Style Guide by flcfalcons

STYLE GUIDE PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES OFFICE AUGUST 2017

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE

STYLE GUIDE

STYLE GUIDE CONTENTS Our Brand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Our Name. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Our Colors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Our Logo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 College Seal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spirit Logo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Co-Branded Logos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Logo Free Space. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Incorrect Logo Usage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Editorial Style. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Typography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Photography. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Website. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Publicity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Email Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Prepared by the:

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE PUBLIC INFORMATION SERVICES OFFICE (PISO) Phone: (916) 608-6993 Email: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu Website: inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso Office Location: Main Folsom campus, Aspen Hall FL1-9 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm Please Note: This style guide was published in August 2017. For updates/changes to existing sections and the addition of new sections, please visit inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso on a regular basis for the latest edition.

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE

STYLE GUIDE

OUR BRAND:

WHY IS THIS GUIDE SO IMPORTANT? OUR BRAND is more than our logo or colors. It’s more than a set of rules and guidelines.

It’s our reputation. It’s our promise to our students and the community about the experience they can consistently expect to have when they interact with our college. Our brand is the way we look, behave, and speak. It expresses the essence of this institution. A consistent brand strengthens the college. From a marketing and design perspective, the look and feel of all materials and publications affect how our image is conveyed and perceived. These standards were created to help bring the image and personality of Folsom Lake College to life. Consistent application of these standards over time will benefit FLC through improved awareness, recognition, and professional appearance.

HOW DO YOU USE A STYLE GUIDE?

This FLC style guide has been developed to enable all college departments and individuals to consistently and professionally represent the college in all formal and informal communications, advertising and marketing, and other promotional materials. This style guide is designed to support and strengthen FLC’s graphic presence. This style guide must be used by everyone who produces FLC materials. While implementing FLC’s brand standards doesn’t mean that all materials must look the same, it does mean they must look like they belong to the same family of materials, with logos, fonts, colors, and correct grammar and messages used consistently. All materials must adhere to the standards contained in this style guide in order to maintain a high-quality FLC look and feel. Some examples of materials that are relevant to use of this style guide are, but not limited to: • • • • • •

Letters Brochures Fliers Publications Advertising Banners and posters

• Stationery and business cards • Indoor and outdoor signage • Promotional items and merchandise

NEED HELP?

The FLC Public Information Services Office (PISO) is available to provide guidance to college personnel for print, web, and multimedia communication. We are the college’s resource for ensuring design and writing quality and consistency. For questions about this style guide and its implementation, contact PISO at: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu or (916) 608-6993.

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STYLE GUIDE

OUR NAME OFFICIAL NAMES

The official and legal names of our institutions are: • Folsom Lake College • El Dorado Center • Rancho Cordova Center Our official name should always be used in signatures and address blocks, and when the college is mentioned for the first time in body copy.

INFORMAL NAMES

Informal names for the institution are: • FLC • Main Folsom campus • EDC • RCC • Folsom Lake Informal names may be used in body copy following the first use of the official college name. Please Note: There are no periods in FLC/EDC/RCC.

ELEVATOR SPEECH

An ‘elevator speech’ is what we call the eleven second description you can pull out of your memory with ease and use to share with others. It’s a tool. And since this style guide is now your toolbox for communicating the FLC brand, here is the elevator speech you can use when you are sharing about our college. “Since 2004, Folsom Lake College has provided exceptional educational opportunities to the communities of eastern Sacramento and western El Dorado counties. The college serves approximately 8,750 students at the main Folsom campus, the El Dorado Center in Placerville, and the Rancho Cordova Center. FLC is committed to enriching and empowering students by bridging knowledge, experience, and innovation. FLC offers educational opportunities and support for students to transfer to four-year institutions, to improve foundational skills, to achieve career goals, and to earn associate degrees or certificates.”

