The Spotlight

Mission

The Spotlight is designed to inform students about campus activities, updates, resources, and opportunities. It aims to celebrate traditions, highlight accomplishments, and create a sense of belonging while supporting students' academic and personal success.

Frequency and Distribution

The Spotlight is published every other Tuesday of each month, beginning the first week of classes each semester, except December and the summer months, when it is typically published monthly.

Audience

The newsletter is tailored for all current undergraduate and graduate students.

Content Submission Guidelines

Submitting Items to The Spotlight

Submit information or suggestions via the Marketing and Strategic Communications Request Form. Submissions should include detailed information, including relevant links, who, what, when, where, deadlines, and contact information.

Editing

All items submitted are edited for clarity, style, and space consideration.

Editorial Considerations & Guidelines

The final decision for any item to be included rests solely with Strategic Communications.

To maintain a high-quality and meaningful publication, we encourage submissions that adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Relevance: Submissions should directly relate to the outlined content categories and be relevant to the majority of A&M-SA students.
2. Categories for Submission:
   1. University News and Updates:
      1. Updates and reminders on important deadlines, initiatives, and other items impacting the student body.
      2. Important administrative updates (e.g., policy changes, registration dates).
      3. Academic resources (e.g., advising, tutoring, new programs, career services).
      4. Student support services (e.g., counseling, health services, financial literacy).
   2. Events and Programs:
      1. "Save t"e Date" for m"jor events (e.g., Light of Esperanza, finals week, graduation, athletic games).
      2. Features for on-campus traditions like Ring Ceremonies, Midnight Breakfast, or Move-In Week.
      3. Volunteer opportunities, student organization events, and leadership activities.
      4. Job fairs, workshops, and mentorship programs.
3. Format: Submissions may include articles, event promotions, or short announcements.
4. Word Count: Typically, submissions should range from 100-150 words, concise but comprehensive.
5. Tone and Style: The tone should be professional and engaging. Avoid technical jargon or overly casual language.
6. Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and includes correct dates, times, and locations. Verify all sources before submission. Ensure all links are active and working.
7. Media: Contributions with high-quality images, graphics, or videos are encouraged. These should be appropriately credited and aligned with university standards. We discourage using flyers as they are not compliant with accessibility requirements.
8. Submission Deadlines: Submissions should be made 2 weeks before inclusion but at least 1 week before the upcoming newsletter.

The final decision for any item to be included rests solely with Strategic Communications.