Communications
The Rackham Communications team works to increase the school’s visibility and reputation on campus, across the country, and around the world. We do so by highlighting the ways our students’ research makes a difference for the public good and by helping them find the support they need from Rackham and campus partners so that they can thrive in their teaching and scholarship; by helping to recruit students and staff who will enhance our community; by fostering engagement with Rackham’s thousands of alumni across the globe; and by partnering with colleagues to advance the school’s mission of being a national leader in graduate education.
Meet the Team
Matthew Nelson
- Communications Director
- Matthew’s MCommunity Page
James Dau
- Communications Specialist
- James’s MCommunity Page
Elyse Rubin
- Editor
- Elyse’s MCommunity Page
Jameson Staneluis
- Multimedia Designer
- Jameson’s MCommunity Page
Marc Williams
- Web Designer
- Marc’s MCommunity Page
Creative Services
The Communications team is a resource for finding creative, effective avenues for you to achieve your goals through the channels outlined below.
Writing and Messaging
Do you have a special event or new initiative you want to publicize? Talk to our team about the strategic use of email messaging and/or print pieces to get the word out.
Editorial Review
It’s easy to get too close to your own work. You need an objective eye. Our team will review your text and images for accuracy, clarity, and Rackham style and brand standards.
Email and Print Strategy
Writing for all of Rackham’s various audiences can be a challenge. Whether it be for web, email, print, or social media, our team will meet with you to discuss how to best communicate your message.
Web Maintenance
The Communications team collaborates with Rackham faculty and staff to manage the content, design, information architecture, presentation, and functionality of Rackham’s websites. We are available to consult with you on new projects and updates to existing content.
You can focus on the your content, while our team ensures consistency and maximizes usability, accessibility, and security. Our team will help you communicate with your constituents and deliver the relevant information they need. Inquiries and requests regarding the website may be sent to rack.comm@umich.edu.
Websites we manage:
Event Promotion
Rackham hosts, sponsors, and co-sponsors a range of events throughout the academic and calendar year. Consult with us to help get the word out through social media, newsletters, event calendars, digital kiosks, and more.
Graphic Design
The Communications team can strategize and offer creative approaches to the presentation of your project, with an eye toward accessibility standards and consistency with the Rackham visual brand. We can work with you to leverage dynamic design across media, including print, web, email, and more.
Social Media
The Communications team uses social media to create a more connected graduate student community through series that encourage student participation and exchange. Given that our graduate students are pursuing degrees in a variety of departments and programs across campus, we also foster our relationship, as the graduate student hub, with other units at U-M.
Media Relations
For press releases, news-related information, and requests for comment from Rackham’s academic leadership, please contact Matt Nelson (mattnels@umich.edu, 734-647-6031) or email rack.comm@umich.edu.
Photography and Videography
If you need a photographer or videographer for your event or activity, contact us so we can advise you on how best to meet your needs. The Communications team does have a camera and accessories available for loan to staff. Details are listed in Rackham Staff Resources folder on MBox.
Branding Resources and Style Guide
Rackham takes the Chicago Manual of Style as our style guide of record. Nuances specific to Rackham and U-M, exceptions to Chicago style, and items of particular relevance to Rackham are listed in the Rackham Communications Style Guide.