Logo usage guidelines
To maintain a strong, recognizable brand, please follow these guidelines:
- Do not alter proportions or rotate the logo or make any edits or additions to the logos provided.
- Do not use parts of the logo (e.g., the column) alone except on social media avatars.
- Use only University-approved colors and backgrounds as provided.
- Always include the University logo or your departmental logo on any departmental or event materials. If your department has a specialized custom graphic, you should use it alongside the USM logo in most cases (in designs for table cloths, print brochures, pop-up stands, etc).
Are you looking for the official USM logo? Visit this page for our official logos.
Departmental logo lockups
USM colleges, schools, offices, and departments use the University logo with their names in a lockup format. If you are a new University department and need a customized lockup for your department or office, please submit a Marketing Request.
Dr. Alfred & D. Suzi Osher School of Music graphic
The Osher School of Music has a dedicated custom graphic in University blue and gold. It must always be paired with the official University logo on all materials.
Custom graphics
The standard is for departments to use their “departmental logo lockup” wherever possible — this is strategically important for a recognizable university brand.
However, there are occasions when the Marketing team will consider creating custom graphics* specifically for a department (see below).
* Note: The official University logo must always accompany these graphics.
How to request a custom graphic design
Below are occasions when the Marketing team will consider developing custom graphics specifically for a department:
- A department that is public-facing and offers its own services or is considered its own entity (aka performs as a business to the outside world). Examples include QC2 Lab, Scontras, Promise Scholars, etc.
- Is a badge or a zone that needs to be highly recognizable to students. Examples include Safe Zone, Husky Perks, PACT Online Promise, etc.
- Is a department or school that hosts large public events, or interfaces heavily with the public and needs a recognizable brand entity. Examples include Student Engagement & Belonging, Veterans Upward Bound, and the Career & Employment Hub (and its sub-offerings such as the Job Shadow Program)
- Is an agreed-upon aspect of a donor agreement. Examples include Osher School of Music, Esports, etc.
- Champ repository
If you meet the above criteria and wish to request a custom graphic design, you can submit a Marketing Request. Of note, the Marketing team cannot guarantee a fixed turnaround time for these requests. We will communicate an estimated delivery date with you after evaluating your request.
Social media avatars
For profile images, use the isolated University column logo to maintain brand recognition within platform size constraints.
Logos on campus signage guidelines
For official building and room signage orders, contact Facilities. However, general branding signage guidelines in relation to logos include:
- Outdoor signs must include the University logo and use official colors/fonts.
- Indoor room signs should use white text on University blue; the logo is optional.
University Seal
Owned by the Office of the President, use of the University Seal is limited to — but not required for — use on materials supporting presidential initiatives or at presidential events.
The University Store is authorized to use the University Seal on giftware and merchandise as agreed with the Office of the President.
If you have questions about or are interested in using the University Seal, please contact us.
Need help?
If you need assistance selecting logos, downloading files, or have questions about branding, please submit a Marketing Request. We’re here to help!