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STYLE GUIDE

OUR COLORS THE COLORS SHOWN BELOW are the primary colors of the logo and official college collateral and should never be altered. They are the core of the Folsom Lake College color palette and should be dominant in all official communications. OFFICIAL COLORS Color

Name Teal Black White

Pantone 314 CP - - - - - -

CMYK 100-5-14-17 0-0-0-100 0-0-0-0

RGB 0-123-155 0-0-0 255-255-255

Hex #0084AC #000000 #FFFFFF

Pantone 2603 CP 130 CP 368 CP - - -

CMYK RGB 72-99-0-3 116-49-130 0-32-100-0 237-172-26 65-0-100-0 124-184-47 0-0-0-40 153-153-153

Hex #743182 #EDAC1A #7CB82F #999999

CMYK 100-41-35-87 9-24-100-32

Hex #112E3A #B89D18

ACCENT COLORS Color

Name Purple Gold Green Neutral Grey

LOS RIOS OFFICIAL COLORS Color Name Navy Blue Gold

Pantone 546 CP 457 CP

RGB 17-46-58 180-152-29

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STYLE GUIDE

OUR LOGO THE COLLEGE LOGO visually references the historic and widely recognized architectural detail of the Rainbow Bridge in the City of Folsom. The logo symbolizes the metaphorical bridge to success that FLC offers students in the region through their pursuit of higher education. The logo functions as the primary identifying element of the college and is to be used on materials related to college business, official signage, or official merchandise. If you are unsure as to whether your desired use of the college logo is allowable, please contact the Public Information Services Office at: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu or (916) 608-6993.

LOGO DESIGN ELEMENTS

Our logo is a made up of two distinct elements: the bridge symbol and the wordmark of the college name and centers. Never change the positioning, sizing, or spacing of the wordmark in relation to the symbol.

LOGO COLORS

Our logo may be reproduced in either black, FLC teal, or white (reversed) - see official colors on page 3.

LOGO OPTIONS HORIZONTAL VERSION Please Note: This logo version is the preferred format and should always be the first choice.

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OUR LOGO (continued) STACKED VERSION The stacked logo version can be used when there are space constraints.

LOGO FILE FORMATS

The logo is available in a variety of electronic file formats, each intended for a particular use depending on the media for which it will be reproduced. Selecting the correct file format will ensure that the logo is reproduced in the appropriate manner and will maintain the FLC brand identity. File formats: • EPS – vector files are for use in professional printing applications; it prints in the highest resolution, is scalable, and has a defined color model such as CMYK or spot color. Please Note: When working with an outside vendor, this is the preferred format. • JPG – are bitmap images with RGB color, have an opaque background, and should be used in online and screen applications such as email or Microsoft PowerPoint. • PNG – are bitmap images with RGB color, have a transparent background, and should only be used for email or Microsoft PowerPoint (never print).

AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

These logos can be downloaded via the FLC PISO website at: inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso.

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COLLEGE SEAL THE PRIMARY PURPOSE of the college seal is to authenticate the official actions of the college’s president, and it is usually accompanied by the president’s signature. The seal is only used in formal and official documents as described below. It is not intended for promotional purposes. The FLC college seal can be used in FLC teal or black, embossed or watermarked.

ACCEPTABLE USES AND PERMISSIONS

Permission from the Public Information Services Office or President’s Office is required for use of the college seal. Allowable uses include: • Commencement program • Diplomas • Certificates • Legal documents • Official records

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STYLE GUIDE

SPIRIT LOGO THE SPIRIT LOGO functions as a secondary identifying element of the college and is to be used as such for college departments and functions related to athletics, student life, and merchandising. Approved versions of the spirit logo are demonstrated below:

Falcon Head with Name Below

Falcon Head Only

ACCEPTABLE USES AND PERMISSIONS

The spirit logo is typically reserved for official use by the Athletics department, the Office of Student Life, and the FLC College Store. As result, the Public Information Services Office must first review and approve all spirit logo use requests. If you would like to discuss using a spirit logo variation in your design project, please contact the PISO at: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu or (916) 608-6993.

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STYLE GUIDE

CO-BRANDED LOGOS IN ORDER TO PROPERLY PRESENT your department, division, or program of Folsom Lake College, it is important to maintain consistency with the college branding. Co-branded logos are an excellent way to visually communicate the relationship between the college and your area. Co-branded logo examples:

Health & Wellness Services

Transfer Services

Co-branded logos are depicted with the official bridge symbol, the FLC wordmark (without the centers sub-text) with the department/area/program name below. The name should use Trajan font in title-case. Co-brands can be printed in black, FLC teal, or white (reversed). For assistance in creating a co-branded logo, please contact the Public Information Services Office at: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu or (916) 608-6993.

