The Office of Communications and Marketing exists to advance Auburn University’s mission by telling clear and compelling stories that reflect who we are, what we value and where we are going.
Grounded in Auburn’s Strategic Plan 2035, Grounded & Groundbreaking, OCM serves as a strategic partner to university leadership, colleges and units by aligning communications and marketing efforts with Auburn’s institutional priorities:
- Exceptional student experiences
- Impactful research and creative scholarship
- Culture of excellence and innovation
- Catalytic engagement
- Distinct Auburn identity
Editorial Philosophy
Auburn’s approach to owned media is grounded in purposeful institutional storytelling that aligns with the university’s mission and elevates Auburn's national reputation. Our communications team prioritizes clarity, consistency and thoughtful editorial judgment while reflecting Auburn’s values and commitment to service, excellence and integrity. Together, these principles ensure Auburn’s owned media builds trust and advances the university’s long-term goals.
What makes Auburn distinct is the Auburn Creed and a land-grant mission that connects education, research and service to real-world impact. OCM’s role is to steward that story carefully, ensuring Auburn speaks with one voice while working hard to elevate the range of work happening across the university.
Auburn Today is Auburn’s primary external storytelling platform. It showcases exceptional student success, impactful research and innovation, engagement across the state and beyond, institutional milestones and the people who bring Auburn’s mission to life.
Auburn Today also includes announcements, events, short videos and photo slideshows designed to reflect the breadth and depth of Auburn University while reinforcing its national reputation and distinct identity.
Auburn News is the university’s official internal weekly newsletter distributed to more than 10,000 faculty and staff each Monday. It provides timely updates on university operations, institutional decisions, policies, events as well recognizing the people and progress that define campus life and the Auburn Family.
This Week @ Auburn is the official student-focused weekly email newsletter. It provides timely content to inform and celebrate our students, build pride in their shared Auburn experience and enhance campus engagement.
How Auburn News, This Week @ Auburn and Auburn Today Prioritize Content
Auburn News and Auburn Today apply many of the same editorial principles used by news organizations, with one important distinction: priorities are guided by Auburn’s mission and institutional responsibilities.
Content is evaluated based on:
- Relevance to Auburn’s audiences
- Impact and significance
- Timeliness
- Alignment with Auburn’s strategic plan goals and values
These considerations help ensure Auburn News and Auburn Today serve as clear and mission-focused sources of information for the Auburn Family and the broader public.
