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.
Web and Digital Strategy Updates
Website Navigation Updates Improve Accessibility
Updates to the website header and Quick Links were launched to enhance accessibility and improve the user experience. Quick Links are now available as stand-alone pages at the top of the site, and the main menu has been repositioned above the header image for better legibility. Read the full article to learn how these changes support a more accessible and reliable campus website.
Word Document Deletion
Word documents previously linked on the UIS website were disabled, however the files still exist and are accessible via the editor on the original linked page. If you need to access and save the file, please do so by March 6, or they will be permanently deleted.
Accessibility Update
Since the beginning of January, significant progress was made to improve the accessibility of UIS.edu. Accessibility scores have increased from 62% to 79.2%, reflecting a strong campus-wide commitment to creating a more inclusive digital experience. This improvement highlights the focused effort to identify and remediate accessibility issues across the site. We will continue addressing remaining barriers to ensure compliance with Department of Justice requirements ahead of the April deadline, reinforcing our commitment to equitable access for all members of the UIS community.
If you have any questions on any of the above, contact the web team.
February Moments
Media Strategy Updates
Social Media Squad Relaunch
The UIS Social Media Squad relaunched this semester with a refreshed brand and an incentive program focused on empowering students to create student-centered, authentic social media content that reflects campus life.
Incentives include fun items such as stickers and hoodies, along with professional development opportunities including LinkedIn badges, digital portfolios and consideration for a formal recommendation letter from our office.
An orientation meeting was held in February, where 11 students shared feedback about campus life and UIS social media to help guide content creation. To improve visibility and communication, the UIS Social Media Squad now has a presence on UIS Connection and Canvas, with 31 students enrolled on Canvas and 8 on UIS Connection.
Social Media Accessibility Audit
Media Strategy actively monitors more than 140 UIS-affiliated social media accounts to ensure content is accessible to visually impaired users, including the use of alternative text to describe images and closed captioning for videos. The February audit showed that a large majority of UIS accounts are meeting accessibility requirements. For questions, email Blake Wood or watch the social media accessibility compliance training.
Marketing and Brand Strategy Updates
Open Studio for Employee Portraits- NEW LOCATION!
Spring Photography Open Studio is moving to Brookens 141B. Two open sessions are available for faculty and staff portraits, ideal for department websites, directories and conference materials. Sessions run 12–4:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, and 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Wednesday, March 4. Portraits take just a few minutes, and the next opportunity won’t be until Fall 2026.
New Stationery Ordering Process is Live
The updated online ordering catalog for UIS stationery is now available, offering a streamlined way for all campus units to order standardized, brand‑aligned materials. Letterheads, envelopes, business cards, mailing labels, and other official templates are now accessible through Illini Union Document Services, which provides all stationery for the University of Illinois System.
Clear instructions and the direct ordering link are now posted on the UIS Stationery page. Units can set up a login, access the UIS catalog, and place orders that meet established standards for paper, inks, logos, and typefaces—ensuring consistency across all university communications.
Recent Prairie Perspectives Articles
Authored by the Marketing team and graduate assistants
Study Tips
"Learning how to best study for exams is a trial-and-error task. Some people just take notes and are good to go for whenever the exam is and others, like me, have to constantly work to find a study method that works.'”
Written by GA Valeria Mendoza
Understanding Cost of Attendance at UIS
"College costs can feel confusing. At the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS), your total cost depends on a few things. These include where you live, how many classes you take, your housing choice, personal expenses and the financial aid you receive."
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
Events supported by Strategic Communication
- 3/3, 3/19, 4/3: Website Editor Training
- 3/5: Spring Employee Info Session
- 3/25: Day of Giving
- 4/7: Retirement and Recognition Ceremony
- 4/7: Chancellor's Thinkers Series: Authentic Leadership
- 5/9, Commencement
Gold Stars
Heath Bruce, assistant director of Marketing, who was named the February 2025 Employee of the Month, was celebrated at the late-January 2025 Employee of the Year event.
Blake Wood, director of Media Strategy, graduated from the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Leadership Springfield Program, celebrated at the annual chamber gala.
Contact
Learn more about Strategic Communication or request support on the Strategic Communication Website.