Change Management & Communications
Accessibility
The Accessibility Services at SOSS aids units in identifying and correcting accessibility issues, so that any unintended barriers preventing access or understanding can be removed. We also offer consultation to assess accessibility concerns on projects and to provide education on accessibility issues and their resolutions.
As a state institution, we are required to make all public digital content (websites, trainings, reports, etc.) accessible to people with disabilities. For example, all text, images, and other elements need to be read accurately and in the correct order by assistive technology such as screen readers. Similarly, video and audio elements need captions or transcripts for deaf and hard of hearing people. Feel free to reach out to us if you'd like us to review your content, consult with you on how to produce your content accessibly or enhance accessibility on your communications, websites, trainings or any other deliverables.
Change Management
We deliver project-based training, communications, resistance management, coaching, and sponsorship management services to support system office initiatives. These services provide the necessary support for staff to grow, adapt to change, and reach excellence in achieving the University of Illinois System’s mission.
Communications
The Communications and Change Management team provides professional solutions to meet and overcome customer challenges. Our team tailors and distributes strategic communications through multiple channels, including the Business and Finance News Service, to help you reach your audience. Our communications service also includes graphic design and videography.
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- Copywriting
The Communications team works directly with customers to craft communications to their unique specifications. Copywriting includes: writing, editing, proofing, routing and sharing communications through a variety of channels and sending to different distribution lists.
- Communication distribution
We create custom distribution lists (based on customer metrics) for distributing messages to a variety of audiences, large or small. These messages reach a variety of audiences through multiple distribution channels including: Deans, Directors and Department Heads (DDDHs), Business Managers Groups (BMGs), Webtools, Business & Finance News (B&F News). We also work with customers to send out communications through client-owned department channels.
- Project-based communications
Communications for projects can be extensive depending on the project. The Communications team collaborates with the customer to design a unique communication strategy to meet their project needs. We work on both large and small projects and can handle everything from consulting with customers on their project needs to designing, implementing and executing the communication plan.
- Graphical design
The Communications team takes the lead on the graphic element of a communication. We strive to make communications accessible, visually appealing, and easily understood. To give communications that something extra, we can take customers’ content and create eye catching visuals and accessible documents, including: reports, newsletters, power point presentations, brochures, interactive graphics, and project-based or event-based fliers through the use of Adobe Creative Cloud products.
- Web Content Management
The Communications team helps with administering Content Management Systems (CMS), managing customer-owned content, performing content change requests, webpage redesign requests, website design, web development, html, JavaScript and JQuerry content implementation, administering web files on variety of servers, and maintaining documents. We also consult on new projects, assisting and performing website design proposals, developing and publishing new, design-based websites, ensuring web content is accessible in accordance with WCAG standards.
Videography
SOSS Communications Team can assist System Office units and university leaders in creating short informational videos for internal audiences to aid your communication efforts, projects, programs, awards, and conferences.
For your marketing and promotional video needs aimed at external audiences, including the promotion of programs, services, or university branding, we recommend reaching out to the External Relations and Communications or Public Affairs’ Video Services Team. They can provide valuable guidance to ensure your message reaches the intended external audience effectively.
Below are guidelines for communication/informational videos:
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- Communication/Informational Video:
- The main objective of a communication/informational video is to provide valuable information, educate, or raise awareness on a particular topic or subject.
- The focus is on conveying the message clearly and concisely to ensure the audience understands the information being presented.
- The content is organized logically with a clear introduction, main points, and a conclusion to maintain audience engagement.
- Videos often utilize visual aids, such as charts, graphs, and animations, to enhance understanding and clarify complex concepts.