Why a Style Guide?

The University of the Incarnate Word’s institutional image and strong brand identity continue to serve as important tools to further the university’s strategic goals. The consistency of university messages and unified graphic identity play a key role in the success of this effort.

The University of the Incarnate Word – Editorial, Graphic and Web Style Guide was developed by the Office of Public Relations, the Office of Printing Services and Graphic Design, and the Office of Web Development to provide consistency among publications produced by the university community. As with any organization, there are certain language conventions that are specific to the University of the Incarnate Word. As matters of style and usage evolve, we will continue to review and update the guide. This guide follows the AP Stylebook, but exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis for certain schools when the need arises to keep consistency with the teaching of the AP Style Manual in UIW classes.

Standards have been outlined in the following guide with instructions on the proper use of UIW logos thus eliminating confusion and helping to create a stronger image. We encourage you to become familiar with the Editorial, Graphic and Web Style Guide and to apply its rules to any communication vehicles you develop on behalf of the university.

The Office of Printing Services and Graphic Design provides the university community with professional design and printing services. The Office of Public Relations offers the university community free assistance in the areas of writing, editing, event planning, public relations and marketing. The Office of Web Development oversees the university’s external web presence, creating new content, maintaining existing content, and ensuring all content is updated regularly.

The Editorial, Graphic and Web Style Guide is important:

• To maintain a consistent image because each communication reflects on the university as a whole and messages from internal entities build upon one another and increase the overall impact.
• To avoid confusing our audiences by presenting a consistent visual identity so we distinguish our institution from our competitors.
• To show unity of purpose. Visual consistency relays that the university is unified, even while it pursues a wide range of interests, which is an attractive image to potential faculty, staff and students.

Submitting Materials for Review

Although individual departments may custom-develop materials for specific offerings or events, those materials should be submitted to the Office of Public Relations, the Office of Printing Services and Graphic Design and the Office of Web Development, as appropriate, for review to ensure consistency with university standards is maintained. Doing so preserves the integrity of the information for the benefit of the university’s overall image. For consultation on a project or to submit materials for review, please contact:

• Office of Public Relations: 829-6001 or ddeltoro@uiwtx.edu
• Office of Printing Services & Graphic Design: 829-3957 or hood@uiwtx.edu
• Office of Web Development: 805-5818 or webteam@uiw.edu

In addition to the offices of Public Relations, Printing Services and Graphic Design and Web Development, materials for external distribution should routinely be submitted for review to the administrator responsible for that group.
For example:

• Materials to be distributed to prospective undergraduate or graduate students should be reviewed by the Dean of Enrollment and/or the respective academic dean.
• Materials created for distribution to students of one of the Extended Academic Programs (ADCaP, online, high schools) should be reviewed by the respective dean.
• Materials to be distributed to current graduate students should be reviewed by the Graduate Dean.

Required Information for Documents

Please date and indicate print run on all materials for reference. The purpose of this is to alleviate confusion and ensure that the latest version is distributed. It is also a reference of the number of copies printed. Reference the year of publication and print quantity in the bottom left corner of your publication; e.g: 2013/500 indicating a 2013 publication date and a print run of 500.

All documents from the university are required to have the American Disabilities Act statement. Somewhere on your document, please include the following statement:

“This publication is available in alternate format by request. To request an alternate format, please contact (your office and a contact telephone number).”

If you have questions regarding the ADA statement, please contact one of the following people. The persons named below serve the groups indicated:

• Students: Sandy McMakin, (210) 805-3005
  
• Employees: Annette Thompson, (210) 832-5644
  
• General Public: Sam McDaniel, (210) 829-6035