Email Marketing Project

Transforming Communications at SMU

Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC) is SMU's enterprise communications platform, supporting communications to alumni, donors, current students, faculty, and staff.

Initially implemented to support alumni communications, the platform has expanded to support internal communications across the University and serves as a key component of SMU's broader communications modernization strategy.

Salesforce Marketing Cloud supports two primary business units across the University:

• Alumni Business Unit (ABU): Focuses on engagement and communications with alumni, donors, and advancement audiences.

• Internal Communications Business Unit (ICBU): Supports communications for current students, faculty, and staff through audience segmentation and targeted communications.

Current Status

The project is currently focused on expanding internal communications capabilities through Salesforce Marketing Cloud (SFMC), and launching the Custom Preference Center (subscription-enabled communications).

Upcoming Milestones

• Summer 2026 – Launch Custom Preference Center
• July 2026 – Expanded Internal Communications Email Sends
• Fall 2026 – Internal Communications Groups Transition to SFMC

Over the past year, SMU has significantly advanced its internal communications capabilities through the implementation of SFMC with pilot groups and the launch of SMU Today. The next phase of the University's communications strategy focuses on improving relevance, reducing unnecessary email volume, and helping messages reach the right audiences through the right channels.

We will provide regular updates on our blog and expand the FAQ section of this webpage throughout the project.

Frequently Asked Questions