Resources
To assist in your efforts to represent and promote the university, we’ve created a list of resources available to you. Search term(s) results will include blog posts and communication resources. Search by keyword, category, tag, or any combination of the three to narrow your results.
The shape of storytelling in an attention-starved world
Using the inverted-pyramid style of storytelling is often the most effective way to reach your audience.
The State of Journalism in 2020
Muck Rack is out with its 2020 State of Journalism report.
Themed content packages: showcasing the University’s strengths through a series of stories
What is a themed content package and how can communicators help identify and promote them?
Thoughts on sexist language
Communicators strive to avoid sexism, but sometimes it crops up anyway. Here are some observations and musings on the subject.
Three easy accessibility skills for content editors
Explore three easy skills for content editors to use with Folwell and Drupal to create accessible digital content.
Three grating grammatical glitches
Sooner or later, everybody slips up in the grammar department. But certain glitches raise their scruffy heads more often than others. Here’s a guide to navigating some of the most common danger zones.
Three internal email etiquette tips
Explore ways to create mindful emails.
Tips for Interviewing: Getting at Emotion
A compelling story may hang on a great interview—especially if the story is a profile or longer feature. As you're interviewing a subject, consider questions that get at the feelings behind the facts.
Tips for standout internal newsletters
University Relations internal communicators recently tried out Axios’ Smart Brevity approach to increase readership of a monthly University Services newsletter.
Tips to Enhance Your News-gathering Routine and Become a Better Citizen of Information
Here are some points from the recent University of Minnesota Libraries-hosted roundtable on journalism in 2020 and navigating the news landscape.
Tips to Examine How Diversity is Used in Your Communications
Check out these tips to ensure your communications include DE&I best practices.
Tips to Improve Employee Engagement During a Crisis
An internal communication strategy is a key component to improve employee engagement especially during a crisis.
Tips to Improve Internal Communications
With hybrid work, it’s more important than ever to stay connected to our faculty and staff. Here are tips to increase employee engagement and trust.
Tools for Communicating about Diversity Equity and Inclusion
This resource can guide your development or expansion of your communications efforts.
Trade publications: The impactful middle path
Between the New York Times and peer-reviewed journals, trade publications offer communicators a valuable blend of access and audience.
Turning on a Dime: How Our Lives and Work Changed with COVID-19
The School of Public Health highlights one year into the pandemic.
Two models for internal newsletters to faculty and staff
The UR internal communications team recently evaluated peer higher education newsletters and conducted meetings with their communicators to learn about their internal communications strategy.
U of M style conundrums
Health care vs. healthcare? Well-being vs. wellbeing? Here are a few word-usage and style conundrums worth discussing, even if the answers are seemingly up for debate and apt to change over time.
Understanding media requests
Every day, journalists reach out to the U of M looking for sources who can provide expertise for their stories. Before accepting an interview, there are a few questions you should consider.
University Brand reminders
A few reminders related to applying the brand in your marketing and communications materials.