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Guidelines

Guidelines & Best Practices

Adhere to these Texas A&M University standards to create consistent, impactful communications for the Institute of Biosciences and Technology. 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 of Biosciences and Technology'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 the Institute of Biosciences and Technology sites within tamu.edu (Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications, n.d.-e).
  • Unit-Specific: Institute of Biosciences and Technology 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. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/creative-platform/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-b). Digital signage. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/digital-signage/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-c). Visual style. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/creative-platform/visual-style/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-d). Logo guidelines. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/creative-platform/logos/logo-guidelines/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-e). Web branding. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/creative-platform/visual-style/web-branding/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-f). Editorial style guide. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/creative-platform/voice-and-tone/editorial-style-guide/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-g). Social media management guidelines. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/social-media/policies/management-guidelines/
  • Texas A&M University Marketing & Communications. (n.d.-h). Brand strategy. https://marcomm.tamu.edu/strategy/
  • Texas A&M University System Marketing & Communications. (n.d.). Social media. https://www.tamus.edu/marcomm/socialmedia/
  • Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. (n.d.). VMBS media guidelines. https://vetmed.tamu.edu/communications/resources/media-guidelines/