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The Office of Communications and Public Affairs (OCPA) manages several Universitywide communications channels that allow faculty, staff, and students to share news, events, and accomplishments.

This is an overview of where and how to submit your content. Each channel has specific requirements, deadlines, and audiences, so it’s important to choose the option that best fits your content.

Where Should You Submit?

Use the guide below to determine the best place for your submission:

  • The Elm 

    (News Website) 

    Submit to The Elm if you have:

    • A full-length story or article
    • News about research, programs, or initiatives
    • Feature content about faculty, staff, or students

    Learn more about Elm Story submissions

  • The Elm Calendar

    (Events)

    Submit to the Elm Calendar if you have:

    • Events such as workshops, seminars, or activities
    • Content with a defined date, time, and location

    Note: Calendar events are not included in Elm Weekly emails.

    Learn more about submitting calendar events

  • Elm Weekly

    (Universitywide Email)

    Submit to Elm Weekly if you have:

    • Time-sensitive announcements
    • Highlights you want shared broadly via email
    • Content already submitted to The Elm (stories or announcements only)

    Important:

    • Content must be published on The Elm website by Wednesday at 4 p.m. to be considered for that week’s newsletter
    • Not all submissions are guaranteed placement

    Learn more about Elm Weekly guidelines

  • President’s Message

    (Laurels Submissions)

    Submit laurels for inclusion in the President's Message if you have:

    • Awards or honors received by faculty, staff, or students
    • Professional achievements or recognitions

    Key requirements:

    • 50 words or fewer
    • Submitted by school or unit communications teams
    • High-resolution photos (no AI-generated images)

    Learn more about Laurels submissions

General Guidelines

All submissions across OCPA channels should:

  • Be relevant to the University community
  • Be accurate, clear, and concise
  • Follow University editorial and style guidelines
  • Avoid inappropriate content, including:
    • Defamatory or offensive material
    • Copyright-protected content without permission
    • AI-generated content (where restricted)

OCPA reserves the right to edit or decline submissions that do not meet these standards.

Important Considerations

Approval Process

All submissions are reviewed before publication. Submission does not guarantee placement or timing.


Deadlines

  • Elm Weekly: Wednesday at 4 p.m. for the following week
  • Other content: Varies by type and review needs

Avoid Duplicate Submissions

Submit your content to the most appropriate channel:

  • Do not duplicate calendar events as announcements
  • Avoid submitting the same content multiple times unnecessarily

Research Content

If you are submitting research studies or related materials:

  • Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval is required
  • By submitting, you confirm that approval has been obtained

Need Help?

If you are unsure where to submit your content or need assistance:

  • Contact  elmsupport@umaryland.edu
  • Review the detailed guidelines on each submission page
  • Reach out before submitting to avoid delays