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Selecting an Image for the University Catalog

Selecting an Image for the University Catalog

The University Catalog now features images for each academic program, beginning with the 2025-2026 edition. These images appear at https://catalog.tulane.edu/programs/ and on individual program pages, representing Tulane University, specific schools, as well as each program's learning outcomes and unique characteristics. This visual enhancement transforms the catalog into a more engaging, accessible resource that helps prospective and current students better understand Tulane's diverse academic offerings. Programs wishing to update or submit new images should work directly with the Registrar's office, as only Registrar staff can upload images to the catalog. Detailed directions for the submission process are provided in the article below.

Copyright & Licensing 

  • Use only copyright-free or properly licensed images – Verify licensing terms before using any image from external sources 

  • Explore approved resources – Check the University Resource Space (if you have been granted access) and public domain repositories.  

  • Document your sources – Keep records of where images came from and their usage rights for future reference 

Visual Standards & Neutrality 

  • Main Focus Above Horizon Line - Ensure that the main focus of the picture lies above the horizon line or mid-point of the image so that the image is prominently displayed in the “Program” page of the catalog above the name of the program (https://catalog.tulane.edu/programs/).

  • Avoid showing individual faces – Focus on hands, activities, equipment, or environmental shots instead 

  • Maintain professional neutrality – Select images that represent the program broadly without highlighting specific individuals 

  • Show diverse perspectives – While avoiding faces, ensure images reflect varied backgrounds, settings, and approaches to learning 

  • Photographs only: Images in the University Catalog should consist of only one photograph per academic program. Collages, illustrated, or highly stylized images will be rejected.

Storytelling & Program Representation 

  • Highlight program learning outcomes – Choose images that visually demonstrate the skills, knowledge, or experiences students gain 

  • Capture authentic moments – Show hands-on activities, collaborative work, lab environments, field experiences, or creative processes 

  • Tell the program's unique story – Select visuals that communicate what makes your program distinctive and valuable 

  • Evoke the learning experience – Look for images that convey discovery, innovation, collaboration, or professional development 

Technical Quality 

  • Use high-resolution images – Ensure images are sharp, well-lit, and suitable for print publication. Images captured by cell phone camera are not recommended.

  • Check composition and framing – Select well-composed images that draw the eye and communicate clearly 

  • Maintain consistency – Choose images with similar quality, tone, and style throughout your program section 

Approval Process 

  • Seek stakeholder feedback – Share image selections with program faculty, marketing staff, and communications teams before finalizing 

  • Allow time for review – Build in adequate time for feedback and potential image replacement if needed 

  • Keep in duplicates in mind - if you would like to utilize an image that is already in use for another program please provide a replacement along with the already used image and indicate the program names clearly in one ticket.

 

Submission Process:  

  • Send to Registrar via Registrar Support Ticket System

    • Link: Registrar Support form

      • Send as a PNG file, size: 600px wide x 400px high.  

      • Follow this naming convention: catalog-name-url_image credit_image location_date

        • The date included in the file name should be formatted as mmddyyyy and should indicate the date of the request and not the date of the image itself.

      • Provide “alt text” in your registrar ticket with a description of the image.

Note: Submit one Registrar Support ticket per academic program catalog image change request and submissions should be sent to the Registrar no later than March 1 annually to be updated in the subsequent year’s catalog.

 

File name example: