The University of Utah Brand Identity Web Site Compliance
At the 2006 autumn retreat President Michael K. Young emphasized the imperative for a more coordinated and consistent brand identity across campus. This included:
- the singular use of the University’s approved logos to identify colleges, departments, and programs;
- higher visibility of the University’s name and affiliation on publications and printed material;
- a more organized approach to communicating with University constituents;
- greater infusion of key University messages and themes throughout all communications and publications; and
- a consistent visual image for University web sites.
In a memo to vice presidents, deans, and directors President Young explained: "A more consistent and coordinated brand benefits us all. While we recognize and value the many differences that exist among us, the vast majority of Utahns see us collectively as one entity: The University of Utah. Granted, such a singular perception misses the nuances that often enliven our campus community; at the same time, it allows all of us to benefit from the achievements of successful individuals and programs. This halo effect only grows stronger as we unite in our identification with the University."
Web sites officially representing colleges, departments, centers, institutes, programs, or units of the University of Utah should exhibit the following specific standards and guidelines. These guidelines do not apply to personal Web pages or student-run organizations.
Web Compliance Components
To be compliant with University Identity standards, your Web site must:
1. Include a University header, which incorporates:
- An accepted/approved University logo on the left. The block U must serve as a link to the University’s home page.
- The University’s medallion as a phantom image in the background. The exact position of the medallion is not specified, but the size and angle must remain as shown for consistency across campus.
- A banner tab in the upper-right corner for campus directory information. [NOTE TO COMMITTEE: Usability studies are being conducted to judge the value of a double tab as shown above.] Double tabs, such as the one illustrated above, are acceptable and allow both campus and site navigation.
- A search feature on the right. This can be specific to the site, or can search the University’s Web network. Please contact the U Webmaster for assistance with specialized code needed for a site-specific search component.
- A color bar to separate the header from the content of your site. The bar can be used as a navigation/menu bar as shown above; alternatively, it can merely be a color separator with no text. If the bar is used merely as a separator, the height of the bar can be reduced but must still be recognizable as a separator.
2. Include a University footer, which must incorporate:
- A link to the University Disclaimer
- A physical address or mail drop
- A phone number with area code
- An e-mail contact address
- A link to the University Privacy Statement
- If you wish, a copyright identifier
Address, phone number, and contact address should be altered to reflect your own college or department information.
3. Use approved colors, drawn from the University’s palette of identification colors. While a wide variety of color options are available, please be especially aware of legibility issues when combining a background color with a type color. High contrast makes for better readability.
Additionally, it is strongly recommended that navigation menus appear on the left of the Web page. For a variety of reasons, fly-out and drop-down menus are no longer allowed. However, static sub-menus that do not require javascript can be used. Available templates illustrate and offer this feature.
Compliant templates in several design and color iterations are available. These templates are crafted to work in concert with the University’s Web content management system, tentatively scheduled for campus-wide release in 2008, but it is not a requirement to use the templates if all other identity standards are met. Answers to frequently asked questions, a web-ready photo bank and web policy information are also available.
Finally, U Web Resources lists other guidelines that must be followed to register a Web site with the U, and the University has an official policy for students, faculty, and staff concerning the use of the University's World Wide Web information resources.
Within this broad framework we solicit creative and innovative ways to showcase the many extraordinary activities and programs at the University of Utah. Examples of creative applications of identity standards will be posted here. Contact University Marketing & Communications (581-6773) for additional information or answers to specific questions.
Web Header Logos
An approved Web header logo must include:
- The University’s block U on the left side in correct shape, size, face, and proportion
- In all cases, the block U within the header logo must serve as a link to the University's home page.
- The name of the unit that “owns” the Web site; this name must be to the right of the block U in a sans serif type face (preferably Myriad Bold; Arial Bold is acceptable) or an italic face (ITC Garamond Book Narrow Italic preferred; Times Italic acceptable)
- A red hairline for white background (white hairline for backgrounds in all other colors)
- The University's complete name—THE UNIVERSITY OF UTAH—in all caps (Trajan bold type face preferred).
For departments or programs within a college where the college wants a visible connection to the department's Web site, the following logo design is also acceptable:
Additional information regarding brand identification requirements for web and print can be found here (PDF) .
Order a custom Web Header Graphic
Download a University Web Template
Additional information and resources for University webmasters