Strategic Communications

Strategic Communications is the voice and brand steward of Florida Poly.

Our mission is to strengthen the University’s reputation, build awareness, and cultivate meaningful relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, partners, and the broader community. By sharing Florida Poly’s story locally, regionally, and nationally, we work to create pride, affinity, and enthusiasm for the University.

Our team provides expertise in marketing, branding, digital strategy, creative services, and media relations, ensuring every message is clear, consistent, and compelling. Whether it’s a news release, a website update, or a special event, Strategic Communications helps position Florida Poly as a recognized leader in STEM innovation and education.

863-583-9050

marketing@floridapoly.edu

Lakeland Technology Building
at Polk State College
3433 Winter Lake Road
Lakeland, FL 33803

Request a Project

Use the online project request form to get started. Once submitted, our team will connect with you to define goals, set timelines, and guide your project through completion.

Please allow at least three weeks for most requests; larger projects may require additional time.

Your guide to Florida Poly’s identity—learn how to use our logos, colors, typography, and storytelling tools to share a consistent, authentic brand.

Access high-quality photos, videos, logos, and branded assets to showcase Florida Poly with clarity and impact.

Partnering with journalists and storytellers to highlight Florida Poly’s innovation, expertise, and STEM-powered success.

Services Directory

Branding & Identity

Logo Requests

The Florida Poly logo and its variations (AMI, FIPR, Foundation) are registered trademarks and may not be used or altered without approval. To request use, complete the Logo Request Form.

Business Cards & Stationery

Order printed letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and note cards through the online store. These items are printed on demand and generally take about two weeks from the time you place the order.

Name Badges

Official University name badges are available for department admins to order via the Name Badge Order Form.

Email Signatures

All faculty and staff are required to use the approved University signature format:

Firstname Lastname
Title | Department
W: 000-000-0000 | C: 000-000-0000
email@floridapoly.edu | www.floridapoly.edu

Florida Polytechnic University
4700 Research Way, Lakeland, FL 33805
Office Location: Buildingname, roomnumber

Stay Connected:
Facebook | X | LinkedIn | Website

Please note: Due to Florida’s broad public records law, most written communication to or from university employees is considered a public record. Therefore, the contents of this email, including personal email addresses, may be subject to disclosure in the event a request is made.

Styling Requirements

Do not change font type (Arial), size, or colors.
The University logo may be added to your signature, but the Phoenix mark may not.
Include your cell phone number only if required or desired.
Use official building names as listed on the University Campus webpage.

Special Instructions

Employees based at Polk State should replace the office location with:
Office Location: Polk State College, Lakeland Technology Building, Room 0000, 3425 Winter Lake Rd, Lakeland, FL 33803

How to Set Up or Edit Your Signature in Outlook

Open Outlook and go to File > Options > Mail > Signatures.
Create a new signature or edit your existing one.
Copy and paste the sample signature above into the text box.
Replace the placeholder text with your information (name, title, department, phone, email, office location).
Click OK to save.

Promotional Items

Strategic Communications partners with approved vendors to produce branded promotional items. Departments may order directly through floridapolyshop.com or 4imprint.com, where University logos and brand standards are pre-approved.

For specialized items, submit a project request with details.

Digital & Web

Website CMS Editor Access

Florida Poly uses WordPress as its Content Management System (CMS), allowing departments to update their webpages. To request additional user access, submit a detailed project request.

Website – Updates

Accurate, up-to-date website content is essential to promoting the University. Strategic Communications can assist with edits and updates—submit a project request for support.

Social Media Accounts

To request creation or access to an official University social media account, submit a project request.

Media & Public Relations

News Story / Media Coverage Requests

If you have an event or story to share, contact Lydia Guzman. Our team will help determine the best way to highlight your news and secure media coverage.

Lydia Guzman, Director of Communications
863-874-8557 | lguzman@floridapoly.edu

Weekly Phoenix Newsletter Submissions

To submit content for the Weekly Phoenix newsletter, contact Erica Johnson.

Erica Johnson, Assistant Director of Communications
863-874-8445 | ejohnson@floridapoly.edu

Crisis Communications

Assistance with coordinated messaging during urgent or sensitive situations.

Lydia Guzman, Director of Communications
863-874-8557 | lguzman@floridapoly.edu

Creative Services

Graphic Design Requests

Graphic design support is available for departments across the University, including the development of invitations, flyers, posters, brochures, and more.

To request design services, submit a project request with all relevant details about your event or activity (who, what, when, where, and why).

Photography & Videography

Strategic Communications provides photography and videography services to capture University events and programs. To request services, submit a project request with the event date, time, and key details.

For individual portraits, see Employee Portraits / Headshots below.

