Representing the University

A range of programs, personalities, discoveries and accomplishments contribute to making SF State great. A great place to learn and work. A great community partner. A great catalyst for making things happen.

We are a campus community known for its focus of purpose and strong voice. The resources in "Representing the University" are designed to ensure that voice is heard clearly, consistently and with vigor. Whatever role(s) you may play at SF State — student, faculty, alumni, staff, donor, athletic booster, parent or community partner — you can help promote a greater understanding of and appreciation for our exceptional campus.

Staying Informed and Involved

SF State is a large, multi-faceted university that has an impact on thousands of individuals — in our local and state communities, and in the world. Tools from Strategic Marketing and Communications can help you stay on top of major happenings and serve as an effective ambassador of the University:

Participating in Messaging

Faculty are encouraged to share their knowledge and news of scholarly accomplishments with the news media. Through the media, the University gains access to new, large and important audiences. By highlighting your achievements, we can help build support for and understanding of SF State.

The news team in Strategic Marketing and Communications advises faculty on media outreach, connects faculty to local and national media outlets that are seeking comments on specific areas of expertise, and issues official University news releases about major developments and accomplishments.

Strategic Marketing and Communications also helps spread the word about faculty in the media by posting media mentions on its website, circulating media summaries to key administrators and staff daily, posting major mentions on social media, and highlighting some media activity in CampusMemo, SF State Magazine and with the CSU Chancellor’s Office. Let the office know of your media contacts and coverage to ensure that others will hear of it as well.

Faculty are encouraged to:

University staff and administrators responsible for a new program, innovation or policy that they believe should be announced to the news media should contact Strategic Marketing and Communications. Strategic Marketing and Communications is the only office that can issue an official news release on behalf of the University.

Administrators and staff are often contacted directly by the media for comment about issues related to the University. It is important to consult with Strategic Marketing and Communications prior to any interview. The professionals in Strategic Marketing and Communications can assist by determining the reporter’s deadline, gathering information needed for a response and advising on policies, rules and regulations relevant to the response. When needed, the news staff can provide basic media training. In the event of an emergency, the office coordinates emergency communications with campus-based and external outlets.

Strategic Marketing and Communications also helps spread the word about University mentions in the media by posting media mentions on its website, circulating media summaries to key administrators and staff daily, posting major mentions on social media, and highlighting some media activity in CampusMemo, SF State Magazine and with the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Publicizing Events on Campus

The University Calendar is a repository for official university dates

Submit an Event to recommend an event to be published.

Approved listings will appear on the University website, home page, digital displays in key building lobbies and the faculty/staff newsletter, CampusMemo.

CampusMemo is published weekly during the school year by Strategic Marketing and Communications. It includes news and announcements; highlights of faculty/staff achievements, such as new publications, honors, awards and speaking engagements; event listings; memorial messages; listings of new grant/contract awards; and summaries of select faculty/staff mentions in the news media. Content is user-generated and edited for length and style.

The deadline for submissions is 5 p.m. the Tuesday preceding publication. Items may be sent via email to marcomm@sfsu.edu or via the online submission form. Submit events directly to the University Calendar by 10 a.m. on the Wednesday prior to publication.

  • Content slides must be in the 16:9 aspect ratio and landscape orientation.

  • Content slides must have dimensions of 1920x1080 at 72dpi. (or 4K UHD dimensions of 3840x2160)

  • Content must be 25 words or less to maintain readability. Think of who, what, where and when only.

  • Static slides must be submitted in either JPG or PNG file format.

  • Videos must be submitted as zipped files in gif, mov, mp4 or m4v formats.

  • Content slides with a QR code must also list the URL for accessibility purposes.

  • Only University-sponsored events or advertisements will be shared and posted.

  • Slides should follow good design principles (easy to read, sufficient contrast, not too busy, etc.).

  • Content slides or videos should be submitted a minimum of one week before any event date or deadline to ensure time for approval and possible revision.

  • Each slide request must have a specific date it is to be posted and removed. Be sure to designate this in your request. Content will run for a maximum of two weeks, unless otherwise approved for a longer period. Include the removal date in the title so content managers can quickly identify signage that has expired. For example: gatorfest_02.28.23, gregory_lecture_03.20.23. If you’d like to promote your event for a longer period, please note that in your initial Project Request Form to obtain extended approval.

  • Signage must adhere to SF State’s Editorial Style Guidelines

  • All signs are subject to approval and redesign by SMC staff based on these standards and general graphic design best practices.