WHICH COLLEGE ENTITIES ARE ALLOWED TO USE THESE CO-BRAND VARIATIONS?

The following entities have permission to use an official co-brand: the centers, individual Student Services departments, academic departments, and Associated Students. Other departments and entities may be applicable. Please contact the Public Information Services Office for approval and co-branded logo artwork.

WHEN SHOULD THESE CO-BRAND VARIATIONS BE USED?

These official co-brands should be used sparingly. Primarily, they are intended for use in the header on official letterhead and email communications originating from the operating unit. They may also be used on unit-specific promotional materials (e.g., brochures). Additionally, their usage must follow the same fundamental standards noted in this style guide.

ARE THERE ANY EXCEPTIONS?

A limited number of campus departments and programs may have their own unique logo because of their unique needs. However, these unique logos must show a clear relation to the college and are subject to initial review and approval by the Public Information Services Office.

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LOGO FREE SPACE FREE SPACE

The following rules apply to the college logo, the college seal, the spirit logo, and all variations. Free space is the area surrounding the logo that must be kept free of any text or graphic elements. By leaving ample space around the logo, we ensure the logo stands out. • .25" minimum free space in small documents (e.g., the size of a postcard or smaller). • .5" minimum in free space standard-size documents (e.g., the size of a letter or tabloid sheet). • 1" (and preferably more) free space in oversize documents (e.g., posters or signs).

MINIMUM SIZE

At certain small sizes, the logo becomes illegible. To ensure readability, keep to the minimum sizes specified here.. .5" tall (35.4 px)

.5" tall (35.4 px)

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INCORRECT LOGO USAGE BY USING OUR LOGOS CORRECTLY AND CONSISTENTLY, the Folsom Lake College brand becomes better understood and recognized. Please use the logos only as outlined. Check with the Public Information Services Office if you have questions. The office has the authority to approve or deny uses of all components of FLC’s brand identity. These guidelines apply to all versions of the logo (horizontal, stacked, spirit, seal, co-brands). The logos and marks cannot be recreated with any font, resized, or rearranged for any reason. Some examples of what to avoid are shown here: Do not use the symbol or the type by themselves. They should only be used together in the approved combinations.

Do not distort, stretch, or squish any of the logos.

Do not use retired logos (uses the diamond, refers to the college as Folsom Lake Center, or uses old tag line “Crossing Boundaries”).

Do not use low resolution or blurry logos.

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INCORRECT LOGO USAGE (continued) Do not use drop shadows or glows on the logo.

Do not use the logo on a busy background.

Do not use the logo on a background with insufficient contrast.

folsom lake college

Do not recreate logo or use a different font.

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STYLE GUIDE

EDITORIAL STYLE WRITING STYLE

Folsom Lake College refers to the Associated Press Stylebook (AP Stylebook) for written communication guidelines. Please refer to the AP Stylebook at: www.apstylebook.com for more detailed and specific punctuation, format, grammar, and writing style guidelines.