Marketing Hub

Access our official Marketing Hub and download high-quality photos, university-branded materials, templates, and more. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, fill out a project request.

Employee Profiles

Employee Portraits / Headshots

Professional photo sessions are offered at the start of each fall and spring semester in the Innovation, Science, and Technology Building on the main campus.

Dates are announced in the Weekly Phoenix several weeks in advance, and employees are asked to register for an appointment. Portraits may be updated once every two years and are added to the Marketing Hub as well as faculty and staff website profiles.

Employee Bios

Each faculty and staff member has an online profile that includes a professional bio and portrait/headshot. To add your bio, complete the appropriate template (faculty | staff), obtain supervisor approval, and submit it to Strategic Communications through a project request.

Florida Poly Brand Center

The Florida Poly brand is more than a logo or a tagline—it’s the expression of who we are and the promise we make to every audience we reach. Our brand reflects the spirit of STEM: discovery, innovation, and transformation. It captures our mission, our culture, and our vision for the future.

As Florida’s only public STEM university, our story sets us apart. It defines how we meet today’s challenges, inspires pride in our students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and communicates the impact we make in Florida and beyond.

This Brand Center provides the tools, guidelines, and inspiration to bring that story to life. It’s a resource designed to help us speak with one voice—authentic, clear, and compelling—while sharing the bold future of Florida Poly.

Visual Guidelines

Our brand is strongest when we tell our story with one clear and unified voice. The Florida Poly Brand Manual is your go-to resource for bringing that story to life—it offers practical guidance on using our logo, colors, typography, photography, and other visual elements to create communications that are bold, consistent, and unmistakably Florida Poly.

The Phoenix

Inspiring innovation, resilience, and renewal at Florida Poly

The Phoenix is a powerful emblem of innovation and renewal. Like the mythical bird that continually rises from its ashes, Florida Poly is driven by a culture of discovery, resilience, and bold thinking. The Phoenix reflects our STEM mission—sparking fresh ideas, inspiring lifelong learning, and empowering our community to rise to every challenge with creativity, vision, and strength.

Colors

Our colors are a bold expression of who we are. They instantly identify Florida Poly and set the tone for how our communications are seen and remembered.

Our palette is built on two levels: primary and secondary. Primary colors should always lead the way, while secondary shades, tints, and tones bring flexibility and depth to keep designs fresh and dynamic.

For consistency across all platforms, always use the exact color values listed here. These have been optimized for both print and digital use and may differ slightly from Pantone Color Bridge breakdowns.

Primary Colors

Florida Poly’s primary colors represent the University at the highest level and should be featured in all communications.

Poly Purple

CMYK: 84-100-0-6
RGB: 80-29-131
HEX: #501D83
PMS: 3583C

Cyber Blue

CMYK: 100-0-0-0
RGB: 0-159-223
HEX: #009FDF
PMS: Processed Cyan

Secondary Colors

The secondary palette supports the primary colors by adding versatility, contrast, and variety. These colors should never replace or overshadow the primary palette.

Pixel Purple

CMYK: 32-42-0-0
RGB: 176-149-222
HEX: #B095DE
PMS: 2073C

Python Plum

CMYK: 89-100-0-58
RGB: 46-26-74
HEX: #2E1A4A
PMS: 2695C

Tech Slate

CMYK: 28-20-20-1
RGB: 167-180-195
HEX: #A7B4C3
PMS: 421C

Graphite Gray

CMYK: 10-0-0-75
RGB: 87-96-102
HEX: #586066
PMS: 425C

Best Practices for Accessibility

Florida Poly’s brand must be experienced by everyone. When choosing color combinations, keep accessibility and usability in mind:

Provide high contrast. Be especially cautious with light grays, oranges, and yellows. Use the WAVE color contrast tool to verify readability.
Be color-blind friendly. Avoid placing red and green together, particularly in navigation, maps, and wayfinding graphics.
Don’t rely on color alone. Some users adjust or override page colors, so add another visual cue (such as underlines for links or icons for emphasis) to ensure information is clear even without color.

Typography

Typography is the design code behind our words—shaping how our message is built, shared, and experienced. At Florida Poly, our fonts are modern, precise, and adaptable—reflecting the innovation and clarity of a STEM-focused university.

The typefaces below officially represent Florida Poly, though complementary options may be approved. For questions or feedback on pairings, email marketing@floridapoly.edu.

Social Media

Innovation at Florida Poly goes beyond the classroom and the lab—it fuels our entire community. Join the conversation and be part of our bold, STEM-driven story by following us on social media. Share your Phoenix experience with #FLPoly, and let’s celebrate the discoveries, milestones, and moments that make our University extraordinary.

