Ohio Admin. Code 3356-5-02 - Advertising/sponsorship policy

(A) Policy statement. Institutional publications, statements, and advertisements must represent the highest professional standards for design and content, shall be truthful, informative and constructive, and avoid misleading or exaggerated impressions with respect to the university.

(B) Purpose. To maintain the consistency of the university's public image and to ensure appropriate use of the university's name and brand, the efficient use of university resources, and to provide information regarding the use of university funds in support of community activities and events.

(C) Scope. This policy applies to all advertising, including sponsorships, done by the university. Adherence to the highest professional content, design, and production standards is required to ensure that core institutional messaging, imaging and branding is accurately and effectively expressed and presented to the public in all media.

(D) "Sponsorship." The use of university funds for the betterment of agencies/community partners that work in collaboration with the university but are not a part of the university system. Sponsorship includes underwriting, advertising, or attendance sponsorship, such as a seat or table fifteen hundred dollars and above.

(E) Guidelines.

(1) The success and public acceptance of effective advertising is dependent on a strategy built upon research, credibility and consistency; and it must be based on a well-planned and executed program. The office of marketing and communications is responsible for assuring that these standards are met.

(2) The YSU contact that requests or receives table seats as part of sponsorship is responsible to assure the table is full and provides a great opportunity for faculty, students, or administrators to appropriately represent the university and expand their learning experiences while mutually benefitting the partner organization.

(E) Procedures.

(1) University departments and offices wishing to use university resources for a sponsorship to advertise in any medium (e.g., internet websites, print publications, outdoor media, radio, television) must do so in consultation with the office of marketing and communications.

(2) A written request for advertising or sponsorship planning, design and/or placement services must be submitted to the office of marketing and communications prior to the commitment of any university funds at least three weeks in advance of the advertisement or sponsorship deadline. At that time, the office of marketing and communications will provide the requester with final production and placement cost estimates before proceeding.

(3) Once a final design and budget are agreed upon, the office of marketing and communications will be responsible for quality control in the design, content, and timely placement of the final advertisement or sponsorship.

(4) With respect to the department of intercollegiate athletics, the Cliffe college of creative arts and communication, and employment advertising by the department of human resources, written requests for advertising are not required to be submitted to the office of marketing and communications. However, the marketing and/or advertising of these units must adhere to the guidelines and intent of this policy. The office of marketing and communications will monitor practices to ensure appropriate professional standards.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 3356-5-02

Effective: 3/31/2025
Promulgated Under: 111.15
Statutory Authority: 3356.03
Rule Amplifies: 3356.03
Prior Effective Dates: 11/04/1977, 08/15/1998, 06/16/2003, 08/21/2010, 08/31/2015, 01/20/2020