Storytelling is a vehicle for the university to engage with its various audiences – students, families, faculty and staff, alumni, the community, supporters and partners. It conveys the accomplishments, the aspirations and the shared experiences of the university community, building memorable connections and driving action and engagement. 

In crafting stories, we capture the authentic voices of our community across a variety of platforms, including print and digital, videos, photography, social media and all marketing collateral.  It is the narrative of who we are as a community.

In all cases, we should:

  • Tell authentic stories that represent the breadth and scope of the diverse university community 
  • Represent individuals accurately and fairly 
  • Secure student consent 

Tell Authentic Stories

The stories we put out into the world should capture the authentic experiences and successes of a wide variety of students, faculty, staff and alumni, whether those stories are highlighting individual, program or institutional accomplishments.  Including a variety of voices and perspectives helps provide a full and accurate narrative and captures the essence of the 51ÊÓÆµ experience. 

Represent Individuals Accurately

As storytellers, it is our responsibility to represent individuals accurately and without bias. By using inclusive language, we acknowledge the diverse experiences of our community and make 51ÊÓÆµ a welcoming community for all. For inclusive language guidance, please refer to our Style Guide.

When representing any student in media, secure the student’s consent before telling their story or prominently featuring their likeness in photography, videos or social media. For more information, see the Community Consent Guidelines.