Meaningful connections power our Community of Practice, and our Special Interest Groups (SIG) provide dedicated spaces to deepen these. Whether you have questions about the basics or years of wisdom to share, you are welcome to join any group or groups that suit your role. Within these collaborative environments, we’ll be able to refine our skills, streamline our efforts and share a stronger, more consistent Lehigh story.
Learn more about each group below and complete the sign-up form to receive updatesfor any that pique your interest.
Who we are: MarComm’s Special Interest Group on Design is co-led by Kurt Hansen, Creative Director, UCPA; Christopher Herrera ’15 ’19G, Art Director, College of Arts and Sciences; and Brien Edwards, Digital and Design Director, DAR.
What we’ll cover: Our goal is to elevate thoughtful, strategic design as an essential part of effective university communications and a strong, consistent Lehigh brand. The group provides a creative forum for designers and communicators at all levels to share best practices, explore design strategy and thinking, discuss brand alignment, solve common design challenges and support high-quality work across the university.
Where we connect: We hold monthly virtual office hours for questions, ideas and design challenges, along with in-person gatherings each semester for deeper discussion, learning and collaboration. Invitations and meeting details are shared with group members.
Who we are: The Digital Advertising Special Interest Group is led by Lauren Furrer, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, UCPA, and Lizzie Babinchak, Marketing Manager, UCPA.
What we’ll cover: This SIG focuses on the ever-changing digital advertising landscape. We’ll connect around current projects, learning opportunities and the latest trends and changes in the industry. We hope to connect members doing this work across the university to unify and strengthen Lehigh’s overall paid digital presence.
Where we connect: Through our Google Group, bi-monthly virtual meetings and semesterly in-person meetups will be scheduled on a rolling basis, with invites sent to group members.
Who we are: This Special Interest Group is led by Amy White, Director of Media Relations, and Adrienne McNeil, Assistant Vice President of Community and Regional Affairs.
What we’ll cover: The External Affairs SIG focuses on externally facing communications, from earned media to community engagement and government relations. Primary attention goes toward effective tactics and tools for reaching external media and support for community engagement efforts. We will discuss issues and opportunities faced by communicators around campus in these areas, as well as useful guidance and best practices.
Where we connect: We hold monthly virtual office hours to answer questions and discuss issues and ideas. We will share helpful templates, such as for press releases, with SIG members and the wider MarComm Community of Practice. We hold workshops about once a semester, including summer, on specific topics, with virtual and in-person gatherings.
Who we are: Join Director of Multimedia Jordan Gruber, Content Creator Christa Neu and Associate Director of Social Media Tim Cox in this MarComm Community of Practice Special Interest Group.
What we’ll cover: We will talk about all things photo, video and social media in conversations with wide ranging topics like analytics, current trends, equipment, software, methodology and more.
Where we connect: We will connect on Zoom monthly with a loose agenda and quarterly in person where you’ll have the opportunity to talk to peers, ask questions and explore all things multimedia - beginner friendly!
Who we are: This Special Interest Group is led by Kristen DiPrinzio, Director, University Communications, Kyle Brett, Associate Director, Strategic Messaging and Meghan Bedard, Marketing Specialist.
What we’ll cover: This SIG centers on the deeply intertwined areas of writing and storytelling. Our discussions will balance the foundations of the craft, like content strategy alignment and creative brand expression, with the daily realities, like thoughtful collaboration and practical content adaptation. Whether you're working on long-form features, quick captions or strategic messaging, join us to share tips, swap inspiration, workshop ideas and connect with peers who get the work you do.
Where we connect: Our bi-monthly virtual meetings and semesterly in-person meetings are scheduled on a rolling basis, with invites sent to group members.
Who we are: The Web Special Interest Group is led by Laura Turner (UCPA), Ashley Ryan (ITS) and Matt Conn (College of Health).
What we’ll cover: We will bring together all levels of website editors and strategists from across campus to share resources and discuss topics such as development, strategy, SEO/AEO, analytics and data-based decision making and more.
Where we connect: Our group will meet bi-monthly on Zoom to discuss broad topics and common questions, as well as day-to-day in a shared Google space, great for quick questions or resource sharing.