Michigan State is a place of people, ideas and discoveries that make a difference. How we tell our stories matters.
Every communication is an opportunity to build understanding of who we are, what we stand for and the value MSU brings to people and communities. The strongest stories are distinctive to Michigan State, meaningful to the people we want to reach and grounded in the real experiences and impact of Spartans.
Use these tips to tell MSU’s story with clarity, consistency and purpose.
The strongest MSU stories are distinctly Spartan. As you create content, look for opportunities to:
Bring Spartans to life by showing what drives them, the work they’re doing and the difference they’re making.
Connect MSU’s research, education, teaching and outreach to meaningful outcomes for students and communities in Michigan and around the world.
Look for the distinctive ways Spartans learn, grow, collaborate and put knowledge into action. Show how challenge, support, community and real-world experiences come together to help people thrive and make a difference.
Our voice reflects who we are. It’s conversational, direct, smart and genuine. It helps us communicate with confidence and a distinctly Spartan point of view.
Our voice is consistent, but our tone changes based on what is appropriate for the audience and the situation. Consider who you’re speaking to, what matters to them and what you want them to think, feel and do.
Spartans Will. is our signature brand expression that conveys the determination, action and impact associated with Michigan State University and its people. Learn how it supports the MSU brand and how to use it appropriately in communications.
MSU’s approved boilerplate provides standardized language about Michigan State, our mission and our impact, with versions for different communication needs.
Explore guidance for sharing MSU’s land-grant identity, history and enduring mission of expanding opportunity and driving practical impact.
The Editorial Style Guide provides standards for anyone creating nonacademic content about Michigan State, from official titles and academic terminology to capitalization, punctuation and preferred usage.