CONSISTENCY

Consistent use of the following guides help maintain the brand and the impression of quality. ACADEMIC ABBREVIATIONS - Titles and degree abbreviations following a faculty or staff member’s name should not include periods (e.g., PhD instead of Ph.D., MA instead of M.A.). BUILDINGS AND ROOM NUMBERS - Use identifying terms (“Hall”, “Building”, “Center”, “Gym”, “Gallery”, “Field”) as appropriate to identify campus facilities. Main Folsom campus - After the full name of the building, list the hyphenated building number and room number (e.g., Aspen Hall FL1-9). EDC/RCC - List the building letter/number followed by a hyphen and the room number (e.g., C-214, RCC1-203). DAY/MONTH/YEAR - Days/months should be capitalized, un-abbreviated (except when needed due to space constraints). Do not use rd, th, or st after dates (e.g., 1st, 15th, 23rd). When only a month and a year are used, do not separate with commas (e.g., January 2018). DEGREES - Associate degrees should be indicated with an AA or AS (no periods) instead of A.A. or A.S. Transfer degrees should be indicated with an AA-T or AS-T (no periods). Certificates of Achievement and Certificates of Recognition should be indicated by a CA or a CR respectively. Any references to higher level degrees at transfer institutions should also be without periods (e.g., MA, MS, MFA, PhD, EdD, etc.). EMAIL ADDRESSES - All letters should be in lowercase (e.g., smithj@flc.losrios.edu). JOB TITLES - In general, capitalize formal titles (e.g., Dean of Instruction, Vice President of Administration). PHONE NUMBERS - Use parentheses rather than dashes [e.g., (916) 608-6500]. HOURS - Hours should be listed as XX:XXam or XX:XXpm, lowercase, and without periods with no space between the hour times and the am/pm indicators (e.g., 9:00am, 12:30pm).

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EDITORIAL STYLE (continued) WRITING TIPS THINK ABOUT YOUR AUDIENCE Is your brochure intended for high school students? Donors? Alumni? Business partners? For marketing purposes? Be sure to write in a voice and a style that is appropriate to effectively reach your target audience. Being brief, conversational, and accurate are usually good approaches as a general rule. EDIT, EDIT, EDIT! Misspelled words, misplaced punctuation, lengthy sentences and paragraphs, inaccurate information, or silly typos can weaken the credibility and effectiveness of any message or communication. Be sure to edit your writing for content and accuracy. Also, be sure to edit for style. Did you get right to the point and present the most critical information first? Have you removed unnecessary details or information to keep the message succinct and to the point? Having another person edit your writing is highly recommended to help you catch these mistakes that would otherwise dilute your message.

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TYPOGRAPHY LOGO TYPOGRAPHY

The Folsom Lake College wordmark is adapted from the typeface Trajan. Always use the approved logo and wordmark; do not recreate it using the Trajan family or any similar typeface.

Trajan

PRIMARY TYPOGRAPHY

The following fonts are recommended for use in all official college collateral:

FONT FAMILIES

Calibri Light AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Light AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Calibri Light Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Light Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Calibri Regular AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Regular AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Calibri Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Calibri Bold AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Bold AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Calibri Bold Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

Gill Sans Bold Italic AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLlMmNn 0123456789 !@#$%^&*?

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PHOTOGRAPHY FLC PHOTOGRAPHY

All photographs used in Folsom Lake College collateral should express the core mission and vision of the college that are inherent within the FLC brand. Photos of students interacting with faculty and staff, or with each other, are highly encouraged. Photos that show studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; enthusiasm, dedication, and enjoyment at FLC are also excellent to use in marketing the college. Using photos of students, as well as faculty, staff, and administrators, helps put a face to the institution. Please Note: Photos of people may only be used for marketing once the individual(s) pictured have signed a photo release form that grants FLC rights to their image. This photo release form may be obtained from the Public Information Services Office or on the PISO website at: inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso. FLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s picturesque campuses and facilities are iconic. To that end, photos of the college buildings, grounds, and facilities are also excellent for marketing purposes.

STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY

If you must use stock photography, please use photos that relate directly to the core mission and vision of the college representing academic excellence, diversity, and innovation.

PHOTO TIPS

Be sure to use only high-resolution photos with good lighting. Using quality photography will reflect the quality of the college. In contrast, using grainy, dark, or low-resolution photos can be counter-productive to communicating the excellence of the institution and the services we provide.

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WEBSITE THE NEW FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE WEBSITE is tightly integrated with, and representative of, our brand image. The website is created and managed in Ingeniux - a proprietary content management system (CMS). The site is built around a set of customized templates and format styles designed to effectively represent the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many programs, communicates written and visual information in a memorable way, delivers a consistent user experience, and promotes our brand image. Though there is some room for unique self-expression within the various department sub-pages, following consistent standards regarding page structure, text formatting, and use of graphics and images is necessary to ensure consistency and quality.

