The official University Policy Manual is housed in the Office of the University Secretary. The University Secretary is responsible for maintaining new and updated policies and for maintaining this website. Should the official University Policy Manual conflict with any internal policies, procedures, departmental administrative rules, or guidelines, that may be contained in manuals provided by schools, departments, or divisions within the University, the official University Policy Manual controls.
Policy number: 13.5
Policy section: Marketing and Communications
Revised Date:
1. Definitions
Definitions of capitalized terms are set forth in Appendix A.
2. Policy Statement
At the direction of the President, the Executive Vice President and Provost (“the Provost”) and the Office of Marketing and Communications will have authority for creating and disseminating Public Communications on behalf of the University and its Schools and Units, following established guidelines.
3. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to coordinate strategies and tactics related to the dissemination of information to University external constituencies.
4. Applicability
All faculty, students, staff, volunteers, and contractors are expected to comply with this policy.
5. Questions
Questions regarding this policy are to be directed to the Office Marketing and Communications.
6. Department Administrative Rules, Procedures, and Guidelines
Marketing and Communications will create and maintain guidelines and procedures related to this policy.
Appendix A: Definitions
“Mass Communications” refers to all information distributed to SMU external constituencies in large quantities, through printed, electronic or other means of transmission.
“School” refers to SMU’s seven schools and one college, and departments and programs within.
Adopted: July 20, 2026