University Communications and Marketing

University Communications and Marketing (UCM) has launched a new intake process designed to improve project planning, prioritization and service delivery across campus.

As Oakland University’s marketing and communications needs continue to grow, this updated process helps ensure projects are reviewed, prioritized and supported in a consistent and strategic manner. By centralizing requests through a single intake system, UCM can better align resources, coordinate efforts across teams, and provide clearer timelines and expectations for campus partners.

Rather than contacting individual account managers directly, all marketing and communications projects should now begin with the UCM Intake Form. This includes requests related to marketing strategy, web content, digital communications, email marketing, design, branding, media relations, social media, photography, video and other communications initiatives.

Once submitted, requests will be reviewed and assigned to the appropriate UCM Brand Strategist based on the project's goals, target audiences and strategic priorities. The Brand Strategist will work with the requesting department to clarify objectives, identify deliverables, recommend communication channels and establish a realistic project timeline. This collaborative planning process helps ensure projects are properly scoped and positioned for success before work begins.

The new intake process provides a more transparent and efficient way to manage requests while helping UCM deliver high-quality marketing and communications support that advances Oakland University's institutional goals.

How It Works

1. Submit an Intake Form
   Share your project goals, audience, timeline, and communication needs through the UCM Intake Form.
2. Project Review and Assignment
   Requests are reviewed and assigned to the appropriate UCM Brand Strategist based on audience and strategic alignment.
3. Discovery and Scoping
   Your Brand Strategist will work with you to clarify objectives, identify target audiences, determine deliverables and recommend the most effective communication channels.
4. Project Planning
   Once scoped, projects will be prioritized and scheduled based on strategic impact, available resources and timing considerations.

Why We're Making This Change

The intake process helps UCM:

• Provide a consistent experience for campus partners
• Improve project prioritization and resource planning
• Align communications with institutional goals and audiences
• Ensure projects are routed to the appropriate experts from the start
• Deliver more strategic and effective marketing and communications support

Ready to Get Started?

Many communications and marketing needs can be addressed using UCM's self-service tool kits, templates, guidelines and resources. These tools are designed to help you quickly find approved branding, messaging, writing guidance, design templates, web resources and communication best practices.

Before submitting a request, we encourage you to explore the available tool kits and resources throughout the ERN. You may find what you need without waiting for additional support.

If you're unsure where to start or have questions about the UCM Intake process, please submit a UCM Questions form and a team member will respond with further guidance.