User Generated Content (UGC) Policy

General Standards

1. Content Purpose & Tone – The content should be authentic, engaging, and student-driven while maintaining a positive, inclusive, and fun tone. All content must follow the Student Code of Conduct.
2. Branding – The content produced does not need to exactly follow Sessions current branding style (simple, modern aesthetic; dark blue, light blue colors, noto sans/serif font) but can, if preferred by content producer. Ideally, content will be authentic and celebrate the style of the individual student, alumni, or other stakeholder(s) in keeping with the open and diverse environment that Sessions inspires.
3. Legal & Ethical Considerations – Always obtain consent from anyone featured, and do not share personal data or private academic records. Any music must meet code of conduct standard.

Short vs. Long Form Standards

Video Structure & Quality Best Practices

1. Length – For shorts/verticals, content should not exceed 1 minute. For longer form content, keep content to a maximum length of 5 minutes.
2. Shoot in 1080p at minimum.
3. Use an external microphone if possible, and avoid excessive background noises.
4. Shoot in your desired format (vertical for shorts/reels, etc & horizontal for long-form YouTube style content).
5. Shoot content in good lighting.
6. For video, use a tripod, enhanced stabilization, a gimbal, or similar, and avoid excessive “back-and-forth” motion, which can cause motion sickness for some when viewing.

Production Standards

1. When editing, keep cuts clean and avoid excessive transitions.
2. If editing in captions or other text, ensure that all text is readable and on the screen long enough to be read. Ensure text overlays are clear, easy to read, and use inclusive language that follow the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission & Approval Process

1. Contact marketing@sessions.edu to begin the submission and approval process, which will include submitting legal permissions (i.e. media release forms).
2. Once submitted, your content will be reviewed by Sessions Staff to ensure it meets the above guidelines, that the content submitted aligns with current content strategy and goals, and whether or on what channels the content will be used.
3. Some minor edits may be made by Sessions Staff (subtitles, cropping, branding adjustments).
4. You will be notified within 7 days upon approval or denial of use (with feedback for resubmission if denied).
5. Content will be archived in Sessions content library, to be used at will by the school.

Possible Incentives & Recognition

1. Monetary Compensation – Amounts may vary, depending on content and seasonality but will generally range from $25-$100 per content post submitted.
2. Exclusive Giveaways – Sessions swag such as T-shirts and merch.
3. Social Media Spotlights – Spontaneous content posted to a student or alumni’s social accounts that tag @sessions_college, may be featured by the school’s social accounts, helping to bring visibility to the OG poster.

Need inspiration. Not sure where to start? Look at our examples page for inspiration. 

Questions?

Contact our Marketing team at marketing@sessions.edu.