FAQs
Student Life Marketing and Communications offers a variety of services and support to help promote and communicate your events, programs and initiatives:
DIGITAL SIGNAGE
How do I submit digital signage for display in the Ohio Union?
Please see the Office of Student Life’s Digital Signage Guidelines for digital signage instructions and requirements. Digital signage requests are addressed on a first-come, first-served basis, and must follow requirements set by the Office of Student Life’s Marketing Department, so submission does not guarantee approval. Please read the guidelines carefully and allow for a processing time of at least two weeks prior to the desired start date of the submission. Questions about digital signage can be directed to sl-screens@osu.edu.
GRAPHIC DESIGN
How do I initiate a design request?
Student Life departments can reach out to their marketing specialist to talk through details or they can enter a marketing request. Student organizations should use the marketing form to initiate the design process.
Where can we print?
Our team works directly with UniPrint, the official printer for The Ohio State University. Let our team know if you need assistance securing pricing for your next project.
Can we use the Block O?
The Block O is reserved for department use only, unless otherwise approved by University Branding and Trademark & Licensing.
Are your design services free?
Our design services are currently available free of charge to Student Life departments and registered student organizations. The only cost is in production.
Why a four-week turnaround on first draft of materials?
A four-week turnaround on design concepts enables our team to properly schedule, ideate and develop solutions that fit your needs while balancing work across departments and student organizations.
How do I go about getting approval for designs?
If you’ve designed items yourself such as print collateral or apparel and are looking to make sure you’re following appropriate guidelines please email sl-marcomm@osu.edu. All apparel and promotional designs need to be approved by University Brand and Trademark and Licensing, which our team will facilitate.
MARKETING SUPPORT
What is the best way to work with marketing as we plan our event or program?
Our marketing specialists consult with Student Life departments to assist in the creation and implementation of marketing plans to meet department goals and align strategic priorities. The marketing specialists will meet with clients to develop a strategic plan inclusive of deliverables, tactics, budget, etc. Your marketing specialist can also assist in initiating the design process.
MEDIA RELATIONS
When writing, what rules are we supposed to follow?
Ohio State uses the Associated Press Stylebook with some exemptions specific to the university. You can find the searchable Stylebook online.
PROMOTIONAL ITEMS AND APPAREL
How do I initiate the ordering process and what information is needed?
If you are a Student Life department, you can work through your marketing specialist to talk through options. It’s helpful for you to know your budget when starting the process. You can also submit a marketing request with the following information: details about item style, color, imprint, imprint location, quantity, clothing sizing breakdown, in-hands date and budget. Please note: t-shirt colors are limited to red, white, black or gray to adhere to branding guidelines. In some cases, an exception can be made for safety neon colors.
Student organizations can use our marketing form and include details about item style, color, imprint, imprint location, quantity, clothing sizing breakdown, in-hands date and budget.
For promotional items (t-shirts, mugs, etc.), do we have to order through an Ohio State approved vendor?
Yes, all promotional items and apparel should be ordered through university-approved vendors. Student Life departments should contact their dedicated marketing specialist and student organizations should contact sl-marcomm@osu.edu for the official list or for assistance with placing your order.
Nike is our provider of clothing for Student Life staff and programs. Student Life Marketing will help you identify items and place your order through the university’s vendor. We are also able to help set up a team store for purchases. Reach out to your marketing specialist for more details.
What is the process for ordering department name tags and what information is needed for the order?
To ensure the vendor is paid in a timely manner, all Student Life name tag purchases will be purchased through a blanket PO set up by marketing. Departments will no longer need to enter an eRequest.
You will want to collect the first and last names, titles and pronouns (if including) as they should appear on the name tags. We ask that you complete the name tag document with the proper spelling of each person’s name and title, as a proof is not provided by the vendor for each name tag. You will then enter a marketing request using our form and can attach the name tag document.
Your marketing specialist will request a quote for your name tags. Once you approve the quote and provide the chargeback information, we will order the name tags and provide a final invoice that includes the shipping cost. Once the final invoice is approved, we will submit the information to have an internal transfer processed.
How do I approve a quote in eStores?
- Start with a new eRequest and click the red eStores button in the eRequest.
- Next, click the “Supplier Websites” in the top bar.
- Select the vendor on the list and click the “Approve” button on their page.
- You will be asked to provide the quote number and from there you can review and approve the quote.
- When the quote is approved, you will need to click on “checkout” to load it to the original eRequest and you can fill out the remaining details to submit for approval.
SOCIAL MEDIA
I need a social account for my program/initiative/event – how can I create one?
Per the university social media policy, all new accounts need to be submitted for approval before they can be created. For the account application, email sl-marcomm@osu.edu.
How do I get content for my program/initiative/event on the Student Life account?
For content to be included on the Student Life accounts, you must send all relevant information, including links, descriptions and images to sl-marcomm@osu.edu. For events, include date, time and location.
I want social media live coverage at my event, who do I talk to?
You can reach out to sl-marcomm@osu.edu
VIDEOGRAPHY AND PHOTOGRAPHY
Can I schedule a photographer to take my professional profile image for my LinkedIn page?
As we serve all Student Life departments and active, registered student organizations, we are not available to schedule professional profile images for individuals. We do offer group photos for student organizations. We schedule days during each semester break and summer for full-time Student Life employees and Graduate Administrative Assistants to have profile images taken for use on department web pages. For your personal LinkedIn account, you should hire a photographer or utilize the profile image services at career fairs on-campus.
Where can I find the photos you took at my event?
Our photographers will share a link to our online photo gallery with the event contact person. The online gallery will contain all of the best photos and may be downloaded for free.
Can I have access to all of the raw images or raw footage captured at our event?
In most cases, the raw images or raw video footage cannot be shared. We spend a great deal of time after events editing images and video footage to deliver quality products. What you will receive is the best we have to maintain our standards of excellence.
Can we schedule a videographer to record our meeting, program or event?
Video projects are intended for marketing and promoting your programs and events. We specialize in short, promotional videos with a call to action to engage your audience. We cannot capture entire meetings, or events for posterity due to limitations on time, staff and equipment. However, while creating your promotional video, we may capture small segments from your meetings and gatherings to use as “B-roll” footage.
Can I check out a camera to work on a project?
We are not able to loan or rent our cameras or video gear.
Can I reserve your photo/video studio for a project?
Our studio/office is not a space that can be reserved.
How much does it cost to have a photographer at my event or to create a promotional video?
Our services are free of charge for Student Life departments and registered student organizations.