UCM Theme Calendar
Strategy for Communications and Marketing
In an effort to align marketing and communication strategies and content creation across the university, we created a calendar that provides insight into what will be trending in the higher education space every month throughout the upcoming fiscal year.
So, how do you use the theme calendar?
When planning your team's new strategy or next project, use the calendar as a reference — it's especially helpful when collaborating on initiatives with other schools or divisions. For example, if you're helping a college with their social media strategy for an event next month, see what the month's theme is and find ways to tie it into your planned posts.
For questions or more information, contact Director of Strategy, Varun Rambhala at vrambhal@andrew.cmu.edu.
2024
JULY
FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Highlighting alternative and non-traditional learning pathways. Focusing on the value of education and the professional development gained.
AUGUST
STUDENT LIFE, CAMPUS LIFE
The community, friendship and daily life that are unique to living on a campus. Highlighting student daily life with tips, tricks, resources, etc. Campus updates and how best to prepare for the semester.
SEPTEMBER
STUDENT WELLNESS, ARTS EDUCATION
Student mental health is a nationwide hot topic that has come under public scrutiny. Promoting initiatives, resources and discussions around student wellness and a special highlight for Arts Education week.
OCTOBER
AI INNOVATIONS AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT, ELECTIONS
Disruptions in the AI space, especially related to data analytics, elections and education technology. Highlighting family weekend and reunions. Also, how our students connect with our local community. This can be service/volunteer or research/work related.
NOVEMBER
ELECTIONS, AI IN POLICY
Presidential elections will bring up hot topics like artificial intelligence, freedom of speech, student activism and educational institution transparency. Highlighting the interaction of artificial intelligence and policy within our government systems.
DECEMBER
ACHIEVEMENTS, ALUMNI
Celebrating the achievements of our students, staff, faculty and alumni. This can be highlighting research, initiatives, projects, new programs, accolades, etc.
2025
JANUARY
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION TECHNOLOGY AND ONLINE LEARNING
The value of a higher education degree is forecasted to be a recurring topic. The goal is to promote professional development opportunities or anything uniquely offered/ available by Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë. Highlighting developments in education technology and online learning.
FEBRUARY
BLACK HISTORY MONTH, DEI IN EDUCATION
This entire month is nationally focused on diversity, equity and inclusivity. Promoting diversity initiatives, multicultural events and discussions. Recognizing the contributions of underrepresented groups in academia and society.
MARCH
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, RESEARCH IN AI
Highlighting achievements of women in various fields, including academia. Showcasing interdisciplinary research collaborations and breakthroughs especially in the field of artificial intelligence.
APRIL
AI IN SUSTAINABILITY, ADMISSIONS YIELD
Highlighting the interaction of AI and sustainability efforts. Promoting campus sustainability efforts and environmental awareness. Integration of sustainability principles into academic programs and campus operations.
MAY
GRADUATION, STUDENT SUCCESS
Celebrating graduation ceremonies, commencement and the achievements of students. Showcasing success stories of alumni in their careers.
JUNE
ARTS AND EXCELLENCE, PRIDE
Promoting the Ò»±¾µÀÎÞÂë brand around the Tonys event with a focus on arts and excellence. Highlighting the university’s commitment to inclusivity.