Summer is here! Now is the perfect time to refresh your department’s digital presence and align with Miami University’s latest communications and brand standards. Take some time to review these tasks to ensure your marketing and communication efforts are prepared for the Fall semester.
Plan Ahead for Photo and Video Services
1. Get Your Official Miami University Headshot
New to Miami or looking for an updated headshot? Schedule your professional headshot with the University Communications and Marketing photography team. High-quality, consistent imagery supports your personal and departmental professionalism across university materials. Find your completed photos in PhotoShelter.
2. Request Photo/Video Services in Advance for Classrooms, Labs, and More
Do you need more photography or videography to showcase what your programs offer? Be sure to submit your request well in advance to ensure availability and quality documentation of your event.
Website Maintenance and Accessibility
1. Make Sure Dates/Deadlines on Your Website Are Updated for the New School Year
Outdated information can confuse students and visitors, especially regarding academic calendars and key deadlines. Review all date-sensitive content on your department’s web pages and update them to reflect the upcoming academic year.
2. Check Your Website for Broken Links
Broken links can diminish user trust and harm search engine performance. Use Cascade’s link-checking tools or do a manual audit to repair or remove dead links. If a page has been removed, request a redirect to send website visitors to relevant content.
3. Make Sure Your Website Images Have Alternate Text
Alternative (alt) text is critical for accessibility to ensure all people can engage with your content. Ensure every image on your website (and other digital communications like email) includes descriptive alt text to meet accessibility standards and better serve all users.
4. Update Your Department’s Faculty and Staff Profiles
Review and refresh each faculty and staff bio to include current roles, highest education credentials, and contact information. A well-maintained directory enhances trust and facilitates easier connections between students and colleagues. Request changes or new profiles.
Brand and Content Review
1. Review the Latest Changes in the Miami Brand Guidelines
Stay aligned with the university’s visual and editorial identity by reviewing the most recent Miami brand guidelines. This includes updates to fonts, logos, colors, and tone to maintain consistency across all communications.
2. Review Your Marketing Content for Updates
Audit brochures, digital ads, presentations, handouts, and other materials to ensure all information is current and accurately reflects the latest branding. Outdated and unbranded materials can erode trust and diminish the effectiveness of your message.
3. Reminder: Canva licenses are being reduced
Beginning July 1, 2025, University Communications and Marketing (UCM) will limit the number of Canva licenses available to each department due to significant cost increases, prioritizing active users and encouraging teams to proactively manage their accounts. UCM is committed to working with each group to ensure an equitable transition.
4. Audit your social media channels
We need your help to identify all Miami social media channels that are online. Submit any pages in your area, especially if they are sparsely used, in this spreadsheet.