Communications
The Communications Office acts as keepers and guardians of the Trent brand and identity. We strive to build and raise Trent’s profile and reputation on a provincial, national and international level. Working collaboratively with departments and key stakeholders across the University and throughout the community, Communications uses our expertise to support Trent’s strategic goals, objectives and key initiatives, with a specific focus on expanding recruitment and increasing acceptances and overall undergraduate student enrolment.
With the goal of supporting, strengthening and enhancing communications capacities throughout the University, Communications oversees:
- Brand reputation and visual identity
- University-wide advertising
- Media relations
- External website
- Social media
- Writing and editing of strategic publications (including the Viewbook and Showcase)
- Future student communications
- Internal communications
- Strategic communications planning
- Issues management and crisis communications
- Photography and video
Brand Reputation and Visual Identity
The Communications department plays a crucial role in brand identity and management. This includes the communication and sharing of our brand guidelines that include logo usage, visual style, brand colours and identity, photo usage and brand appropriate language.
Advertising
A key element in supporting University recruitment efforts is oversight and implementation of our adverting campaigns. Whether print, television, transit, billboard or radio advertising, the Communications team is responsible for all media purchasing and creation.
Media Relations and Media Training
Our Communications team deals on a daily basis with media requests and media outreach. Producing press releases, making pitches and developing lasting relationships with key media contacts assists the University in raising its profile with potential students and in the academic world. In addition to our outreach initiatives, our team assists staff by training colleagues in dealing with media requests and preparing for interviews.
- Media Inquires: Media are invited to take advantage of Trent's online media inquiry form. Whether you need to speak with an expert, request an image, or explore a feature story idea, we are pleased to assist. Once we receive your form, a member of the Communications department will follow up with you shortly.
Web and Social Media
Digital communications includes both Trent University’s web presence and official social media channels (including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and more) and is the responsibility of the Communications team. We create content, set strategic direction, oversee paid presence and provide programming support to departments across the University.
Publications
The Communications team coordinates and oversees a variety of key University publications and pieces, including:
- Viewbook: primary guide to the Trent experience and academic programs for those considering attending as an undergraduate student
- Showcase: profiling leading-edge teaching and research at Trent University and the remarkable faculty, students, alumni and donors who make it all happen
Future Student Communications
With a primary mandate to support and increase undergraduate recruitment, the Communications team produces and oversees all content and material aimed at prospective students and their families - everything from e-communications, and event invitations to the offer package, ad campaigns, and more.
Internal Communications
Communicating to staff, students and faculty is an important role for the Communications department. We work with senior management, HR, Physical Resources and our Risk Management team to ensure that we share our success stories and important messaging to stakeholders across the University.
Strategic Communications Planning
Trent University’s Communications team are responsible for drafting and implementing the university’s integrated strategic marketing plan. The strategic plan provides guidelines for our department to work with colleagues throughout Trent University to advance the university’s reputation, support recruitment initiatives and align communications with the University’s leadership team’s vision. This vision of this plan is delivered through a myriad of channels including our digital presence, communications through the media, advertising, event presence and social media.
Issues Management and Crisis Communications
Working closely with our Risk Management team, the Communication department is responsible for communications in a crisis situation. This includes preparing an emergency response plan to manage and coordinate a response for anticipated potential issues, preventing crises from escalating and influencing our evolution over the outcome.
Photography and Video
The Communications Office manages the University’s online digital assets database.