About UIS Strategic Communication
We lead strategic organizational communication, marketing, media and digital efforts to promote the university’s mission and enhance its reputation.
Media Strategy
Serves as the university’s official voice through traditional media relations and social media integration.
Marketing & Brand Strategy
Develops data-driven, comprehensive strategies and omni-channel marketing campaigns for all areas of the university.
Web & Digital Strategy
Oversees and maintains the UIS.edu website and UIS mobile app and designs, programs and develops web-accessible, user-focused websites that follow industry best practices.
Campus Services
Provides comprehensive solutions for professional graphic design, printing and mailing projects.
Web and Digital Strategy Updates
New Design Features
You spoke and we listened! The web team has added some new features and blocks based on feedback and requests.
- Modified image cards: Add more visual elements with image cards with descriptions.
- New placement for accordion blocks: Previously, accordions could only be added to the bottom of pages. Now, they can be used anywhere on the page.
- Automatic photo alt text: When uploading photos, automatically generate alt text using AI.
Word Docs Removed from Website
As of Oct. 31, any documents that are not PDFs were removed from the website to comply with the DOJ accessibility ruling. If you have a file link that has been removed, editors can still access the link in the editor to find the filename and to update the document type.
October Moments
Media Strategy Updates
Social Media Squad Expansion
Media Strategy received funding from the Provost’s Good Idea Fund to grow the Social Media Squad, a student team that creates content to promote the university. The support will provide training, incentives and portable content creation kits, while helping students build professional digital portfolios. This initiative strengthens campus storytelling and gives students valuable, career-ready experience in digital media.
Social Media Accessibility
We are proactively auditing university social media accounts for accessibility compliance ahead of the April 2026 DOJ deadline. The UIS Use of University Digital Assets Policy requires all UIS social media accounts to meet digital accessibility standards, including the use of alternative text for images and closed captioning for videos.
To ensure compliance, Media Strategy has implemented a three-strike system; after a third violation, units may be asked to suspend their social media accounts. Social media accessibility training and support is available by emailing Blake Wood.
Marketing and Brand Strategy Updates
Latest Prairie Perspectives Blog:
Traditions that Make UIS Feel Like Home
"These traditions connect current students with their peers and create memories that last long after graduation."
Campus Services to Sunset
As part of our NorthStar priorities, the Campus Services unit will be sunsetted after an extensive review, with help from the University of Illinois System. Clients who use Campus Services frequently are being contacted to plan immediate projects. Mail and Central Receiving services are transitioning to Facilities and Services. Facilities is reviewing workflows and will share if there will be changes to processes regarding mail services.
Job requests will be accepted until Nov. 21, and an operational plan is being drafted to meet the needs of the university in 2026 and beyond. If you have specific questions, please submit your inquiry here.
Employee Communication Resources
UIS Update
Semimonthly newsletter from the Chancellor for faculty and staff.
UIS in the News
Daily email news summary that highlights UIS mentions in radio, TV and newspaper stories.
UIS Mobile App
All-in-one access to academic platforms, safety notifications, news and events, swipe door access and other resources.
Orbit
UIS employee news hub for announcements, HR resources info, department newsletters, links to services, employee events and more.
Important Dates
- 11/21, Last day to complete the UIS University Experience Survey
- 11/21, Deadline to submit 2025 Campus Services job requests
- 11/24, 3-4 p.m. Web Editor Training, virtual
- 12/3, 5-7:15 p.m. Chancellor's Thinkers Series: We're all in this Together, Student Union Ballroom
- 2/6, Save the Date: RISE Professional Development Retreat
Gold Stars
Lindsey Feger, Graphics Manager, received a Student Affairs Kudos Award. Her nominator wrote, “Lindsey was extremely helpful when I was in a crunch for time and I needed new letterhead at very short notice. She assisted with explaining what options I had and also acted quickly, despite the short notice. Her consideration was greatly appreciated and helped me meet a fast-approaching deadline!”
Clay Stalter, senior photographer, placed third in the portraits category of the University Photographer’ Association of America October Image Competition. His award-winning photo features Associate Professor Brandon Derman, who was named University Scholar for 2025.
Contact
Learn more about Strategic Communication or request support on the Strategic Communication Website.