Communications and Marketing Review Policy

Pratt’s Communications and Marketing division (PCOMM) collaborates with internal and external partners to provide expertise and direction for all materials related to brand, reputation, stories, imagery, promotion, and public relations. 

The use of Pratt Institute’s name, logo, images, print or digital content, or any other trademarked material is prohibited without prior written consent from Pratt’s Communications and Marketing (PCOMM) management. Such usage must comply with Pratt Institute’s Institute’s public relations guidelines, visual identity guidelines, photo/video guidelines, social media guidelines, and the editorial style guide.

What is considered brand usage?

The following are examples of use of Pratt’s brand that require PCOMM’s review and approval:

• use of Pratt Institute’s name, logo, visual identity
• launch of a marketing or communications plan that includes Pratt related:
  • public relations materials (i.e., media lists, press outreach, media pitches, press advisory/release, announcements)
  • social media campaigns that use Pratt’s name, logo, or content (i.e., icons, hashtags, stories, images, etc.)  
  • approved¹ filming or photography requests on Pratt’s property
  • merchandise and apparel production and sales
  • event related promotional collateral
  • permanent signage, wayfinding, and maps
  • advertising concepts and campaigns
  • digital communications and newsletters²
  • websites, microsites, and digital services²

How and when to partner with PCOMM

PCOMM is committed to supporting the communication and marketing efforts of the Pratt community. Departments can work with PCOMM in a variety of ways, ranging from complete design and promotional support from PCOMM as an in-house agency to partnering with PCOMM for advice, review, and collaboration with an external vendor. In all cases, projects must align with PCOMM guidelines, standards, scope of work, staffing capacity, and Pratt’s mission and values.

Please contact PCOMM with a detailed description of the project, its purpose, and relevant contact information. External partners and Pratt stakeholders can submit requests through brand@pratt.edu. Pratt stakeholders may also contact their department’s assigned project manager or beat reporter within PCOMM to discuss a project in relation to their department’s larger communication strategy and budget. 

Requests will be reviewed for approval. Depending on the project, a meeting with PCOMM staff may need to be arranged to discuss the initiative’s goals, audience, and desired outcomes. All intended work that may involve the use of Pratt’s brand, visual identity, or public relations practices must be discussed with PCOMM before completion of a contract.

When and how to address communications work in a contract

A communications clause will appear in a contract drafted by Pratt’s Office of Legal Counsel. All contracts involving the Institute must be reviewed, approved, and signed by the Office of Legal Counsel. Proposed contracts and related documents should be forwarded to contractadmin@pratt.edu.

Contracts involving communications and marketing practices also: 

• must be reviewed by PCOMM 
• must include a description of a vendor’s intended use of the brand, logo, promotions, or public relations practices or materials. 

Requests for review should be submitted at brand@pratt.edu. 

Important to note: 

• Keep in mind that not engaging PCOMM at an early stage of vendor selection and agreement could ultimately delay the approval of the project with legal counsel. 
• Please also note that PCOMM cannot fulfill promises made in a contract or agreement that was not reviewed and approved by PCOMM, and may result in an unfortunate contract breach.

---

1. Any commercial photography or filming on campus must first be approved by the Risk Management Department.

2. Web and digital services outside the domain of Pratt.edu must also be reviewed and approved by the Pratt Technology division.