Communications and Brand Resources

This standard language briefly describes our college and its priorities. This may be used without alteration in any document (e.g., grant proposals, materials created for events or by outside organizations partnering with the College of Education, and promotional materials for programs or offices/institutes).

The College of Education at Michigan State University is a community of students, educators and researchers prepared to meet the challenges of education and kinesiology. We are committed to improving practice together through exemplary research, teaching and service. With a renowned Teacher Preparation Program, rigorous training for health-related careers and several nationally ranked graduate programs, the College of Education prepares leaders who make an extraordinary impact on health, well-being and education around the world.

For the most up-to-date boilerplate for Michigan State University, visit the branding website.

The official Michigan State University tagline, Spartans Will., may be used by all units on campus without alteration. 

Learn how to use “Spartans Will.” in the MSU Brand Guide.

The use of “Spartan” or “Spartans” is also encouraged to maximize the effect of the university’s name and identity (e.g., “Become a Spartan teacher”).

College of Education faculty or units may use “Come prepared to learn, leave prepared to lead” without alteration on advertisements, flyers, etc.

Michigan State University and the College of Education adhere to Associated Press (AP) style for all communications. There are some institutional variations.

All efforts published by or through the Communications team (including digital and print materials) must adhere to these guidelines

For details, review the MSU Editorial Style Guide and the College of Education Editorial Style Guide.

For best practices and standardization on inclusive writing practices, consult the university’s Inclusion Style Guide.

Review(ED) – Newsletter to alums, friends and peer institutions, published monthly and featuring key news stories. Subscribe here.

Event emails – For external audiences, inviting them to key or strategic events or professional development. While any unit may submit a request, not all requests can be accommodated.

CED Events – For the internal listserv of faculty and staff, published weekly.

Internal Insights – For the internal listserv of faculty, staff and graduate students, published biweekly and featuring campus/college updates, events and deadlines.

Units are generally discouraged from creating their own newsletters to limit duplicate information and efforts to our audiences. However, we are always open to discussions and feedback.

Creating a social media page – If your department, program or office is considering creating a social media account, please reach out.

Digital advertising – For units interested in paid advertising or promotion from college channels related to events or other occurrences, questions and/or consultations are available upon request.

Need us to share? If there is a piece of college-related content you are interested in sharing with our audience, please reach out with details. Consider the who, what, when, where, why and how when crafting your message.

Content guidance – Regular posting, tagging and other best practices can help ensure the success of your content. Consultations are available upon request.

Guidelines – Michigan State University has detailed guidelines to ensure safe and effective social media use, including best practices on privacy and community standards. When using social media, be mindful of content shared to represent the College of Education responsibly.

To request publications or event materials, please fill out this request form or contact Kayla Thompson. Requests must be made with at least one week’s notice.

• Please note: Effective February 2024, promotional item requests over 100 items are subject to a per-item fee. View the full Promotional Item Limit policy.

For general rental equipment, please complete this rental agreement and return to Kayla Thompson. This rental agreement is valid for one academic semester and must be completed prior to renting any equipment.

For the Green Carpet Experience (GCE), please complete this rental agreement and return to Kayla Thompson. This rental agreement is valid for one rental and must be completed prior to each new GCE rental.

Notepads, sticky-notes, pens, stickers, cell-phone wallets, keychains, highlighters, folders (two sizes) and gift bags. Specialty items available in limited quantities include: lanyards, blank CED cards, pennants and stress balls. Reach out to Kayla Thompson about requesting these items.

New Educator – Glossy magazine published once a year, includes news and feature articles about research, policy, faculty, students and alums (last printed October 2024).

Rankings – A one-page (two sided) flyer highlighting our graduate program rankings, plus general points of distinction for the college (last printed May 2024).

Social Media Postcard – List of ways to connect with the college through social media networks, email and alum activities.

"Meet the Dean" – A brochure about Dean Jackson and his leadership (last printed July 2023).

Kinesiology (Undergraduate) – A brochure about undergraduate programs in the Department of Kinesiology (last printed May 2023).

Teacher Preparation Program (Undergraduate) – A booklet about reasons for becoming a teacher through the MSU Teacher Preparation Program, including elementary, secondary and special education (last printed 2024).

The Communications team coordinates rentals of tablecloths and various signage for events on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Tablecloths – 6-foot or 8-foot green cloth, both say Michigan State University College of Education.
• Banners – 7-foot retractable free-standing banners; two general College of Education banners.
• Green Carpet Experience – Includes a college-branded backdrop (10’ x 8’), green carpet and stanchions.
  • Must be requested with at least two-weeks in advance notice.
  • First-come, first-served basis except during peak times.

Would you like a promotional item that isn’t offered by the Communications team? We can assist in ordering college-branded or unit-branded items. Expect at least 30+ days from initiating the request to having the item in hand.

Note:

The university requires that any item using a Michigan State University trademark, logo, slogan or “other symbol or device associated with or referring to the university” be reviewed and authorized by the University Licensing Programs office. All items must also be purchased from an MSU licensed vendor. The college works with multiple vendors and can help assist with the process. Visit the University Licensing website for additional information.

 

Many staff members currently have access to edit website content for their respective departments, programs and offices. There is a hiatus on adding new web editors. Users who currently have access will maintain access.

We prioritize urgent, time-sensitive updates or those that impact our accreditation. If your request falls under these categories, please let us know. All other requests will be handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The following types of website edits can be made prior to the CMS migration:

• Document updates
• Outdated information (events, descriptions, names)
• Accessibility concerns

Please note: We are currently on hiatus from adding new webpages as we focus on the ongoing website migration.

The college offers a regularly updated database of professional photos, available for use by departments, programs, and offices. This collection covers college-specific subjects like buildings, events, faculty, students, research, and alumni.

Using these images in print and web materials is preferred over stock photography. High-resolution images from the MSU photo library can be viewed at photos.msu.edu, and the Communications team can assist with acquiring them.

The university templates and graphic materials provided are intended as a starting point for small-scale projects such as posters, speaker announcements, event handouts and various electronic forms of communication.

In addition to resources provided at the university level, the College of Education Communications team offers custom templates tailored for college use. Coming soon!