. Avoid providing empty headings.
  • Present data in bulleted or numbered lists, rather than tables.
  • Do not convey information solely through color. Provide additional visual cues.
  • Colors that are used should have sufficient contrast. Black text on white background is the best.
  • If you add an image to your document, provide alternative text for the image that describes it.
  • If you provide a hyperlink in your document to website, use text that describes what the user will see when they click on the link. Avoid using phrases like “click here”, “here”, “more”, “more info”, “more details”, etc.
  • Convert to PDF if you use Word options using “Save as” option
    • Select “Save As”
    • Choose the format as PDF
  • Contact Access MU if you need your document review.

Marketing Opportunities

Effective advertising and marketing play a pivotal role in the success of student organization events. As registered student organizations prepare to bring their visions to life, remember that A-frames, signs, posters, and banners can be utilized to amplify event visibility in accordance with Appendix A in the Student Handbook. In cases of non-compliance with this policy, the University may find it necessary to remove signs without prior notice. It's recommended that any signage includes either the event date or posting date and must be removed within 24 hours following your event.

A-Frames

For A-Frame advertising, contact Finance and Business Services Marketing preferably 3 to 4 weeks prior to the event). NOTE: Be sure to contact Finance and Business Services Marketing prior to printing posters for the A-Frame to secure a reservation.

  • Student organizations can reserve three boards at a time
  • Total of 20 A-frames are available
  • 2x3 A-frame - fits 11x17 poster format (please indicate to the printer that these are for A-frames and should be printed on a poly paper) which can be enlarged at the print center by 211%
  • Boards can be left out for a maximum of 10 days unless it is an unusual circumstance
  • Boards can be placed almost anywhere within reason - the Hub area is off limits
  • Upon request, PFD will save posters for groups to pick up – posters will have staple holes
  • Student organizations ARE NOT allowed to display their own A-Frame boards/posters
  • PFD will set-up the A-Frame(s) prior to the event and will pick-up after the event
    • Cost is generally $25 per trip for a total of $50 – this includes up to three A-Frames displays

Signs, Posters, and Banners

Signs, posters, and banners may only be posted in accordance with Miami's Signs, Posters, and Banners policy. Any sign, poster, or banner posted in violation of this policy may be removed, without notice or warning, by the University. Violation of this policy may lead to disciplinary action. 

The policy includes information about the following items:

  • General guidelines
  • General prohibitions
  • Signs, Posters, and Banners in Residence Halls
  • Signs, Posters, and Banners in Academic and Administrative Buildings
  • Dining Halls
  • Violations

Digital Screens

Advertise your event on the 75 digital screens found around campus. Learn more about format, dimensions, and how to request by visiting the Finance and Business Services website. Advertise your event in Armstrong Student Center digital screen for free.