Each RWU project generally has six consecutive stages.
- Initiation
- Launch
- Creative Production (including writing, editing, design, proofreading & production)
- Approval
- Printing & Delivery
To initiate a project with University Communications, fill out our easy to use online job request form at ucomm.rwu.edu/requests.
Please be prepared to answer the following:
- What is the project’s purpose and target audience?
- What is your budject?
- If your project is a printed piece, do you know what quantity you will need and the GL#?
- Will the project have other related print or Web elements?
- How will the product be distributed/delivered?
- What is your deadline for delivery?
- Will you provide copy or will you need a RWU writer/editor to develop content?
- Will your project require photography?
Some projects will require a launch meeting. After the creative team has been assigned, we will contact you to schedule a meeting. The meeting’s purpose is to clearly define the scope of the project and the roles and responsibilities of each team member.
Discussion topics will include:
- The project’s purpose and target audience
- Themes and creative elements (colors, graphic design, size, etc.)
- Copy submission and approximate deadlines
- Budget
- Project delivery deadline and delivery instructions
- Method of distribution/mailing
- Your role as a member of the team
- The service you can expect and will receive from your RWU team members
- Photo requirements
- Planning for maintenance of Web sites
Once the launch meeting has been held, UComm will create and distribute a creative brief and production schedule to all members of the team.
Content deadline will be listed in the production schedule. It is expected that copy that is submitted has been reviewed by your team and is accurate and complete. UComm Editorial Services will ensure that the text meets University Standards. This is important to maintaining the schedule as extensive editing of the text once it is in the layout is time consuming.
The RWU team works on the creative development, which can encompass various phases including research, conceptual development, writing, editing, proofreading, design, and photography. As necessary, this stage includes communication and/or meetings among some or all of the creative team.
Production is usually the longest phase of the project and can take anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the product.
As the creative production phase nears completion, the RWU creative team will supply a proof for review and approval.
The approval stage provides you with the opportunity to make any necessary adjustments. However, with effective and timely communication between you and the RWU creative team throughout the development phase, adjustments at this stage should be minimal. While UComm will make every effort to complete the job accurately you are responsible for final approval of the project.
Before a project can go to the printer, the following is required from the client:
- An email clearly stating your approval
- Confirmation on quantity
- GL# for the printing of your project
- Delivery/mailing instructions for the project, as needed
One of the final phases of your print project is the printing and delivery of your final product. RWU manages this aspect of your project for you by soliciting competitive quotes from a selection of pre-qualified vendors, preparing your project for printing, and monitoring it throughout print production so that you receive a quality product on time.
Once printing is completed, the product will be delivered according to your.