CLA Communications Guidelines

As a college, it is important to represent Cal Poly consistently — both visually and in writing — in order to convey our excellence in a cohesive manner. The CLA communications team produces Impact and Your Impact Magazines, CLA News, The Brief and weekly email announcements for faculty and staff. We are also liaisons between the college and the university communications.

CLA Communications Team

Rachel Schultz, Communications Specialist, 805-756-1216; 47-22J
Krista Smith, Online Communication Specialist, 805-756-2986; 47-22K

CLA Communications Best Practices

• Who to Contact
  Not sure if something is a task for your department or the CLA communications team? Check out the CLA communications FAQs. 
• Event Promotion
  For help promoting your event, follow the CLA event promotion process.  
• Press Releases
  Use our press releases templates to draft press releases for local media outlets. Cal Poly uses the Associated Press Stylebook as its primary writing style guide. Additionally, university marketing has developed a customized guide with exceptions to AP rules for use in university publications and documents.
• Logos or Word Marks
  Cal Poly created several versions of word marks for each department. Some include the Cal Poly shield, others are just a word treatment. Department offices should have the official Cal Poly variations for the department. Be sure to follow proper Cal Poly logo use. Do not modify these in any way.
• External Email Correspondence
  All emails to external audiences (e.g., alumni and donors) are sent via PolyLink by the CLA communications team. Follow the external email process to help ensure an efficient process. 
• Newsletters
  All departments are encouraged to produce newsletters. To assist in providing a smooth and efficient process, please review the newsletter best practices.
• Department Websites
  The CLA Drupal user guide will help you navigate simple changes on your department's website. For more advanced revisions, Submit a request to the CLA Communications web team. Cal Poly Drupal is also an excellent resource with step-by-step guides and how-to videos. Be sure to keep web accessibility in mind when creating pages. 
• Graphic Design
  Cal Poly provides guidelines on visual brand elements — colors, typefaces and more — to help your department stay on brand. Please send pieces that will be displayed for more than two months to Rachel Schultz for approval. Learn how to best design posters/flyers and other documents or use Cal Poly templates.
• Promotional Items
  Cal Poly has a list of manufacturers that are licensed to produce items with Cal Poly trademarks. Any promotional items CLA departments order need to be from one of these manufacturers. After you send the manufacturer your department’s artwork, they should send you a PDF proof to review. They will also send a PDF to Cal Poly licensing who will approve the item or not. To simplify the process, the university has created examples of approved designs.
• Faculty Social Media and Digital Communication
  Tips and guidelines on how to best utilize social media and writing for public-focused publications to elevate the reach of your research and industry expertise. 
• Photography
  • To use photos, artwork, illustrations, audio and/or video of CLA students, alumni or guests in communication pieces, you must have a signed Visual/Audio Release Form (PDF). 
  • For events or large crowds, in lieu of individual photo releases, please post a photo/video sign on all event entrances.
  • Interested in having a CLA staff/intern photographer capture your event? See the photography request process.