TYPOGRAPHY

The primary website typefaces are the Helvetica and Calibri font families. Helvetica is used for headlines, titles, subheads, and navigation. Calibri is used for text blocks and listings. These are both licensed web-based and hosted fonts. Neither viewers nor content authors and editors need to have these fonts installed on their computers - they are built into the Ingeniux CMS. As FLC web pages are template-based, and the text formatting utilizes pre-defined style sheets, web content authors and editors will not need to make many typeface or color decisions. When working on complex pages, please contact FLCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s webmaster for assistance.

COLOR SCHEME

The primary design elements of the website utilize the FLC brand color scheme. See page 3 for appropriate colors.

IMAGES

Main and header images have specific size and color requirements, depending on their placement within the FLC website. They must also meet the photography standards outlined in this style guide - see page 15. Please Note: All images placed on a page must include alt text which describes the content or purpose of the image. Consider the experience of visually-impaired people who are navigating the page using software that vocalizes the content to them.

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WEBSITE (continued) WRITING STYLE

Web users typically are visiting your site to do or get something. Always keep your users in mind, thinking about what they want and how you can provide it in a straightforward, hassle-free manner. Something to remember: Web copy is scanned. Or glanced at. Not read. Consider the following tips: • Provide easy-to-scan content. • Break your information into “chunks” that can be easily accessed and understood. • Use meaningful heads and subheads to partition your content. • Put your most important information at the top of the page. Don’t make users dig for what they are looking for. • Use bullet points and numbered lists whenever possible. • Keep it short. • Headings: 4-8 words. • Subheads: 1-5 words. • Sentences: 1-20 words. • Paragraphs: 1-7 sentences. • Total words per page: 300-500 words maximum. • Consider your audience (internal vs. external). • All website content should be viewed through a student’s perspective. Focus on their needs, not your’s. • Public facing pages are not an appropriate place for highlighting department mission statements, formal plans, meeting agendas/minutes, etc. • Avoid using jargon and acronyms the general public is not familiar with. • Provide links to other relevant content. Do not replicate content that already exists on another page within the site. • Do a final review. • Proofread. Proofread again. • Check and recheck your facts (make sure your info is up-to-date and accurate). • Check links to ensure they are working properly. • Recheck your content and update as needed, at least once a semester. 17

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PUBLICITY PUBLICIZING YOUR NEWS, EVENT, OR HONOR/AWARD

FLC’s Public Information Services Office is available to publicize information to the college community. To request that your news or event be publicized, please send complete information to flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu. Please submit at least two weeks in advance of the date that you would like the publicity to begin. For an Event Planning Checklist, go to: inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso. There are several methods of publicity that you may request:

EMPLOYEE NEWSLETTER

FLC’s employee newsletter, In Touch, is published electronically on a weekly basis, coming out every Monday morning. If you would like to submit an item for inclusion, please send full information and appropriate high-quality photo(s) to flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu.

CAMPUS SCREENS

Content for the campus screens (located in high traffic areas at all three campus sites) should be designed to inform students about special college events of interest. Campus screens are updated on a weekly basis. For your content to be considered for inclusion on this college-wide media, it must: • Include the following information: • Event title and short description. • Date, time, room, AND campus (FLC, EDC, RCC). • Contact name and phone/email for more info. • Appropriate photo or graphic element (if needed). • Adhere to all logo and branding standards described in this manual. • Be designed in widescreen (16:9) format. • Be emailed as a JPG or a Microsoft PowerPoint file to flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu by Thursday at 3:00pm the week prior to the event.

SOCIAL MEDIA

The Public Information Services Office maintains the official college pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. If you would like to submit an item for inclusion, please send full information, appropriate high-quality photo(s), and the requested publish date to flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu.

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PUBLICITY (continued) PRINTED MATERIALS

Be sure to submit your materials (e.g., fliers, handbooks, brochures, giveaways, and other promotional material) to the Public Information Services Office for review prior to completion of the project. The PISO exists as a resource to you in creating marketing or communications materials and publications. The office is also responsible for maintaining a consistent look and feel to all FLC publications and materials. If you are producing a brochure for your program, for example, contact the PISO for advising with regard to the design, writing style, and format.

