Marketing Toolkit

Overview

The communications elements used to convey RRC Polytech’s identity help to define its organizational image and brand — the way in which RRC Polytech is perceived.

We’ve put together a collection of some of our most frequently used assets so you can get familiarized with the RRC Polytech visual identity and brand. They provide a reference point for the creative production of external marketing materials, as well as formal internal communications, such as reports and correspondence.

Logos

The RRC Polytech and RRC Polytech logos are registered trademarks of RRC Polytech. Use of the RRC Polytech logo requires the express approval of the Marketing and Web Presence department.

The addition of “POLYTECHNIC” to “RED RIVER COLLEGE”marks the logical evolution of our identity as a post-secondary institution committed to providing experiential technical and technological training, a range of accreditation and apprenticeship options, and integrated business innovation through applied research.

Proper Application of Logos

Improper Use

Logos should only be used in the provided formats and never modified in any way. This includes stretches, skewing, recolouring or encroaching on the built-in safe area.

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Wordmarks

All RRC Polytech logos should be displayed with a safe area bordering each side. This is indicated with a dotted line in the previews below.

Formal Wordmarks

Centred

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Horizontal

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Stacked

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Informal Wordmarks

Square Lettermarks

Centred

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Horizontal

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Horizontal Stacked

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Vertical Stacked

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Graphic Icon

Each part of the graphic icon represents specific aspects unique to RRC Polytech. The icon’s abstract nature lends itself to print and digital media; its appearance in both the formal and standard word/lettermarks represents the evolution from Red River College to Red River College Polytechnic and RRC Polytech.

Incorrect

Correct

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Colours

The College’s colours were chosen to convey optimism, youth and progressiveness. There is a primary colour palette containing very saturated colours, a secondary palette containing more subdued colours, and a grey palette. All of the colours have been selected specifically for their design versatility.

Rougenta Dark may be used as a spot colour. Its Pantone Matching System equivalent is Pantone 200.

Palette

Vibrant

Muted

Grey

Interest Area Colour Palettes

To best differentiate the interest-area categories used in College recruitment materials, a specific two-value colourway has been assigned to each. These colourways provide each academic interest area with a subtle sub-identity, and help audiences identify related programming options.

These combinations should be used in any materials or ads promoting programs, events or news related to a specific interest area.



Balanced colour ratios are defined below, but can be adjusted to counterbalance other design elements within any given composition.

Photos and Imagery

RRC Polytech Photo Library

We use photos of people having candid interactions and primarily focus on moments where the subjects are not acknowledging the camera. You can view our entire library of photos on Flickr.

Consent Form

Taking photos in a classroom or at a private event for marketing purposes? Use our Photo Consent and Release form to get permission from participants.

Brand Integration

For versatility and organic brand exposure on social platforms, efforts should be taken to capture compliant College branding through signage, merchandise and clothing, where opportunities exist

Exclude Irrelevant Logos

Equal efforts should also be made to exclude, remove or downplay irrelevant branding often present in drinks, snacks and clothing.

Sponsored and Partner Logos

In some instances, relevant partner logos can be captured organically as students may interact with branded physical tools, technology or on-screen.

Organic Social Media Use

The most ideal application of integrated branding in photography is through organic social media. This ensures authentic brand representation without cluttered or conflicting graphic overlays, and messaging added to appropriate text fields.

Architecture and Signage

Our campuses should always be captured in their best light. In the case of Manitou a bi Bii daziigae (which translates to“Where the creator sits, brings light), this applies literally, since the building’s facade appears most vibrant when it reflects direct sunlight.

Ensuring brand compliance in signage throughout our campuses is critical for successful brand integration in photography and videography.

Compliant College logos and signage should be well-composed within candid scenes to be used in both paid ads and organic social promotion.

Backgrounds

The following backgrounds are for use in Microsoft Teams and Zoom meetings. Right-click to save the image and then follow the instructions for Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Typography

When developing materials for the purpose of formal external communications, it is important to use the Interstate family consistently with some predefined settings to achieve the right tone.

When Interstate is not available, Arial is to be used as a replacement.

Templates

Email Signatures

The following email signature format should be used when sending messages from a RRC Polytech account.

Your Name, Your Title
Your Department or Area

Your Office Address, City, MB  R0R 0R0
P: 555.555.5555 • E: email@rrc.ca
rrc.ca

[optional gender pronouns]

RRC Polytech campuses are located on the lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anishininwak, Dakota Oyate, and Denésuline, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

We recognize and honour Treaty 3 Territory Shoal Lake 40 First Nation, the source of Winnipeg’s clean drinking water. In addition, we acknowledge Treaty Territories which provide us with access to electricity we use in both our personal and professional lives.

Letterhead Template

Use this letterhead template for official correspondence.

Report Template

Use this template for internal and external reports, or presentations.

PowerPoint Templates

RRC Polytech

Use this PowerPoint template when making a presentation on behalf of the College.

School of Indigenous Education

Use these PowerPoint templates when making a presentation on behalf of the School of Indigenous Education.

Signage

Directional Signage

Use these directional signage templates when hosting events on campus to make it easy for your guests to find the location of the room.

Video Standards

The following video standards have been developed by Marketing and Web Presence to ensure that video standards are consistent across our many platforms.

Professionally-Produced – Professionally-produced video by MWP, or an approved vendor with oversight and direction from MWP.

College Audience – Recordings of RRC Polytech information sessions or professional development for internal RRC Polytech use only (i.e., not to be shared with the general public).

