Improving Campus Communications with Commercial Print Services

Here’s a familiar scenario: Your college has an event coming up. An email is sent out announcing it. Social media posts are made to promote it. Perhaps even a banner is added to the school’s homepage, right at the top of everything. And yet, when the day of the event finally arrives, attendance is lower than expected. If asked, some folks say they forgot it was happening. Others were simply never aware of it in the first place. Both problems that could have been solved by the inclusion of print in the communication plan.

There are numerous reasons why students, families, faculty, and staff may not get the message through digital alone. Unreliable internet access. A chaotic email inbox. Overactive spam filters. Digital information overload that leaves people reluctant to even check their texts. That’s where print steps in. Read on to learn which forms of print communication offer the greatest benefit to higher education, and how to find a print partner to help you elevate the quality and effectiveness of your print projects.

Essential Print Materials for Higher Education

Deciding when to include print among your communication channels vs. when digital alone will suffice usually comes down to two factors: how important is the information being conveyed, and what utility will the print format add? Quick, simple communications that don’t require a response, such as confirmation that a routine task being completed, probably don’t warrant printed materials in this day and age. Instead, resources are better spent developing and distributing impactful and emotive print materials, like:

• Admissions marketing: Viewbooks, brochures, postcards
• Campus-wide communications: Posters, banners, event signage
• Fundraising & Alumni Relations: Invitations, newsletters, direct mail appeals
• Academic & Administrative: Handbooks, course catalogs, branded stationery

Pro Tip: If print materials are to be produced by multiple departments, offer resources like templates and brand guidelines to ensure consistency and maintain a unified brand presence.

The Role of Fulfillment and Distribution

Often, the biggest challenge to implementing print communications for educational institutions is planning their production and distribution. It inevitably takes more effort than hitting ‘send’ to a campus-wide email list, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be a huge burden on school staff. The easiest, most-reliable solution is partnering with an experienced commercial printer. These printers offer a host of advantages, including:

• On-demand printing and fulfillment, simplifying logistics for multi-campus institutions
• Assistance with high-volume print inventory management 
• Materials bundling and kitting services
• Predictable scheduling and reliable delivery

Choosing a Print Partner That Understands Higher Ed Needs

Of course, not all commercial printers are the same, and their specific skill with higher education printing can vary. In the search for potential candidates, prioritize printers with past experience handling complex, multi-departmental projects. They should also have a proven track record of high-quality service, such as: 

• Consistently honoring production schedules
• Offering design assistance and brand quality control
• Efficient, secure file submission and data management

Best of all is partnering with a commercial printer that understands the unique needs of higher education. At Wallace Carlson, we’ve helped colleges and universities create impactful, cohesive admissions kits and academic materials that reflect their values and meet tight enrollment timelines. You can learn more about our experience in education printing here.