Standards, Guides, and Policies
Brand Guidelines
Everyone plays a role in protecting the integrity of the Skidmore College brand and related brand identities. However, it's the responsibility of Communications and Marketing to define the messaging behind and visual identity of that brand, with the support and approval of the President's Cabinet and the Board of Trustees, and ensure they are properly executed.
You can review our brand guidelines, but please be advised that execution of the guidelines is under the sole direction and oversight of Communications and Marketing. These files and the directions within are the property of Skidmore College and should not be used without approval from Communications and Marketing.
If you're looking for branded assets – including logos – or support on a brand project, please contact the Director of Creative Services.
Copyright infringement is a crime and includes the reproduction, distribution, performance, public display, or making of derivative work without permission of the copyright owner, Communications and Marketing on behalf of all of Skidmore College.
Social Media Moderation
As the meaningful exchange of different ideas is at the core of our liberal arts mission, we welcome social media as a tool and space for thoughtful engagements. At times, this may prompt disagreement. When commenting or posting to this page/account, please remain respectful of one another and behave online as you would in person as a conscious, thoughtful member of the Skidmore community. Read the full policy
For guidelines on using social media as a Skidmore employee, please visit Human Resources.
Photo and VIDEO Policy
Skidmore College uses photographs, audio and/or video recordings of employees and students for puposes of education, publicity, and student recruitment. These photos are used online, in print publications, and in other media. Some photos and recordings are used immediately, while others may be used years from the date taken. Skidmore archives photos, recordings, and other similar media and may use such in perpetuity.
Please be advised that images and videos taken in public spaces and/or at public invents, including photos at athletics events, inside public spaces of buildings, on performance stages, do not require authorization for publication. Your presence in or around college facilities and/or properties, as well as at off-campus college-sponsored locations, consistutes your consent to the capture and use of your image and/or voice by Skidmore College and waives any claims or rights, whether in law or in equity.
It's the policy of the Office of Communications and Marketing to approach private settings (e.g. a classroom, club meeting) in an opt-out manner. If the subject matter or setting is deemed sensitive, we will aim to make ourselves known in advance and allow for ample time to opt-out.
If you have concerns, or your likeness is being used in a manner you have questions about, please contact us at info@dos5.net or reach out directly to a member of our staff.
Noncommercial photographers and filmmakers that are not members of or hired by the Office of Communications and Marketing are welcome to shoot on campus in public spaces as long as photographers receive permission from any people they photograph.
Commercial (including media) photographers and filmmakers are allowed with permission of the Office of Communications and Marketing. To film classes, the permission of the faculty member is also required. Please contact the Senior Director of External Relations and Strategic Commmunications.
Editorial Guidelines
For all non-academic writing, Skidmore follows AP Style. We also have numerous guidelines for capitalization and punctuation as they relate to Skidmore-specific programs, facilities, and our community. Please reference the guides linked below and contact the Managing Editor for questions.
The Skidmore College Guide to Writing Right
Expression of Political Opinions Policy
Skidmore College is prohibited from directly or indirectly participating or intervening in any political campaign on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for elective public office. This prohibition applies to all campaigns, including campaigns at the federal, state, and local level. Violations of this prohibition may result in the denial or revocation of the College’s tax-exempt status.
The prohibition on political campaign activity applies only to the College (the tax-exempt charitable organization), not to the activities of individuals in their private capacity. The prohibition on political activity is not intended to restrict free expression on political matters by leaders or officials of the College as individuals. Similarly, the prohibition on political campaign activity does not prohibit the College from having contact of any kind with individuals who are candidates for public office. This prohibition and other laws (for example, laws that regulate lobbying activity intended to influence proposed legislation), however, do impose certain limitations on expressions of political opinion by the College or those acting in official capacities on the College’s behalf.