About UIS Strategic Communication
We lead strategic organizational communication, marketing, media and digital efforts to promote the university’s mission and enhance its reputation.
Office of Media Strategy
Serves as the university’s official voice through traditional media relations and social media integration.
Office of Marketing & Brand Strategy
Develops data-driven, comprehensive strategies and omni-channel marketing campaigns for all areas of the university.
Office of 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
99,531
June visits to the pre-nursing page, the highest viewed page on uis.edu
New Website Block Options
Editors now have the option to add different types of department-specific blocks and card blocks for their site within the normal editor. Department content blocks include feeds for Programs of Study, News, Events, Directory, Featured Profiles, Resources, Research and FAQs. Card blocks can be customized with images, text and links, helping editors include more visually appealing elements to their pages, no coding required! Add these elements in the Gutenberg Editor and move them anywhere within the page content. The web team will be working to update the current sites that use these feeds to use the new blocks.
Dynamic Admitted Student Checklist
We designed an interactive tool that guides incoming students—both first time, transfer and graduate—through their onboarding process. Check it out here.
Highlights include:
- Interactive, checkable steps that collapse when completed
- A progress bar that updates in real time
- Confetti animation upon full completion
- Mobile responsiveness for a smooth experience on phones
Media Strategy Updates
My UIS Life
We launched a new Instagram Reels, TikTok and YouTube Shorts series called “My UIS Life,” which highlights campus departments, clubs and organizations that matter to students. Check out the series on our YouTube playlist.
Subscribe to "UIS in the News"
Daily emails highlighting UIS mentions in radio, TV and newspaper stories are moving from Campus Announcements to a subscription-based format. To begin receiving "UIS in the News" in your inbox, sign up here and confirm your subscription in the follow-up email.
500,000+
Commencement video views on Instagram
383
Number of media mentions in June
Social Media Reminders
All UIS colleges, schools, departments and units with social media accounts must comply with new federal regulations that strengthen digital accessibility. In addition, UIS Social Media Guidelines require each account to have at least two administrators. For more information, contact Blake Wood.
Marketing and Brand Strategy Updates
35+
MarComm plans January - July for paid and non-paid campaigns
#1
TikTok was the top paid referral channel for first visits to the UIS website in June with 11,007 visits
Enrollment Marketing Campaign Drives Applications
The 2024–25 academic year recruitment campaign exceeded key benchmarks across digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Spotify and paid search by contributing to strong engagement and brand awareness. Our advertising efforts more than doubled the total number of applications received year over year linked to paid campaigns. As we plan for 2025–26, expect a continued focus on high-performing tactics and a creative strategy that builds momentum to best meet students’ educational needs and support our evolving brand.
Brand Audit and Refresh Update
Thank you to everyone who participated in focus groups and/or provided feedback via the brand survey for employees and students this spring. Stakeholder insights were gathered from 90 focus group interviews representing 21 affinity groups, as well as 462 survey responses. Your input is informing updated brand language which is in development now. A rollout of updates is expected next spring.
Employee Communication Resources
UIS Update
Semimonthly newsletter from the Chancellor for faculty and staff.
Review the publication schedule or submit ideas for content.
Orbit
UIS employee news hub for important announcements, human resources info, links to campus services, upcoming employee events and more.
Read the latest news and post your own content.
UIS Mobile App
All-in-one access to academic platforms, safety notifications, news and events, swipe door access and other resources.
Download the app today.
Public Photo Galleries
Select photo galleries are available for employees and students to download and share photographs.
Events
Join us for events led by or that receive communication support from our team.
Website Training
Aug. 13, 2 p.m.
Aug. 26, 11 a.m.
Virtual
Training for employees who need access to update the website covering the basics: creating new content, updating existing content, accessibility compliance requirements and usability best practices.
Aug. 21, 2:30 p.m.
Student Union Ballroom
Learn our playbook for the upcoming year, and meet new employees. Following Kickoff, join us for Convocation in the Sangamon Auditorium and a party on the quad with free food.
Save the Date
9/15 - Chancellor's Thinkers Series
10/16 - Fall Employee Info Session
Contact
Learn more about Strategic Communication or request support: uis.edu/strategic-comm