Contact us
Cynthia Schmidt
Director of University Marketing
Phone: (804) 828-8814
E-mail: caschmid@vcu.edu
At University Marketing, we help you spread the word about the great things happening in departments and programs at Virginia Commonwealth University. As part of the ongoing development and implementation of an integrated, universitywide marketing and communications plan, we work closely with Creative Services and Communications and Public Relations to promote your program or department using carefully crafted messages and materials that mesh with the university’s strategic goals.
Market research
Identifying your audience and understanding what is important to them is the key to effective communications. Whether we work directly with the Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory, Center for Institutional Effectiveness or an outside vendor, we can help you pinpoint your target market and identify how to effectively engage their interest. In addition, we have access to scores of secondary research resources that shed light on your audiences’ unique characteristics, including Web surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews.
Strategic communications and market planning
University Marketing offers consultation and assistance to develop a comprehensive communication and marketing plan that establishes the distinguishing traits of your program or department. Armed with this information, we develop a mix of materials and communications that cut through the clutter and create a positive relationship with your audience.
Advertising and marketing
Our marketing and public relations professionals provide you with the counsel and resources you need to develop a coordinated message for your department or program. We can help you:
- Integrate your marketing efforts with the look and feel of the university’s identity.
- Develop and place your print, online and broadcast advertisements.
- Develop scripts and obtain video footage to incorporate into electronic media, such as videos, CD-ROMs, podcasts and Web sites.
- Tap into the wide array of new media such as blogs, wikis and podcasts.
- Filming and photo shoot coordination for commercial productions.
Event marketing and planning
We can help you access the many resources on campus that will assist you in planning special events. Partnering with VCU’s meeting planning specialists, University Marketing can assist with the many details and logistics associated with a successful event, including invitations, publicity, advance preparations, guest relations, speaker scheduling, catering and site management.