Services

Branding

The Communications + Marketing department has completed extensive research to develop, implement and promote all elements of the Durham College brand. Our department continues to manage the brand both within the institution and externally by providing brand standards and "policing" as required. Our Brand Manager, Carol Beam is available to consult and advise on all elements of the brand (internally and externally) to ensure brand awareness with all audiences; and to research and evaluate effectiveness. Carol Beam can be reached at ext. 3216.

Media

One of our department's key roles is to provide information to the news media. Media relationships are essential to how special announcements, academic programming and other significant news and events are communicated through the print, broadcast and electronic media. The media department takes responsibility for bringing the members of the media to our campus and ensuring that media receives our stories in a timely and professional manner.

Other functions include the developing and implementation of a comprehensive media strategy for Durham College and specific schools or initiatives and the media training for the president, deans, service area leaders and other staff/faculty members.

Campus-wide E-mail Dissemination

For a campus-wide message, areas or individuals should make that request to Communications + Marketing by contacting Tawni Shepperdson. The message will be distributed if its content and purpose are related to institutional issues only, and consistent with the policy on Acceptable Use of Information Technology. Those with general interest items are encouraged to submit the information for inclusion in the Weekly Report to communications@durhamcollege.ca.

Speech Writing

Our writers research and write keynote addresses for special events for the president, board chair, and student representatives as required. They provide comprehensive briefing notes for external and internal events including key messages and potential questions and answers.

Other functions include developing presentation material for vice presidents as requested - e.g. international groups, community presentations; and we write and coordinate messages for scripts for significant events both on and off campus - e.g. convocation, gift presentations, and scholarship ceremonies.

Editorial Services

Our department researches, writes and ensures consistency of messages of content for major student recruitment publications such as the view book, calendar, website, Reflections in consultation with Registrar's office, schools and others as appropriate. Another function includes writing, reviewing and editing content for all external publications produced by other departments, such as newsletters, profiles, posters, letters, speeches, and presentations.

Our editorial staff provides copy for ads and editorial features in specific publications and manages institutional-wide internal communications relevant to Durham College through Campus Daily, Weekly Report and campus-wide e-mails.

Graphic Design

Our designers create top-quality promotional material for the institution and individual schools, offices or services including view books, brochures, posters, and reports. We provide artwork and creative direction for trade show displays, design advertising and design event material including invitations, programs, signage, and giveaways. To ensure consistency with our Durham College brand we organize photo shoots to develop and maintain the continued currency of photo library.

Business Cards

The College has adopted a new business card service which allows individuals to request cards directly online from the supplier. This process has increased the efficiency and speed of delivery at the same low cost. Cards may be ordered in quantities of 250 [$20], 500 [$30] and 1,000 [$45]. Cards are ordered through www.tph.ca. A one-time set-up of a user name and password is required for ordering cards. This can be done by calling 905.665.1010 or emailing jhisey@tph.ca. Once the user name and password is set, you are able to order cards online directly through the supplier with a guaranteed delivery of one week. Payment is done through the online form using Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or cash upon pick up at the supplier's location in Whitby.

Web/Multimedia

The Durham College Web site is considered a communication vehicle for our institution and as such, is governed by the same graphics and messaging standards as printed publications. Consistent graphics, design, navigation and images are essential to well-organized and user-friendly sites that promote the best aspects of our college.

Additionally, our department provides maintenance of core top level and secondary page web sites, provides CMS support and training, develops templates for brand consistency for use on top level, school and service sites. Other initiatives are underway such as a virtual tour, online CMS training and developing professional DVDs, CDs and podcasts.

Advertising/Marketing

Our department develops individual marketing plans for specific target markets in consultation with recruitment and/or specific schools and prepares all radio, TV, print (newspaper and other publications), web, special buys (billboard, train stations) advertising as part of the overall brand marketing plan. With the exception of Human Resources our department researches, tracks and co-ordinates all advertising for Durham College.

Event Management

Our department provides expertise in the planning and execution of annual events including convocations, scholarship celebrations, and staff appreciation. We plan, organize and execute institutional events including gift announcements, installations, special lectures, and provide advice and guidance to other internal groups in coordinating their events.

Other functions include co-ordinating all internal and external groups in the execution of events to ensure that all details are covered. When required we ensure that there is script co-ordination, invitation development, sending, and managing of responses; and co-ordinate speakers as required.

External Relations

The department was created in spring 2006 with its main focus on relationship building, strategic advice related to government, corporate and community relations.

The objectives of the External Relations + Alumni department are to facilitate the creation and stewardship of relationships with groups and individuals external to Durham College and to further the strategic goals by actively seeking out new opportunities for partnerships and relationships especially with Alumni: and to proactively manage the flow of information regarding external matters to maximize the benefit to the Durham College community.