External Audience – Recordings of information sessions or professional development for internal and external use.

Self-Produced – Produced by an individual staff member, student, or other third party.

Production

Hosting

Embedding

Sharing

Merchandise

College-branded merchandise must be ordered through the Campus Store.

When applying the College logo, positioning, scale, colour and production method should be carefully considered. Mockups should be provided prior to production.

Coordination with suppliers is integral to ensuring branded products meet the College’s standards.

Social Media Guide

Social media is a term used to describe websites and online services used to share information and opinions, collaborate on ideas, and connect with others easily.

Examples of social media include video sharing sites, blogs, and social networks such as Facebook, Instagram and X.

Using Social Media

RRC Polytech uses social media because it provides several channels through which the College can interact with different groups of people. Whether they’re students, alumni or industry, RRC Polytech wants to engage each audience by sharing relevant information and participating in conversations.

Through those conversations, RRC Polytech can provide quick and helpful customer service, continually improve the reputation of the College, and receive immediate feedback from the community.

Types of Social Media

Blogs

Blogs provide RRC Polytech departments with a voice to share interesting news and stories about their specific areas.

Facebook

Facebook is the hub of RRC Polytech’s online community. From sharing photos and events to providing helpful answers to questions, RRC Polytech uses its Facebook page to connect with and talk to different College audience groups.

X, formerly known as Twitter

RRC Polytech uses X to share links to news and events, provide timely updates on campus incidents and engage in conversations with the community. Due to character limitations, posts need to be concise and error-free as they can’t be edited after posting. Adding relevant photos to posts often helps boost the engagement.

Instagram

The mobile photo sharing network is the perfect spot for RRC Polytech to visually promote what’s happening on campus. Posts are usually photos or videos without any design elements to maintain an organic feel. Since links aren’t recognized in Instagram posts, captions need to convey the intended message without expecting users to jump to another website.

Flickr

RRC Polytech stores images taken at College events and announcements on the photo sharing site Flickr, which allows bloggers to use them in their posts.

YouTube and Vimeo

The RRC Polytech channels on YouTube and Vimeo are the go-to sites for visitors wishing to watch videos produced by the College.

LinkedIn

The College connects with RRC Polytech alumni through LinkedIn by providing grads with news and updates about alumni events. The site is also used as an employee recruitment tool.

Email Newsletters

Sharing news with various audiences on a regular basis is an effective way to build the RRC Polytech brand and drive traffic to other online sites maintained by the College.

Getting Started

Any RRC Polytech employee can use social media for their personal use. However, if you want to use any form of social media on behalf of RRC Polytech, you’ll need to talk with your manager and the Manager, Web Presence, to figure out which type of social media or web presence would be best to help you and your department achieve its goals.

If you have a College-related video that you think would be interesting or valuable for an external audience, contact the Manager, Web Presence.

Social Media Protocols

Engaging people on the web is a powerful way of helping and informing others about RRC Polytech. Because of this, it’s important to follow these protocols to maintain the College’s reputation:

Image Requirements

1. Image Usage
   • Use photos taken in the moment at events or on campus.
   • Photos sourced from the RRC Polytech Flickr account are also permitted.
   • Avoid using clip art or images sourced from the internet, as they may breach copyright regulations.
2. Image Modifications
   • Do not add text, the RRC Polytech logo, or QR codes directly onto images.
   • If text or branding elements (e.g., logo) are required, submit a Marketing Request to ensure proper branding guidelines are followed.
3. Instagram Feed Specifications
   • Images shared on the Instagram Feed must be sized at 1080×1080 pixels for optimal display.
   • Reel sizing should be 1080×1920 pixels for optimal display.

By following these guidelines, we can maintain consistency, protect copyright, and uphold the RRC Polytech brand.

Be transparent and honest

Whether you’re writing for a blog or posting on a social networking site, be honest about who you are and what you do.

Think about what you’re saying

When you post content or information, remember that you’re representing the College and are responsible for what you say.

Be respectful and polite

When responding to questions, comments or complaints, treat the other party with respect. Respect and understanding can go a long way when dealing with complaints online.

Use common sense

If you wouldn’t say something to someone in person, you shouldn’t say it online, either.

Use the proper internal channels to voice concerns or complaints about the College and work towards getting them resolved

If something or somebody at work is bothering you, don’t take to social networks to vent your frustrations. Many of these networks are extremely public, which makes it easy for anybody to see your complaint. This could hurt your reputation or that of the College. Internal matters need to remain internal.

Don’t talk publicly about private student or College information

If you’re helping somebody online and need personal information to assist them, tell them you’ll message them and then ask for their information in the private message.

How should I monitor and maintain my account?

Regular maintenance of your social media account is a key factor in its success. By posting new content and responding to comments and questions promptly, visitors will be more likely to come back to the site on a regular basis.

Keeping on top of comments and moderating inappropriate remarks is also important. If a comment contains hateful, pornographic or illegal content, it should be removed from the site immediately and reported to your supervisor.

People will occasionally complain about the College or your department on social media sites. Don’t take it personally. Try and understand where the person is coming from and see if there is anything you can do to defuse the situation. People are often very reasonable if they see the person they are complaining to is understanding and willing to help. If the complaint doesn’t relate to your area, try to find somebody in that area or department who can help out.

What if I have something to promote through social media?

Have news or an event that should be shared on the College’s social media channels?