1008 Communications and Marketing Integrity and Ethics Policy Procedure

Procedure Detail

Policy Name: Communications & Marketing Integrity and / Ethics Policy

Policy Number: 1008

Applicable Code/Law:

Section 508 (Rehabilitation Act)

WCAG 2.1 Web Accessibility Guidelines

Definitions:

Official College Communications are messages, materials, or content created, distributed, or published on behalf of Shoreline College, its departments, offices, programs, services, or authorized representatives for the purpose of informing, engaging, promoting, instructing, or representing the institution to internal or external audiences.

Official College Communications may be delivered in print, digital, visual, verbal, or multimedia formats and include communications intended for students, employees, prospective students, alumni, partners, media, and the general public.

Official College Communications typically use institutional branding, are distributed through official College channels, or otherwise imply institutional authority, endorsement, or representation.

Examples of official communications materials include, but are not limited to:

College websites and landing pages

Official social media accounts

Mass emails and newsletters sent on behalf of the College or its departments

Printed and digital brochures, flyers, posters, and advertisements

News releases and media statements

Emergency alerts and public notices

Recruitment, enrollment, fundraising, and event promotion materials

Annual reports, publications, and official videos

Photography, videography, and visual storytelling used to represent the College

Signage, branded presentations, and other public-facing informational materials

Procedural Guidelines:

This procedure ensures that all Shoreline College communications materials including printed publications, digital collateral, social media content, and web pages—are accurate, up to date, brand-compliant, and aligned with college values and strategic priorities. This also applies to external mentions of Shoreline (e.g. Wikipedia, Yahoo, blogs, etc.) and will ensure that all are reviewed regularly to identify and correct inaccuracies and ensure that the College is accurately represented.

This procedure applies to all departments and programs that create, distribute, or maintain official communications and marketing materials representing Shoreline College to internal or external audiences.

Annual Review Timeline
Each academic and administrative unit must conduct a comprehensive reviewof their communication materials between March 1 and June 15 of each year to prepare for the upcoming academic year.
Departmental Designees
Each department or program Dean, Director, or Vice President must identify at least one representative responsible for coordinating the review process. Communications & Marketing will maintain a list of designees and serve as a resource throughout the process.
Review Steps
1. Identify outdated, inaccurate, or missing information in print and digital materials.
2. Ensure alignment with current branding, accessibility, and editorial standards.
3. Submit collateral updates using the appropriate form by June 15.
  1. For Print Collateral, please submit this form.
4. Coordinate web content edits with your department’s authorized content editor or submit changes via the Web Update Request Form if you do not have direct access.
  1. For Web Support beyond your Departmental Authorized Content Editor, use this form.
Support and Oversight
The Communications & Marketing Department will issue an annual reminder and provide a review checklist by March 1 of each year.
The Communications & Marketing department serves as the final reviewer and approver of all updated materials.
Brand and Accessibility Compliance
All reviewed content must meet the College’s brand guidelines and accessibility requirements in accordance with Section 508 and WCAG 2.1 Standards.