To better reflect current operations and practices, University officials have updated Policy AD25 for video productions.
"The policy changes are intended to ensure that video productions coordinate with existing University-wide marketing efforts, contribute positively to the University's brand image, prevent duplication of materials already in existence and meet the highest production standards in the most cost-effective manner," said Cindy Hall, associate vice president for University Relations.
Changes to the policy relate to oversight and procedures for producing marketing and promotional videos. Effective immediately, production of promotional videos will be coordinated through and approved by the Office of the Vice President for University Relations. This includes video productions intended for broadcast on the Big Ten Network.
Use of an external vendor to produce such videos must be approved in advance by the Office of the Vice President for University Relations. Videos also must meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandating that public universities provide effective communications to those with disabilities. Universities that use the Internet for communication regarding their programs, goods and services must make that information accessible. Every effort should be made to provide, or make available upon request, a transcript for audio files including podcasts posted on websites. For videos, including those videos posted by units to Internet-based services such as YouTube, synchronized audio must be closed-captioned.
"Any unit planning a promotional video should contact the Department of University Marketing before they proceed," Hall said. "Our staff will review the goals and script of the video, and later will screen the video rough cut for final approval." The department has set up a website to facilitate the process, at http://mktgstrategies.psu.edu/ online.
The policy applies to all colleges, campuses and budgetary units of the University. The policy does not apply to student projects or to educational or documentary videos produced for use by faculty or for broadcast on the University's public broadcasting station, WPSU. It also does not include traditional network, cable or local television news crews covering stories on campus.
The policy can be found at http://guru.psu.edu/policies/Ad25.html online.