Resources
Advertising
For help placing advertisements for your unit, program, or event contact University Marketing at [email protected] or (616) 331-2525.
Alternatives to Printing
As of May 2020, in order to reduce printing costs and save paper, Grand Valley issued a directive to move all printed communications to digital formats. All exceptions must be approved by a vice president or academic dean.
The university offers a number of cost-effective and simple alternatives to traditional printed marketing materials. These options provide more opportunity to change and update messaging and save printing time and costs.
All of these options are economical, they meet Grand Valley’s accessibility benchmarks, they are more timely than print, and there is no waste. Most include analytics tools to measure effectiveness. These digital options are already accepted as best practices at universities across the state and around the country.
Brand University
Brand University is a series of hands-on, two-hour modules designed to help those responsible for marketing and communications in departments and programs do their jobs more effectively and efficiently.
The following modules will be available throughout the year in Allendale and Grand Rapids. Please check Sprout for details and to register.
Brand University: Telling Our Stories Through Visuals This intensive module help those responsible for department or program communications better use video and photography in their marketing. Presented by experts from University Marketing, University Communications, and the Promotions Office.
Brand University: Simple Tools for DIY Marketing This interactive module will get down and dirty with creating program flyers, PowerPoint presentations, retractable banners, tablethrows, and Grand Valley’s new BluePrint storefront of branded templates. Led by University Marketing.
Brand University: Improving Your GVSU Website Put the power of Grand Valley's website to work for your department or program. Learn to leverage the strengths of Grand Valley's CMS system, become proficient in accessibility requirements, get tips on writing for the web, explore Site Improve, and put search engine optimization to work for you. Facilitated by University Marketing.
Brand University: Online, Email, and Social Media Marketing Basics Discover why digital marketing is perhaps your most effective and efficient way to reach and engage your audience. From email marketing to online advertising to creating social media campaigns, this module will give you the practical experience you can take back and use in your job the next day. Presented by University Communications and University Marketing.
Brand University: Virtual Update June 2020 Presenters from University Marketing and University Communications brought attendees up to date on ad campaign messaging evolution from Laker Effect to Next is Now before, during, and after the pandemic stay-home order. Tools to address this year's money-saving print restrictions, as well as several other communications tools and initiatives were also discussed. You can watch the presentation and find links to the resources discussed here.
Campus Maps and Driving Directions
Current maps for all Grand Valley campuses and regional centers are available at gvsu.edu/maps. Driving directions and parking information for the Allendale and Pew Grand Rapids Campuses are found there as well. Additional parking information is available from Parking Services.
For changes to a map, please contact Nick Viau in University Marketing at (616) 331-2525 or [email protected].
Campus Signage
Production and installation of campus signage and displays are arranged by Facilities Planning through external vendors. Outside vendors are also contracted for name tags, vehicle decals, uniforms, etc.
Refer to the Planning and Design Standards for the requirements.
Communication Resources
Visit these resources for help telling the Grand Valley story.
Student, Faculty, and Alumni Profiles: gvsu.edu/LakerEffect
Accountability Report: gvsu.edu/accountability
Awards and Recognitions: gvsu.edu/recognition
Sustainability Information: gvsu.edu/sustainability
Diversity and Inclusion Information: gvsu.edu/diversity
Quick Facts: gvsu.edu/about.htm
GVNext: gvsu.edu/gvnext
Office of Institutional Analysis: gvsu.edu/ia
Contacts
University Marketing develops marketing plans, advertisements, websites, and publications; monitors the use of the logo; and conducts market research.
Grand Valley State University
University Marketing
1 Campus Drive
2090 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, Michigan 49401
Phone: (616) 331-2525
Fax: (616) 331-2285
[email protected]
gvsu.edu/im
University Communications provides services such as strategic communications, crisis communications, public relations, media relations, social media, photography, videography, media training, and publishing, including Forum and Grand Valley Magazine. They also televise and webcast select live Laker athletics events.
Grand Valley State University
1 Campus Drive
4090 James H. Zumberge Hall
Allendale, Michigan 49401
Phone: (616) 331-2221
Fax: (616) 331-2250
[email protected]
gvsu.edu/ucomm
The Promotions Office offers student creatives a community of growth in design, advertising, and communication. They provide aesthetically and conceptually engaging design and video services that effectively communicate their clients' visions.
Grand Valley State University
Promotions Office
0008 Kirkhof Center
Allendale, Michigan 49401
Phone: (616) 331-2340
[email protected]
gvsu.edu/promotions
The Copy Center makes color and black and white copies, binding, and UPS mailing.
Grand Valley State University
Copy Center
011 Laker Market Place
Allendale, MI 49401
Phone: (616) 331-3407
[email protected]
copycenter.gvsu.edu
Grand Valley State University
Copy Center
136C DeVos Center
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: (616) 331-6463
[email protected]
copycenter.gvsu.edu
Email Signature Generator
Generate your university-approved, personalized email signature compatible with Outlook and other email programs. Our email signature generator was developed to standardize the content in email signatures, but the font size may appear different depending on browsers and devices. We recommend that you make any necessary format changes in your email settings. Note: using an email signature is not required.
Generate your GVSU email signature
Your signature may include a logo and university social media icons in addition to the information the standard signature includes. Any additional information you add, including words or logos, must be “of and concerning the university”.
Social Media Avatars
When creating and maintaining a university-related social media account, it’s important to choose a profile image that works consistently across all major social platforms. We encourage you to use one of our branded social media avatars, which come in a small variety of official color combinations and feature the Grand Valley logomark.
Click on one of the following avatars to download the image.
Connect with the many different social media accounts at Grand Valley or learn about the university's social media guidelines.
Reach Higher 2025 Digital Designs
Sustainable Paper and Printing
University Marketing looks for the following attributes when specifying paper for printed communications:
- Domestically manufactured
- Paper that is manufactured with paper fibers from certified sustainable forests (Forest Stewardship Council or Sustainable Forestry Initiative)
- Emissions-free renewable energy used in the manufacturing of the paper or carbon neutral paper
- Elemental chlorine-free (ECF)
- Alternative fiber paper
- Carbon neutral paper
- Paper from mills that have received third party certifications such as Green-e, Green Seal