The CSU Brand

One of the central goals of our branding initiativeis to establish a clear image of Charleston Southern University. Key to this effort is a consistent visual identity. The Brand Guidelines include:

  • Messaging
  • Marketing and Communication Services
  • Logo Usage Rules
  • Official Color Palette
  • Approved Typefaces
  • Social Media Standards
  • Stationery Ordering Instructions

MarComm Requests

The Office of Marketing and Communication uses a request system to schedule, track, and manage project.

Requesting a service or beginning a project starts with the request form. From there you will be instructed on how to create a request choosing from a combination of nine categories:

Timeline: All requests for brand/design approval services must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least one week before the completed project is needed. 

Department to provide: The originating department will approve the project for correct content, departmental information, etc. The department is also in charge of getting a PO number and mailing list (if applicable).

Process: The originating department will work with a CSU Graphic Designer on quantities and details of the project. The Graphic Designer will obtain an estimate from the vendor. The originating department is responsible for completing a purchase requisition request based on the estimate. Once a PO number is obtained, the order will be processed, printed, and delivered to campus.

Note: Print production cannot begin until a PO# is received by the vendor.

Timeline: All requests for Buc News Network services should be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least one week in advance.

Department to provide: Picture, video, or graphic.

Process: If a department wants to upload a picture, video, or graphic to the televisions around campus, they can do so through the Marketing Office. If a graphic needs to be created first, categorize the request as both BNN and Graphic Design.

Timeline: All requests for Buc’s Eye View services should be submitted to Marketing & Communication by the Thursday before the Monday newsletter release. BucMessage requests require a 24 hour notice.

Department to provide: Story idea and photos/copy if available.

Process: The Buc’s Eye View is a weekly newsletter that is released campus wide (students, faculty, and staff) every Monday. BucMessage is a campus wide email reserved for important messages or emergencies that do not fall under Buc’s Eye View. These are sent out on an as-needed basis at the discretion of the office of Marketing & Communication and can be sent to students and/or employees.

Timeline: All requests for copy editing services must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least two business days before the final proof is needed.

Department to provide: Departmentally proofed text content in Microsoft Word format.

Process: Marketing & Communication edits and proofs your project according to the Associated Press Stylebook. The Chicago Manual of Style serves as a secondary resource. Each project is evaluated to make sure the content and design adhere to CSU branding and marketing standards.

Note: The MarComm office does not assist with editing materials that are not meant for mass communication and distribution. For assistance with these edits, some helpful tools include Grammarly or the AP Style Guide.

Timeline: All requests for graphic design and printing services must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least four weeks before the completed project is needed. Larger projects may take more time for the design, review, and production processes.

Department to provide: Text content in Microsoft Word format, any additional content (external photos, logos, etc.), accurate/factual information, mailing list (if applicable), quantity of materials, and due date.

Process: Review and approval is done through the Filestage web application, and not email. The office of Marketing & Communication works with university  approved vendors for printing and signage. Alternate vendor opportunities would be at the discretion of the offices of Marketing & Communication and Purchasing. Office and building signage is produced by using CSU architectural standards set by the Facilities Services department. Office and building signage must meet CSU brand standards, and proofs must be approved by Marketing & Communication.

Note: If adequate information or content is not included to begin work, you may be required to resubmit and the due date adjusted accordingly. All projects are limited to three revisions. 

Timeline: All requests for photography must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least two weeks in advance. Requests for video must be submitted two to four weeks in advance depending on the scope of the project. Larger projects may take more time.

Department to provide: Vendor invoices, project description, requested time, and event location.

Process: Marketing & Communication provides limited photography services for marketing and PR. Full event coverage requires the use of approved vendors. A camera is available for departments to sign out. If services need to be outsourced, Marketing and Communication can provide a list of approved vendors.

Timeline: All requests for social media must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least one week before the desired posting date. 

Department to provide: If requesting a post on the university accounts, provide a comprehensive list of details about the story (who, what, when, where, why) and a high resolution picture/video if applicable.

Process: Social media services can include, but are not limited to: program promotion on university accounts, social media workshops/assistance for departmental accounts, highlighting feature stories, setting up accounts, etc.. If a new CSU affiliated social media account is requested, visit our social media policy page for the next steps and application.

Note: Marketing & Communication reserves the right to determine the newsworthiness of each event/story and to manage the distribution and publication of each event/story.

Timeline: All requests for public relations coverage should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the release.

Department to provide: Comprehensive list of details about the story (who, what, when, where, why) and a high resolution picture/video if applicable.

Process: Marketing & Communication manages media and news coverage for all departments at CSU with the exception of athletics. Depending on our coverage schedule, we may not have a full-time staff member available to cover your event. We manage brand ambassadors who may be available to take photographs and/or write an article. In the event that no one is available to cover your event, Marketing & Communication has a camera which may be borrowed by university departments.

Note: Marketing & Communication reserves the right to determine the newsworthiness of each event/story and to manage the distribution and publication of each event/story.

Timeline: All requests for web updates must be submitted to Marketing & Communication at least two weeks before the completed changes are needed.  Larger projects like new webpages may take more time for the design, review, and publication processes.

Department to provide: A link to the webpage in question and final PDF versions of documents if applicable.

Process: The digital content specialist manages the university website: charlestonsouthern.edu. This includes, but is not limited to: web calendar event submissions, content and contact changes, ranking, and cost updates, etc. To be listed on the directory, full-time employees must fill out the directory form. It might be necessary to schedule a meeting for new webpages or extensive page changes.

Note: The Marketing and Communication Office does not manage MyCSU, Acalog/The Academic Catalog, or Blackboard.

Once a request is placed, someone from Marketing and Communication will follow up with you about your project. You can check the state of your request anytime by visiting the Status Page.


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