August 8, 2025 Marketing and Communications Update
Howdy,
With the fall semester just weeks away, there’s a sense of excitement and possibility across campus. This is the time to come together, take on new challenges and make a meaningful impact as we step fully into character. We hope this summer has been a season of growth and preparation, and we can’t wait to see how your ideas and energy will help tell the Texas A&M University story to the state, the nation and beyond.
Important Updates
HB 5195: Website Modernization Requirements Coming For All State Agencies
Texas House Bill 5195 sets a statewide mandate for modernizing state agency websites and online services. Over the next year, agencies must complete internal assessments and submit a website modernization plan that addresses accessibility, mobile responsiveness, streamlined digital services and reduced paperwork.
The Aggie UX web design system can help you meet these new requirements efficiently. It’s built with accessibility, mobile optimization and best practices already baked in.
Learn more about HB 5195 and how Aggie UX can support your site.
Adobe Creative Cloud Licensure Update
Adobe Creative Cloud licenses across the university were approved to be centrally funded in FY23 for the duration of the current contract, which ends Oct. 5. Earlier this year, discussions began as part of the overarching budgetary process to ensure university community members maintain access to this service while balancing overall cost through the appropriate funding sources going forward. As part of that process, Technology Services identified all licenses held and negotiations remain underway, in direct coordination with senior leadership and the vendor. An update on next steps is anticipated by the end of this month; however, please note, no action is needed at this time, and access to existing licenses remains in place through the end of the current contract.
Fall Ready Deliverables
Over the course of the summer, we have provided you with several different resources to help you and your team prepare your unit to be fall ready. As the new semester is quickly approaching, we want to make sure that you have quick access to all these resources as you make your final preparations.
Brand Platform Launch Presentation Slides
Upcoming Workshops
The Fall Ready Workshop for University Websites that was originally set for Wednesday, Aug. 6, will be rescheduled for a later date. We will follow up with a new date as soon as possible.
Until then, don’t wait for the workshop — work on getting your website fall ready now! This doesn’t have to be a huge effort. Consider updating your homepage and the most important pages for your target audiences. On those pages:
- Update banner images and other photos where it makes sense. Find new photos in the Brand Image Gallery for use or inspiration, and review our updated photography best practices.
- Look for opportunities to update voice and tone. Visit the MarComm website for updated guidance on our Voice and Tone, Brand Narrative, Brand Essence and Messaging Themes.
Community Resources Available to You
Design Counsel
Design Counsel is a collaborative space for Texas A&M’s visual storytellers to connect, share ideas and shape the future of creativity and collaboration across the university. Each meeting explores a different topic — ranging from the Brand Platform to events, activations, trademarks and licensing. Join us for our first monthly meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
If you have questions, please contact Melissa Loudermilk at mloudermilk@tamu.edu or via Slack or Teams.
RSVP for Design Counsel Meeting
Aggie UX Open Office Hours
The Division of Marketing and Communications Web team hosts virtual office hours every Thursday from 10-11 a.m. This is a great opportunity to get support with Aggie UX, AUX Cascade theme or any other web-related questions. Drop in for help, guidance or a quick chat about anything related to web or Aggie UX design system tools.
When: Thursdays, 10-11 a.m.
Join Zoom Meeting | Meeting ID: 995 7531 4621| Passcode: 646167
We look forward to seeing you there! Other practical advice for creating web content, applying best practices and using the Aggie UX design system is available on the MarComm site. Be sure to sign up for Aggie UX-specific communications by joining the Aggie UX email list.
Research Communicators Network
The Divisions of Research and Marketing and Communications co-host a biweekly meeting for communicators to connect, share updates and collaborate around promoting Texas A&M’s research enterprise. These meetings are a valuable opportunity for everyone who attends, and we encourage you to send a representative if you do not have someone already participating from your unit, college or school
When: Every other Tuesday, 10 a.m.
This informal virtual gathering is open to all communicators supporting research initiatives and researchers themselves. It’s a chance to ask questions, get feedback and align on research messaging across the university.
Contact Tim Doty, Assistant Vice President for National Media and Public Relations, or Rusty Cawley, Director of Research Communications, to be added to the calendar invitation.
Virtual Tours
The Demand Marketing team is proud to announce the launch of Phase II of the Texas A&M virtual tours! The initial launch included “Welcome to Aggieland,” “Student Life” and “Academic” tours. Phase II implements dedicated tours for each college/school, the Corps of Cadets and Aggieland Saturday.
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