FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – More than 8,000 people including faculty, staff, students and other university stakeholders helped develop unifying messaging themes to help the University of Arkansas communicate what it does and why it matters in a consistent and unified manner.

Mark Rushing, assistant vice chancellor for University Relations, will provide a recap of the unifying theme development process, present the unifying themes and discuss next steps from noon to 1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at Davis Hall. Lunch will be provided for those who RSVP in advance.

“Everyone can benefit from a better understanding of how to use the unifying themes because we all communicate about the university in various ways,” Rushing said. “We began creating awareness of the unifying themes late in the spring semester, but we know there are many on campus who are still learning about these messaging guides. For those who haven’t been able to attend one of the previous presentations, this would be a great opportunity to find out what various groups think about the university and how to use the unifying themes to help communicate the university’s mission, impact and what we aspire to be.”

An overview of the unifying themes is available at brand.uark.edu. The “Our Brand’ section of the site also includes a summary of what unifies the university as well as a unifying themes toolbox designed to help campus communicators infuse the university’s brand and unifying themes into all communications efforts. 

“We should all start to notice the subtle influence of the unifying themes in how we communicate moving forward, from our latest 30-second television spot to how we select and tell the university’s stories every day,” Rushing said.

Seating is limited for Friday’s presentation so attendees are asked to RSVP as soon as possible and no later than 10 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 4.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.