Every time we communicate 鈥 whether it鈥檚 posting on social media, sending promotional material by mail, or talking with prospective students directly 鈥 people form opinions about SUNY Fredonia. The more consistent and confident we are when telling the SUNY Fredonia story, the better our audiences will understand and trust what we have to say.
That's why SUNY Fredonia engaged in an ambitious project to connect with current students, faculty, staff, alumni, prospective students, parents, and community partners through surveys, phone interviews, and focus groups. This comprehensive effort captured the true essence of Fredonia, highlighting what makes it special. This process helped create a brand that not only differentiates Fredonia from other institutions but also fosters a deep sense of pride and connection within the campus community.
Highlights
A brand is the sum total of all associations that are made with a product or organization.
Logos and taglines are simply visual and verbal reflections of the
brand, and neither is required for a brand to exist or be successful.
Our brand is not:
- a name
- a mission statement
- our core values
- our vision
- a tagline
- a logo
- fonts, colors, etc.
- our advertising
Fredonia's brand is:
- based on past experiences and future expectations
- built upon researched, documented, and desired brand associations
- a supported strategy that must be lived and actively managed
Every time we communicate 鈥 whether it鈥檚 posting on social media, sending promotional material by mail, or talking with prospective students directly 鈥 people form opinions about SUNY Fredonia. Brands are living, breathing things in that way, and they鈥檙e increasingly hard to control.
The more consistent and confident we are when telling the SUNY Fredonia story, the better our audiences will understand and trust what we have to say. That鈥檚 why it鈥檚 so important for all of us to be on the same page about our brand identity 鈥 the tangible, real-world system of design and messaging we use every day to tell the world about ourselves.
These guidelines are designed to ensure that all University communications, big or small, are authentic, cohesive reflections of the SUNY Fredonia brand.
Our pillars are themes showcasing the how and why behind what we do.
- Fredonia Forward: We are dedicated to empowering and equipping students to overcome barriers, pursue their passions, and create a brighter future for themselves and their communities. We have an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that supports us in our journey forward.
- Opportunities Ahead: As we embark on our journey, we see obstacles as opportunities to reframe, redirect or refocus. We provide academic and social opportunities to anyone whose curiosity drives them to a new discovery.
- Expectations Surpassed: Wherever our discoveries take us, a Fredonian knows that the true measure of success lies in the people, rather than just the product. For us, success is not a destination 鈥攊t has no end 鈥攊nstead, success evolves as we do.
Wherever we are and whoever we鈥檙e talking to, our personality should always shine through . These five traits drive us and characterize the spirit we bring to every communication, from media placements to press releases.
- Brave: We are courageous in our identity and in our pursuits.
- Open: We embrace where we are in the world and the ideas that are ignited here.
- Creative: We build upon our unique perspectives and approach challenges with innovation.
- Energetic: We bring an unmatched energy to our efforts.
- Supportive: We provide services and strategies for our community to reach success.
- Nimble: We respond and adjust to the needs of our community and society.
Our Brand Positioning (the unique value proposition that sets the brand apart from its competitors):
We lead students to embrace their passions, plans and paths, wherever they go.
Our Brand Essence: (a concise statement that is considered the guarantee upon experience of the brand; the feeling that audiences have when they experience the brand):
Empower Your Passions
Our brand narrative serves as a foundation for inspiring what and how we communicate . We use this to guide the evolution of our brand language and inform how we speak about SUNY Fredonia to all audiences:
Every Fredonian stands on uncommon ground. It fuels your talent. It ignites your actions. It empowers your truest nature. Because SUNY Fredonia is designed to nourish and feed that part of you. A state university where everyone knows you by name, and affordable education meets private learning experience. Where the extraordinary 鈥 the exceptional 鈥 the uncommon 鈥 feel most at home.