Trademarks & Licensing

Florida Poly’s trademarks—our name, logos, and symbols—represent the strength, innovation, and identity of our University. To keep our brand consistent and protected, we have guidelines for how these marks can be used across campus and beyond.

Who Can Use Florida Poly Trademarks Without Prior Approval?

The following are considered authorized Florida Poly trademark users when acting for official University business:

Florida Poly Board of Trustees
University departments and units
Faculty and staff
Student Government Association (SGA)
Direct Support Organizations

All other individuals, including student clubs and organizations, must receive written approval from Florida Poly Marketing before using any University trademarks.

Logo Requests

The Florida Poly logo and its variations (AMI, FIPR, Foundation) are registered trademarks and may not be used or altered without approval. To request use, complete the Logo Request Form.

Merchandise Guidelines

Any clothing, promotional items, or merchandise featuring Florida Poly’s name, trademarks, or logos must:

Be approved in writing by Florida Poly Marketing before production or sale.
Be produced only by Florida Poly-approved vendors.
Comply with all University licensing agreements and trademark protections.

Unauthorized production or sales may result in legal action.

Working with Freelancers & Vendors

All Florida Poly employees who work with outside creatives (printers, designers, photographers, merchandisers, etc.) are responsible for making sure University brand standards are followed and that they received approval from Florida Poly Marketing on all materials prior to being produced.

Use of Trademarks by Outside Parties

Florida Poly trademarks may only be used by outside organizations with prior written approval from Florida Poly Marketing and the Office of General Counsel.

All items produced for resale are subject to royalty payments as outlined in licensing agreements.
Trademarks may only be used in ways that align with the University’s mission and legal responsibilities.
Approved use may include co-branded events with official University partners.

Marketing Hub

Photography & Videography Assets

Florida Poly provides users with easy access to high-quality photos, videos, university logos, department graphics, and branded digital swag through the Marketing Hub.

Usage Guidelines

All assets are property of Florida Polytechnic University, protected by applicable copyright laws
For official University, non-profit educational use only
Cannot be altered or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission
Must be credited: Florida Polytechnic University

Media Outlets

Media outlets may download photos for editorial coverage of Florida Poly. Please credit Florida Polytechnic University when publishing. Outlets needing access contact marketing@floridapoly.edu.

Employees

University employees may use the Marketing Hub for official purposes. Requests for assistance should be submitted through a project request. Assets may not be edited or manipulated.

Commercial Use

University employees may use the Marketing Hub for official purposes. Requests for assistance should be submitted through a project request. Assets may not be edited or manipulated.

External Photography & Videography

External Photography & Videography
Florida Poly’s campus is known for its striking architecture and scenic beauty, making it a popular destination for photography and videography enthusiasts.

Non-Commercial Photography & Videography
Visitors are welcome to capture photos and videos for personal, non-commercial use in publicly accessible outdoor areas of campus. However, access to restricted areas such as classrooms, labs, offices, and other academic or research spaces is not permitted. All activity must respect university operations and avoid any disruption or damage to property.

Commercial Filming Policy
To protect the integrity and distinct brand of Florida Poly, commercial photography or videography by external parties is not allowed on campus. This ensures the exclusive representation of the University’s image and preserves the unique identity of our facilities and environment.

View University Policy: FPU-1.0305 Commercial Filming on Campus

Media Relations

Florida Poly’s media relations team partners with journalists and communications professionals to highlight the innovation and impact of our University. Whether you’re seeking information about Florida Poly, looking to connect with a faculty expert, or covering groundbreaking research, we are here to help you share compelling stories.

Lydia Guzman
Director of Communications

863-874-8557

lguzman@floridapoly.edu

Resources for Reporters

Florida Poly News

Stay current with the latest University updates, announcements, and stories on Florida Poly News.

Expert Sources

Our faculty experts are available for commentary and insight on topics such as cybersecurity, autonomous vehicles, data analytics, engineering technology, and more.

To request an expert, contact Lydia Guzman at 863-874-8557 (office) or 863-327-9762 (cell).

Photography

Download approved campus photos from the Marketing Hub. Please credit Florida Polytechnic University when publishing. Outlets needing access contact marketing@floridapoly.edu.

Public Records Request

Contact the General Counsel to request public records:

Email: ogc@floridapoly.edu
Phone: 863-874-8412

By Mail:
Florida Polytechnic University
Attn: Office of the General Counsel / Custodian of Public Records
4700 Research Way
Lakeland, FL 33805-8531

University Facts & Rankings

Explore key stats and rankings that highlight Florida Poly’s impact and excellence.

Campus & Location

Take a closer look at Florida Poly’s state-of-the-art campus and its strategic location between Tampa and Orlando.

University Events

Find upcoming events and details in the University Calendar.