Nobody knows VCU better
As Virginia Commonwealth University’s in-house integrated communications expert, we leverage the power of our institutional knowledge and the depth and diversity of our talent to deliver results that align with your strategic goals. We understand that VCU is a university like no other, and we care about the greater good of our institution.
When you succeed, VCU succeeds. And we’ll do everything in our power to make that happen.
What we offer
- Does your department have a website that’s almost as old as the internet itself?
- Need to plan an event but don’t know where to begin?
- Have an out-of-this-world story that’s just itching to be shared with a wider audience?
We’ve got your communications needs covered — even when you don’t quite know what those needs are. We’ll work with you to determine which avenue best suits your requirements and your budget, connecting the dots to produce integrated communications that pack a punch.
Strategic communications
Strategy is at the center of everything we do. We’re problem-solvers who know how to juggle the big picture with the tiny details, as well as how to navigate the seemingly infinite number of communication channels out there today to get the right messages to the right audiences.
No, we don’t sell sneakers. But branding is still crucial for higher ed. Before you begin any communications campaign, you’ll need a clearly defined messaging platform that will differentiate you and resonate with your audience. For VCU and VCU Health brand standards, visit our VCU brand identity website.
- Market positioning
- Message strategy
- Design architecture
- Standards and governance
Have a no-fuss job that needs a quick turnaround? Our Creative Studio is a lean, mean production machine specially designed to meet tight deadlines and budgets while delivering top-notch work.
- Brochures, fliers and postcards
- Programs
- Evites
- Annual reports
- Copy editing
It’s a wild and crazy digital world out there, and our team can help you keep up with the latest and greatest, while keeping what’s really important (ahem, user experience) front and center.
Our primary digital services include:
- Website design and development
- Content strategy
- Programming
- UX research
- Analytics
If you have a web maintenance request, visit the UR Web Requests website.
In addition to overseeing major university proceedings such as Commencement, we provide strategic event management, execution, and consulting services throughout the university. We supply logistical support for a number of special programs, including video/filming requests. For more information, visit our Office of Events and Special Programs website.
- Event coordination/execution
- Event consulting
- Commercial filming/photography requests
Our team of talented writers and designers will help you connect with your target audiences and deliver tangible results, while our account and project managers provide personalized, concierge-like service to keep things on track.
- Campaign strategy
- Research
- Paid media planning/buying
- Collateral
From preproduction to postproduction, we develop creative, engaging still and motion storytelling pieces for branding, image and recruitment.
- Strategic visual content planning and production
- Script-to-screen video development
- In-studio or on-location production
- Broadcast media
So many VCU stories to tell, so little time. We show the world what sets VCU apart by helping you get the word out about your groundbreaking programs, game-changing faculty and superstar students. To see the latest stories, as well as a staff listing, visit our VCU News website.
- Media relations
- Crisis communications
- News and public information
- Media interviews and presentation training
We plan and create content for VCU social media sites, work with brand managers to identify ways to integrate social media into communications strategies, and offer governance, consulting and training for the social media administrators across VCU. For more information, visit the VCU Social Media website.
- Strategy and content development
- Channel management
- Metrics and measurement strategy
- Standards and governance
How we work
As the central communications office for the university, we provide our fee-based services to any unit across the enterprise. We are not a profit center; we are a service center and only charge fees to cover our costs. We bill at a blended rate of $90 per hour, which is below industry averages to comparable agencies.
Once you’ve contacted us to inquire about a project, an account manager will meet with you to fully understand your needs. This includes identifying your goals, target audience, budget and timing. We’ll then develop a proposal that outlines our recommended approach, provided services and total project costs. Once that is approved, we go to work.
We use a collaborative approach while working with you and keep you informed throughout the project to ensure we meet your expectations and deliver successful results. We look forward to working with you.
Let's get started
To partner with us (or request an estimate), call (804) 828-1463, email univrel@vcu.edu or contact one of our directors.
What happens when we work together
We bring to the table years of industry experience, a passion for new ideas, the drive to dig deep and a knack for storytelling. You bring your intrinsic knowledge of who you are. Together, we will reach your audience in fresh, exciting and impactful ways.