Request a Brand Review

At Elon, every piece of communication — from event posters to brochures to social media graphics — contributes to how people experience the university. To ensure our materials are clear, consistent and reflect our shared identity, the Office of University Communications reviews certain marketing and communications materials before they are finalized.

Submitting your work for review helps:

  • Protect Elon’s brand by maintaining a unified voice and visual identity.
  • Ensure accessibility and quality across print and digital materials.
  • Save time and resources by catching potential issues early.

Key Terms to Know

  • External Materials: Intended for prospective student recruitment, family engagement, fundraising, alumni engagement, government/community relations, peer communications
    • Audience: Prospective students, prospective/current families, alumni, donors, government/community officials, higher ed institutions, general public
  • Internal Materials: Includes department/office communications such as newsletters and special events
    • Audience: Faculty, staff, current students
  • Event Materials: Internal-only promotions for one-time events
    • Audience: Faculty, staff, current students
  • Student Organization Materials: Officially registered student organizations through the Office of Student Involvement
    • Audience: Current students

Materials that Require Review

Marketing and communications materials designed for external audiences, as well as highly visible on-campus materials such as banners and signage, must adhere to the university’s brand guidelines and should be reviewed by University Communications.

External Advertising and Communications

    • All external advertising placed on behalf of the university or its individual units — including video, digital and online advertising, sponsorships, billboards, broadcast and print advertising — must be reviewed by University Communications before placement to ensure messaging and visuals are consistent with Elon’s identity.
    • All printed communications for external audiences (alumni, parents, prospective students) must also be submitted to review before files are sent to the printer. This includes materials being distributed during campus events.

    On-Campus Materials

    Internal units and external vendors are strongly encouraged to submit marketing and communications materials created for on-campus use to the Office of University Communications for brand review. This helps ensure consistency with university guidelines and maintains the quality and professionalism of materials seen across campus.

    Highly visible on-campus materials that should be submitted for review include:

    • Print materials (brochures, newsletters, postcards, invitations, posters, programs)
    • Email and social media graphics
    • Pole and building banners
    • Permanent building signage
    • Apparel, merchandise and promotional items such as drinkware and collectibles

    If materials do not meet standards, University Communications will recommend modifications and work with you to achieve the best outcomes.

    Merchandise and Contracts

    • Apparel, merchandise and promotional items produced for sale by external vendors are managed through the university’s licensing and product review process. Please visit the Auxiliary Services website for information.
    • All contracts and agreements with external marketing and communications freelancers or agencies, and all marketing and communication materials produced by freelancers or agencies, must be submitted for review.

    Exempt Materials

    • Instructive materials exclusively for internal audiences (students, staff and faculty) do not require review, but should follow applicable brand guidelines.
    • Scholarly work of university faculty, including but not limited to publications (such as academic articles, books or other writings) or presentations, whether aimed at professional or academic audiences, are exempt from review.
    • Informational signage, including parking and route directions, do not require review but should follow relevant brand guidelines.

    When in doubt, submit your materials or email brand@elon.edu. We’re happy to confirm whether review is needed.

    Review Process

    Once you submit your review form, a member of the University Communications team will review your materials and provide feedback within two to three working days. Longer documents or complex projects may take up to five working days, so please plan ahead and build at least 10 working days into your marketing timeline to allow for review and revisions.

    What to Expect

    • Approval: If your material meets brand standards, you’ll receive an email confirmation.
    • Revisions Needed: If changes are required, we’ll email you a list of recommendations. After making updates, resubmit your materials using the “re-submission” option on the form. Please allow another two working days for review.

    For external advertising, apparel and promotional materials, submit materials at the concept stage to avoid delays or costly changes later. All other marketing and communications materials can be submitted as a final draft.

    Tips for a Smooth Review

    To help keep the process on track and avoid delays:

    • Use Brand-Aligned Content: Follow Elon’s brand guidelines for logos, messaging, and design best practices.
    • Prioritize Inclusivity: Ensure your materials authentically represent campus community.
    • Plan Ahead: Submit early to allow time for potential revisions and any vendor needs. If changes are required, your project re-enters the review process.
    • Be Patient: You’ll receive an automatic confirmation when your form is submitted and a formal approval or revision notice within two to three working days.

    Review Rubric

    Elon’s brand is one of our most valuable assets. A clear, consistent identity strengthens the university’s reputation and ensures every message reflects our community’s values. This rubric outlines how University Communications reviews materials for different audiences and settings.

    When reviewing your materials, we consider:

    • Is the application of brand consistent with Elon’s brand guidelines?
    • Is the content of the materials in alignment with brand positioning and messaging?
    • Is the overall presentation (specifics will vary per medium) in alignment with Elon’s standards and expectations of quality?

    External Materials

    Internal Materials

    Event Materials

    Student Org Materials