Guidelines
Guidelines &
Best Practices.
Adhere to these Texas A&M University standards to create consistent, impactful communications. Tailored for biosciences and technology contexts, these guidelines help amplify your research and outreach authentically and inspiringly.
The Texas A&M University voice is authentic, approachable, and inspiring, designed to build emotional connections. Use deliberate wording to convey relevance and meaning in all communications (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-a).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Frame biosciences research as a "force for good," e.g., "Our innovations in genomics transform lives through collaborative discovery."
- Avoid jargon-heavy text; make technology topics accessible to inspire stakeholders like funders or the public.
- Best Practice: Maintain consistency across emails, reports, and social posts to strengthen the Institute's innovative identity.
Texas A&M University's visual style ensures immediate brand recognition. Primary colors: Maroon (#500000), White, Black; accents for variety. Fonts: Open Sans (body), Oswald (headings). Logos must be used proportionally without alteration (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-c; n.d.-d).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Incorporate logos on posters for biotech conferences or infographics on tech breakthroughs, using maroon for emphasis on data visuals.
- Best Practice: Download official logos from the brand toolbox; never manipulate them. For web: Use approved fonts and colors for sites within tamu.edu.
- Unit-Specific: Institute materials may include sub-brands but must align with Texas A&M University guidelines—no standalone icons without approval.
Follow Associated Press (AP) style with Texas A&M University exceptions for consistency in written communications (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-f).
- Key Rules: Capitalize "University" when referring to Texas A&M University; always use the full name "Texas A&M University."
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: In research abstracts or press releases, spell out acronyms like "Institute of Biosciences and Technology (IBT)" on first use; use numerals for scientific data (e.g., "95% efficacy").
- Best Practice: Proofread for inclusivity; avoid biased language in biosciences descriptions.
Manage accounts by staff; comply with Texas Department of Information Resources policies. Use branded templates for posts (Texas A&M University System Marketing & Communications, n.d.; Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-g).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Promote tech innovations with visuals; include hashtags like #TexasAMUniversityIBT. Minimum engagement thresholds for amplification.
- Best Practice: Post authentically—share researcher stories to inspire; monitor for compliance and accessibility (e.g., alt text on images).
Submit content via centralized process; focus on eye-catching, compliant displays. Formats: JPEG/PNG (1920×1080 pixels), no animations unless approved (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-b).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Use for seminar announcements or research highlights; include call-to-actions like "Join us for biotech innovations."
- Content Restrictions: No commercial endorsements; keep text concise (under 50 words). Approval via marcomm team.
- Best Practice: Align with brand colors; test for readability on screens.
Coordinate with marcomm for media interactions; prepare key messages in advance. For external media, escort required in facilities (Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, n.d.).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Submit research for review early; highlight newsworthy angles like tech applications in health.
- Best Practice: Use Texas A&M University templates for releases; ensure accuracy in biosciences data to build credibility.
All materials must meet WCAG standards; include alt text, captions, and color contrast. Comply with Texas A&M University policies on branding and data privacy (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-h).
- For the Institute of Biosciences and Technology: Ensure digital research summaries are screen-reader friendly; use inclusive language in tech outreach.
- Best Practice: Test tools with WAVE or similar; route sensitive submissions securely via forms.
References
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-a). Creative platform. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-b). Digital signage. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-c). Visual style. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-d). Logo guidelines. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-e). Web branding. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-f). Editorial style guide. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-g). Social media management guidelines. Link
- • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-h). Brand strategy. Link
- • Texas A&M University System Marketing & Communications. (n.d.). Social media. Link
- • Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. (n.d.). VMBS media guidelines. Link