Logos

Summary

• At least one version of the University logo (e.g., primary wordmark, primary formal logo, or unit lockup) must appear on all communication materials, promotional items, and University-owned vehicles.
• Communication materials and promotional items using any version of the university logo or unit lockup should be reviewed by a member of University Communications and Marketing (UCM) staff prior to production/distribution. 
• Never alter the logo from the versions shown in these branding guidelines. New versions of any logo should only be created by UCM design staff.
• The University seal, the Attack Cat, or Forever OHIO graphic, should never be used as a substitution for the University logo or unit lockup and should not be used without appropriate approval. 
• OHIO faculty and staff are encouraged to share questions and request support from their designated communication specialist or appropriate UCM staff.

University Logo

Our brand is bigger than any single mark or graphic. But our logo connects the diverse experiences that are shared through communications and marketing. Although each story may be different, the words Ohio University are FOREVER — and our logo, consistent. 

The formal logo consists of two parts: the logo mark or the “woodcut” and the wordmark. The primary wordmark, without the woodcut, has become the preferred logo treatment for the majority of OHIO’s communications and marketing. 

All elements of the logo are trademarks of the University, and as such, an approved logo must appear on all communication materials and promotional items and be represented exactly as outlined here unless you have obtained permission from University Communications and Marketing to do otherwise. 

The primary wordmark should be the first choice when a University logo is needed. The primary formal logo is reserved for formal University communications. This logo should be considered for stationary, business cards, etc. The secondary wordmark should only be used when spacing prohibits the use of the primary wordmark. 

The woodcut (Cutler, Wilson, and McGuffey halls with the year 1804) should never be used without the wordmark.

Primary Formal Logo

Secondary Formal Logo

Secondary Wordmark

Wordmark: Unit and Department Lockups

In addition to placing the University logo on printed and digital materials, academic and administrative units can add their names to the primary wordmark. The “lockup” is differentiated from the University logo by placing the unit name to the right, or below, the wordmark and separating the University and unit name with a thick line. Units may also add a department name.

Unit Lockups

Units include colleges and divisions in the University. 

Standard Lockup

Condensed Width Lockup

Unit + Department Lockups

Departments include schools, centers, offices, and programs and are displayed combined with their associated unit (college or division).

To request the creation of an official unit/department lockup, please submit a request using UCM’s request form (and select graphic design as the request type).

Standard Lockup

Condensed Width Lockup

Department Only Lockups

In special circumstances, a lockup may be developed to represent the specific department. Department lockups that do not include the unit name require approval by the respective dean or vice president.

To request a department lockup, please email Robin Oliver at roliver@ohio.edu.

Standard Lockup

Condensed Width Lockup

Formal Logo: Unit and Department Lockups

The primary formal logo is reserved for formal University communications. This logo should be considered for stationary, business cards, etc. The woodcut should never be used without the wordmark.

Unit + Website

Unit + Department

Unit + Department + Website

Tips for Using Logos

The following guidance should be considered when using any University logo or lockup: 

• Always scale the logo proportionately and maintain the height/width ratios (do not stretch or elongate in height or width only). 
• Ensure the logo is sized so that it is legible. The secondary wordmark should be considered for certain applications that limit the size of the logo.
• The University logo should only be colored using the Ohio University brand color palette. The primary color used should be either “Cutler Green" (PMS 342), or “Cupola White" (White) if placed on a dark background. In single-color applications, the logo may be black or white. The logo also may be blind embossed or foil-stamped in silver or gold.
• Do not apply animation, 3D modeling, or other technologies to any component of the University logo.
• Appropriate clearance should be maintained between the logo and other marks, illustrations, photos, and text.
• Avoid placing the logo on complex backgrounds and textures. If unavoidable, users should place the logo within a solid, single-color shape (e.g., a box or bar) that maintains the mark’s clear zones

Other Ohio University Logos

The University seal, the Attack Cat, or Forever OHIO graphic, should never be used as a substitution for the University logo or unit lockup and should not be used without appropriate approval.

Logo Application on University-Owned Vehicles

All official University vehicles, other than those associated with Intercollegiate Athletics, will be labeled with the primary wordmark.