Brand

Perception is reality. Human beings are hardwired to perceive the world in their own unique ways. People think what they think about us because of a perception, an experience or just a feeling. For too long, we've not defined and taken ownership of our "brand" in the minds of our constituents and stakeholders. Instead, they have owned and defined that "brand" with very little input from us.

It is time we owned this and communicated it in a meaningful and impactful way.

Through a nearly yearlong process, a university-wide committee worked to define "who we are," "what we deliver" and "how we communicate it" for Southeastern. The ultimate goal is that we all can tell Southeastern's story with integrity in a way that ensures people understand the best about us.

Communications Success = Consistency of Message x Repetition of Message

 

What Is A Brand?

At its core, the Southeastern brand is an idea that elicits a feeling from people who interact with us, whether in-person, online or in print. Our brand is the sum of all the interactions and experiences that audiences have with Southeastern.

Our brand is more than our logo and school colors. It’s also about our voice, our visual style, and the stories we choose to tell. All the elements—verbal or visual—that we use to present ourselves to the world are components of our brand.

If we work together, we can build a Southeastern brand that is meaningful and memorable. Our shared goal is to:

  • Speak with one voice to the outside world
  • Elevate the most impressive aspects of Southeastern Louisiana University
  • Inspire instant recognition— and trust
  • Energize and excite people— especially internal audiences
  • Emphasize how Southeastern is distinctive

 

Why Our Brand Matters

Our brand helps our many audiences understand who we are and what we do. It tells the Southeastern story, it represents our institutional values and aspirations, and it helps differentiate us from our competitors.

 

How To Build The Brand

  • Follow the guidelines and examples to present a consistent Southeastern image.
  • Look for ways your communications can express Southeastern’s key messages.
  • Use headlines that build on our creative concept.
  • Use our brand color palette on all materials so that they look like they’re from the same institution.
  • Follow the guidelines for logo usage.
  • Use language that celebrates the person’s accomplishments. Write in a style that is casual (but polished) and confident.
  • Choose photos that show action and innovation. People should appear confident and involved.

 

Stories To Tell

Our brand concept, Get There, is the lens for telling our stories about strong academic programs, amazing career experiences and supportive people.

Highlight individual stories that bring this brand concept to life. Showcase students and alumni reaching their potential. Think not only about an individual person’s story, but also about how it builds Southeastern’s bigger narrative.

Look for examples of:

  • Student success stories that exemplify key messages
  • Programs and projects that highlight unique student experiences
  • Examples that prove Southeastern’s value in terms of outcomes and academic achievement

 

Style Guidelines

Our brand helps our many audiences understand who we are and what we do. It tells the Southeastern story, it represents our institutional values and aspirations, and it helps differentiate us from our competitors.

  • Use “Get There” in headlines when supporting content highlights a person’s goal or journey, Southeastern’s strong academic programs, or personalized career opportunities.
  • Use subheads in combination with “Get There” headlines that support a person’s career or life outcome, such as this “Get There” subhead for a morning news anchor alumna: “into thousands of homes daily”.