FAQ

These are the most commonly asked questions about the Division of Marketing & Communications. Send us an email if your question is not in the FAQs.

How do I request help from the MarCom team?

Our services portal is the gateway to working with the MarCom team. A full listing of services and request forms are available here. We also have a campus toolbox of resources available for download.

How does MarCom determine which projects they support?

The Division of Marketing & Communications is tasked with protecting and enhancing the reputation of the Galveston Campus and Texas A&M Maritime Academy through the development of integrated marketing and communications strategies that support institutional priorities and initiatives.

The division supports over 22 unique campus units, including full support of the Office of the Chief Operational Officer and Superintendent of the Texas A&M Maritime Academy.

Determination of the level of support of any individual request or project is determined by a complexity assessment, which includes several variables, such as impact, alignment, cost and resources.

MarCom is unable to support my request right now. What can I do?

When MarCom is unable to support a particular request, our follow-up includes a recommended course of action where possible.

Additionally, we have developed a list of verified vendors in coordination with Texas A&M University who meet the quality and work standards of the Galveston Campus. These vendors retain contractual services with the campus and do not require additional authorization. We can aid in connecting with these vendors to supplement services to campus units.

We strongly recommend connecting with MarCom prior to connecting with a vendor to ensure that the same or similar project/request is not already in progress.

What are brand pillars?

Brand pillars have been developed for the Galveston Campus to better align the institution as a branch campus of Texas A&M University. These pillars were developed out of the strategic plan to clarify our identity and messaging.

Identity:

Texas A&M University at Galveston is fulfilling a critical component of Texas A&M University's sea-grant mission and driving the blue economy in the Gulf Coast Region. We are:

Innovating for the future with impactful research and discovery that explores the broad impacts of humans and the environment along our coast and in our oceans to safeguard our planet's most valuable and underexplored resource - our oceans.

Educating for the future with adaptive scholarship and academic programs that prepare our students to pursue their field of passion.

Supporting the blue economy through the integration of research and scholarship in our specialized fields with a steadfast commitment to serve the greater good near and far.

Additional details can be found in our Strategic Plan.

What is the purpose of a brand guide?

Marketing research shows that consistency builds trust. The visual experience has a tremendous impact on the opinions formed. This site is a tool for presenting all components of the Galveston Campus, including the Texas A&M Maritime Academy, brand in a consistent style and manner.

What benefits are there to working with MarCom?

Reduces workload and time commitment for staff.
Reduces cost through coordinated activities. In a marketplace of highly fragmented media, the cost of reaching fragmented audiences is much higher and difficult to justify.
Confirms your credibility as part of a larger, unified brand. We are stronger when we speak as one.
Initiates greater loyalty from students, staff and former students.
Creates collective ability to shape and manage successfully under one core brand over time.
Supports effectiveness of media relations through more unified identity and targeted messaging.

What is the value of a unified strategy?

Delivers messages faster, creates a consistent image and strengthens brand recognition by creating a seamless, compelling experience across all of our communication channels.
Communicates a comprehensive picture of our core values and reputation.
Builds emotional connection and pride.
Helps audiences understand the breadth and depth of our organization through consistent representation.

How can I make my pieces stand out and avoid looking like everyone else on campus?

Our guidelines provide a basic set of standards for all to follow with the sole purpose of ensuring that any piece representing the Galveston Campus or Texas A&M Maritime Academy is recognizable and consistent in its look and feel. These standards can be applied in many ways to produce unique looks through the use of photography, layout and messaging. Trained designers can work within guidelines to create distinct pieces while keeping a strong connection to campus.

What is a "unit identity?"

This term is used when the Texas A&M-Galveston logo symbol — our the block TAM — is grouped with the name of the university and a the name of a College, Department, Division or Service affiliated with the university. See specific guidelines in the Logos portion of the Visual Guide section.

Why can't we use our custom unit identity on letterhead and business cards?

Stationery, which includes printed letterhead, envelopes and business cards, should always feature the university's formal identity. Guidelines are more flexible for electronic correspondence. For example, when sending a flyer announcing a workshop, the unit identity may be used; however, a letter signed by the department head should be created using the formal stationery template.

Can I use the Texas A&M-Galveston or Texas A&M logo on a t-shirt or other items?

To use any Texas A&M-Galveston logo or mark on items for sale, you must obtain permission from the Office of Business Development. Departments, divisions and programs on campus may use university logos and marks on T-shirts and promotional items but must use a licensed vendor. Contact the Office of Business Development for a current list.

How can I order promotional items for my event, activity, department, office, etc.?

Promotional items should be purchased by the individual unit/department through licensed vendors. A full list along with items is available here.

External individuals, groups and companies should consult the Office of Brand Development in College Station for complete licensing guidelines for Galveston Campus promotional items.

NOTE: These guidelines are also applicable to all Texas A&M Maritime Academy marks.

What is the Pantone® number for Aggie Maroon™?

Vendors may use Pantone® 7421C. Refer to Brand Colors for the Aggie Maroon ink recipe.

What do all these color terms mean: RGB, CMYK, etc.?

It's important to understand color distinction when working in print media versus electronic media:

CMYK refers to the 4-color process (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) used on a commercial printing press. The 4-color process for Aggie Maroon™ is C=15 M=100 Y=39 K=69. CMYK images will NOT work in electronic media.
RGB refers to the color on a computer screen or monitor (red, green, blue). Values ranging between 0 – 255 are combined to create colors that appear in the digital space. Files in RGB format will NOT work in commercial printing.
Hexadecimal is another color term used in website design. The 6-digit number is called a "Hex Code." The Aggie Maroon™ Hex Code is 500000. See Brand Colors for more detail.

The color palette seems limited. Can we deviate from these?

Our color palette was carefully selected to work effectively with our signature Aggie Maroon™. Be sure to consult an approved graphic designer or the Division of Marketing and Communications, who are trained to work effectively within the color palette.

Where do I find the brand fonts?

The Aggie brand fonts are available to Texas A&M faculty and staff at no charge. See our Aggie Brand Fonts page for download instructions.

Can I use the official Texas A&M or Texas A&M-Galveston seals?

No.

The Texas A&M University seal is reserved for use by the Office of the President.

The Texas A&M Maritime Academy seal is reserved for use by the Office of the Superintendent.

The Galveston Campus seal is permanently retired.