Communications Resources
Access useful tools and resources to support your communications needs. Our department specializes in event coverage from start to finish. This includes pre-event promotion such as email blasts to the SPHHS community, inclusion in the SPHHS 'Week Ahead' newsletter, placement in various other university newsletters, and posts or stories on social media.
The communication department can also accommodate day-of-event photography/videography and post-event social media and web article recaps.
Use the communications request form to connect with us and select the services you need to meet your communications goals. You can also upload photos from events we may have missed.
Marketing Cloud Newsletter Guidelines
Use Text Blocks, Not Image Files
Why this matters:
- Image files with text don't work well for people using screen readers
- Images don't resize properly on mobile phones
- Different email programs (Outlook, Gmail, etc.) display images inconsistently
What to do instead:
- Use text content blocks for all words—including announcements, dates, and headlines
- You can still change font style, size, and color to match your design
- Text blocks automatically adjust for any device or email app
The "Teaser + Read More" Approach
Build each newsletter item this way:
- Eye-catching image with minimal or no text
- Short text summary (1-2 paragraphs max)
- "Read More" link or button that takes readers to the full information
Benefits:
- Less scrolling for readers
- Better tracking of who's actually interested in the content
- Works great on mobile devices
Design Clean Emails
Less is more
- Remove extra images and decorations
- Leave white space around text and graphics
- Put text next to images (not on top of them)
Make it clickable
- Add links to images and buttons
- Direct people to websites, Canvas, or registration pages
- Don't put all your information in the email—guide them where to go
Check Before You Send
Ask yourself:
- ✓ Can I read this easily on my phone?
- ✓ Is the text large enough and color contrast strong?
- ✓ Does it follow UMass branding?
- ✓ Did I use text blocks instead of images for words?
Note: You don't need QR codes in emails (they're already digital!)
Image Ratios
Week Ahead Newsletter Images:
Banner: 16:9
Square 1:1
Website Feature Image
Image: 4:3
Square: 1:1
Portrait: 4:5
Landscape: 1.91:1
Story/Reel: 9:16
Monitor Slide:
16:9