How Do I...?


Suggest a story for the Web site?

The UC Merced homepage has two stories each week, which we refer to as “Feature” and “Spotlight,” that are about 350 words in length and are always accompanied by a photo.

Features highlight UC Merced events or information of interest to the campus community. Spotlights are profiles of individuals. We have an informal rotation of profiling students, faculty and staff. To submit story ideas, contact Tonya Luiz in the Office of Communications, and include the following information in your e-mail:

• Brief description of what the story should be about
• Time element
• Subject’s contact information for Spotlight or on-campus contact information for events
• Attach photos for consideration or let us know if we need to arrange for photography

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Start a new Web project?

• Fill out the Communications Department Web Project Initiation Form (Web PIF).
• Think about the audience you want to reach and plan out your messages. If you need help writing your content, we can provide writing and editing assistance.
• Consider your timeline when submitting your proposal. It’s best to start with your completion date and work backward. With only one Web editor on staff, we require ample lead time to give your project the attention it deserves.
• Once your initiation form is complete, send it to the campus Web Manager, Jenny Hutchinson. We will contact you with further instructions.

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Ensure my writing is consistent with UC Merced’s preferred editorial style?

• Use the Associated Press Stylebook
• Use the Chicago Manual of Style for questions not addressed by AP
• Use the UC Merced Editorial Style Guide for university-specific questions

For more information, please visit the Editorial Style Guide page.

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Get editing help from the Office of Communications?

• Contact Patti Waid Istas to determine whether an editor is available
• Decide whether you need a simple or comprehensive edit of your material
• Plan ample time for our editors to work on your material
• Send your text as a Microsoft Word document with minimal formatting
• Accept or reject the changes we send you using the “Track Changes” feature in Word

For more information: Guide to Writing and Editing Services.

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Create a publication?

• Fill out the Communications Department Print Project Initiation Form (Print PIF).
• Decide what kind of format you want, such as a tri-fold brochure, booklet, flier or poster. If you need help with this part of the process, contact Jennifer Biancucci to discuss your format options.
• Determine your budget. Decide how many of each printed piece you need and how much you can afford to pay per piece. These answers will help determine your options.
• Think about the audience you want to reach and plan out your messages. If you need help writing your content, we can provide writing and editing assistance.
• Consider your timeline when submitting your proposal. It’s best to start with your completion date and work backward. With only one graphic designer on staff, we require ample lead time to give your project the attention it deserves. When preparing your timeline, make sure to include at least 10 days for your project to be printed and delivered after editing and design are complete.
• Once your online initiation form is complete, it will be sent to Jennifer Biancucci. We will contact you with further instructions.

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Contact approved vendors?

We have several documents available that list vendors for printing, graphic design, photography and writing. These vendors are approved by our department and provide high-quality services. You can find a printer, a writer, a designer or any other vendor to provide the services you need. Please contact Communications for more information

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Get photography for my school, event or program?

If you have a brief, on-campus event, we may be able to assist you free of charge. Contact Patti Waid Istas for more information.

For events that would take more than 30 minutes to photograph or take place off campus, you should hire a freelance photographer. Contact Jennifer Biancucci for recommendations.

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Access campus photos or graphics?

Use our Campus Images archive online to download high-resolution files of general images featuring students, events and campus sites. To see our complete photo library, contact Veronica Adrover.

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