The Power of Will is about tenacity, determination, and resilience. How do we show that?
Graduate School Messaging Guide
THE STORY
How does the Graduate School fit into the Power of Will story?
The Power of Will is about quiet confidence, optimism, and resolve. It’s about humans, what they can accomplish, and how they can help others. It’s about the people who embody Miami’s values, who work daily to understand more deeply and connect more meaningfully.
The pursuit of an advanced degree requires the kind of resolve and resilience that defines The Power of Will. The Graduate School serves driven students, providing the support and opportunities they need to immerse themselves in research and scholarly inquiry across a wide range of disciplines.
The Power of Will is designed to empower and support, never to alienate or intimidate. When we tell someone they will accomplish great things at Miami, we’re saying it’s our purpose to help them accomplish great things. We provide the resources, opportunities, and support vital to meeting a wide range of goals.
The Graduate School is committed to serving students through interdisciplinary research and collaborative inquiry, championing teaching practices that build diverse, globally aware scholars and professionals. We provide the support and opportunity our students need to turn their will into action.
THE HOW
When it's time to apply these concepts to real-world communications like emails, blogs, social media posts, etc., keep in mind the things that make the Graduate School unique. These will naturally fit with Miami's brand pillars and The Power of Will campaign.
Here are some prompts you can use if you're feeling stuck:
The Power of Will is empowering and never alienating. How do we help others live up to and exceed their potential?
The Power of Will is about Miami University as a community succeeding through confident action, intentional collaboration, and mutual support. How is our work demonstrating that approach?
THE APPLICATION
How do we take what makes the Graduate School unique and blend it with Miami's messaging?
Brand Pillars + Your Pride Points + The Power of Will = Your Story
Find places where Miami University's brand pillars and your pride points intersect— and when possible, use The Power of Will as a creative framework to elevate your message and help strengthen the Miami University story. Practically speaking, seek out opportunities to build messages around the word "will," clearly communicating will as an empowering invitation brought to life through the powerful support and opportunities Miami University offers. Here are a few examples:
| Brand Pillar | Pride Point | Headline/Subhead | Example Copy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Understand Deeply | Excellence in education. Mentorship from faculty who are leaders in their industries. | You will meet mentors. Engaged faculty make a difference at the Graduate School at Miami University. | Scholarship deepens when knowledge meets wisdom—when we understand how and why to apply our skills. The Graduate School faculty are engaged mentors who will work closely with you, guiding you as you deepen your knowledge while giving you the autonomy to apply it to your studies, research, and work. |
| Learn Broadly | Some programs are discipline-specific, some interdisciplinary—all work to promote diverse, globally aware students. | You will see the big picture. Collaborate and broaden your knowledge with the Graduate School at Miami University. | The world changes faster with every innovation, and today’s scholars must be agile problem solvers with versatile skill sets and a collaborative spirit to meet those changes. The Graduate School empowers students across a wide array of disciplines with the breadth and depth of knowledge necessary to meet tomorrow’s needs and build a rich, rewarding career. Whatever challenges you face, you will be ready. |
| Think Entrepreneurially | "Confidence to tackle any challenge" —Dr. Crowder | If you see opportunities where others see obstacles, we have a place for you. The Graduate School at Miami University is powered by what’s possible. | Entrepreneurial thinking isn’t limited to any one discipline. The ability to see the possibilities in problems — and the will to make those possibilities a reality—are vital skills for all effective leaders. Miami University graduate students are equipped with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to tackle any challenge, to turn "maybe someone should" into "I will." |
| Serve Purposefully | Our students serve and impact communities through the creation of new knowledge, adept communication, and real leadership. | They may not remember your title, but they will remember your actions. The Graduate School at Miami University: excellence, service, impact. That’s the Power of Will. | A fulfilling career looks different to everyone. The Graduate School creates space for each student to discover what fulfillment looks like to them. And we provide the opportunities that empower our students to transform "could" into "will." The Miami University Graduate School doesn’t just produce success stories. We produce leaders, communicators, and agents for change — because our graduates are those who will. |
| Connect Intentionally | A vital support network of students and faculty that emphasizes teamwork, mentorship, and collegiality. | You will find your place. You will find your team. You will make meaningful connections with the Graduate School at Miami University. | Personal connection, real inclusion, and respect for our interconnectedness are vital to true scholarship, to career success, and to building the next generation of global leaders. Miami University graduate students receive personalized support and attention at every step, and cultivate the same in their relationships with others. Wondering how to have a lasting impact on others’ lives? When you make it personal, you will. |
NOTE: These examples were not developed for a specific audience or channel. They are intended to be helpful guides to how you might integrate with The Power of Will and Miami University’s brand pillars with your own stories.
