Multimedia Policies

Graphics and videos should be used to enhance your web content, not replace it. All design elements on a web page (banners, buttons, graphics) must be designed by University Communications and Marketing, as noted in Policy 488.

• Images
  • Due to copyright laws, images on oakland.edu must be original content or considered public domain (free from copyright). Publishing an image that you do not own could result in legal action.
  • Keep it professional. Ensure images are reflective of an institution of higher education.
  • Include detailed alt tags (for accessibility and search engine optimization). An alt tag is text associated with an image. It is not seen by the user, but is readable by search engines. Alt tags should inform users of what’s happening in the image.
    • Please note that pictures should not replace the text that currently exists on your web page. Above all, a web page should be informative and the best way to do that is through text. Moreover, best practice is for content managers to use a combination of mediums, e.g., photos, video, text, etc. to make the website aesthetically appealing, informative and engaging.
• Directory Photos
  • The online directory includes official headshots of Oakland University faculty and staff. It is important that all images in the directory are recent (preferably within the past five years), high resolution and maintain a consistent look. Headshots can be scheduled via the online form.
• Graphics
  • Graphic content across oakland.edu – including graphics, advertisements, illustrations, infographics, or other artwork – must follow University brand guidelines, be properly formatted, and meet accessibility compliance requirements. Graphic content that does not adhere to these policies is subject to removal from the website.
• Third-Party Logos
  • Use of third-party logos on the University website must be approved by University Communications and Marketing.
• Video
  • Videos uploaded to the university website or University social media platforms must follow University brand guidelines, be properly formatted, and meet accessibility compliance requirements. Videos that do not adhere to these policies are subject to removal.
  • Videos uploaded to the University website or social media platforms are the sole responsibility of the video owner and should continue to be stored and backed up by the video owner. University Communications and Marketing is not liable for lost video files and is not responsible for long-term video storage.
  • Videos need to be transcribed on YouTube before being embedded on an oakland.edu web page. A document containing the video transcription must also be submitted so the web team can add this to the web page.
• The Fine Print
  • University branding and/or the Oakland University name cannot be used for personal blogs or websites, e.g. any site that is outside of the oakland.edu domain, as this is a violation of university policy 488.
  • University Communications and Marketing reserves the right to remove, at any time, content that is posted on oakland.edu that is inconsistent with the University’s mission and policies or in violation of local, state or federal law.
  • Web sections not regularly contributing content will be archived. If a web section is inactive for more of a year, University Communications and Marketing may contact you. If it’s still inactive after one semester, University Communications and Marketing will archive it.