POSTING BOARDS

Materials should be designed to inform the Folsom Lake College, El Dorado Center, and Rancho Cordova Center communities, on-campus and off, about classes and special events of interest. Fliers, posters, banners, and other materials should follow the style and branding guidelines outlined in this manual. Please Note: Templates are available at inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso. • Fliers, posters, and other promotional materials can be placed in designated posting areas (bulletin boards). There are also two community posting boards in the Quad area (between Aspen Hall and Cypress Hall) on the Main Folsom campus that are open to all community postings. • Materials shall not be placed over or obstruct the view of previously posted materials or directional, emergency, or warning signs. College Police Officers have the express right to remove an item that causes a safety hazard. • Materials may not be affixed to: any painted or slate walls, poles, fixtures, or entrance doors/windows to buildings. • The sponsoring group or individual is responsible for removing all fliers, postings, and adhesive materials within one week of the end date indicated on the item. • Slurs and/or denigration of any cultural group or individual are strictly forbidden. • Any item that has not followed the guidelines is subject to removal.

MEDIA RELATIONS

FLC’s Communications & Public Information Officer (CPIO) is the official college spokesperson. It is important that media activities are coordinated under their direction to put the college’s best foot forward to the public. Before responding to any media or reporter inquiries or requests for interviews, please contact the Communications & Public Information Officer directly at: flc-pio@flc.losrios.edu or (916) 608-6993. The CPIO will be able to provide you with media training and tips, and act as a resource for media in general.

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EMAIL COMMUNICATION BE CLEAR

Help effectively communicate your message by getting to your point briefly and directly. • Title your emails with specific, descriptive subject lines. • Place key information at the top of the email. • Highlight key words in bold type and/or color. • Use an informal, conversational tone and writing style. • Avoid using both all capitals and all lowercase.

BE CONCISE

Use a reader-friendly format, to include: • Clear, commonly understood language. • Short sentences (preferably 8-18 words). • Sentences that are crisp, clear, and to the point. • Short paragraphs to communicate a single idea, or bulleted lists for multiple points/ideas. • Number multiple steps.

BE COURTEOUS Do not “Reply to All” when responding to a message sent to “FLC-Everyone on Exchange”. Send “TO” to the person(s) that are expected to take action. Send a “CC” (courtesy copy) to those who need to be informed of your request. Generally, it’s best to address one topic per email to help in easily filing and retrieving them later. If you must cover more than one topic, use the subject line to indicate the email topics. • Before forwarding an email, always consider the confidentiality of the contents. This is especially true when forwarding a one-on-one email communication to multiple colleagues or the entire college. When in doubt, ask the person who wrote the email for permission to forward the message. • • • •

BE CAREFUL

Emails are the legal property of Folsom Lake College and the Los Rios Community College District and are public documents. They are subject to court subpoena in legal proceedings. Remember, email is not confined to a private communication and may become widely shared or made public, so use great care and tact, and review your written communication twice (or more) before expressing yourself in a way you might later regret. 20

FOLSOM LAKE COLLEGE

STYLE GUIDE

EMAIL COMMUNICATION

(continued) SIGNATURES

Your signature line communicates your identity, position, and location within the college (job title, contact information), but it also communicates the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s identity. At minimum, include your full name, title, the college name, your phone number, and email. Other than black, use only approved college colors for text. You may also add the college logo (stacked version or the spirit logo), address, website, and/or your specific area or department name. However, if you decide to use the logo, be sure you are using one of the approved official college logos provided as PNG files, which are available for download on the Public Information Services Office website at: inside.flc.losrios.edu/piso. For example: Kristy Hart | Communications & Public Information Officer Folsom Lake College | 10 College Parkway | Folsom, CA 95630 (916) 608-6993 | hartk@flc.losrios.edu | www.flc.losrios.edu

STATIONERY

Please do not use a background stationery on your emails as it affects readability and file size.

ADA COMPLIANCE

Do not insert a file directly into the body of an email. Rather, type the information into the body of the email, and attach the document (flier, photo, image) to the email. Inserting a file directly into the email prevents readability for users with visual impairments.

For more information, please contact: