Brand Standards

Our identity is a reflection of what we believe and what we do.

The Office of Marketing and Communications delivers a unique and compelling brand experience, narrative and set of distinctive quality attributes, but everyone contributes to how the brand is represented. 

Brand motivates and aligns the campus with a singular purpose. UMR must deliver consistent and cohesive branding to ensure our presence is always clearly tied to a true understanding of UMR's vision and mission. To ensure brand consistency, specific brand standards are to be used as a guide.

University of Minnesota Rochester Brand and Style Guide

The brand and style guide provides a basis for consistent language, visual identity, and key messages and to be used across campus.
UMR Brand Guide
UMN System Style Guide

UMR Brand Standards

Logo Overview

The formal University logo symbolizes the relationship of the University of Minnesota Rochester to the University of Minnesota System. The formal University logo may also be used to represent an administrative or academic unit of the University. Official University logos include the Wordmark, Driven to Discover, Block M, Block M Rochester, Unit/Wordmark combination, Rockie Raptor and Regents Seal. The use of these marks on communications helps our audiences to quickly see that it is a University communication.

These logos have specific uses and are not interchangeable.

Please note the following:

  • All marks are reserved for official University business and may not be used to promote non-University activities or imply endorsement.
  • Units may not develop new logos or alter existing logos.
  • Third party logos may only be used in conjunction with University marks if a signed agreement between the University and the outside vendor or company has been executed. Any use of third party marks on University materials must be approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications. Whenever possible, sponsors or collaborators should be indicated in text, not with a logo.
  • To use any logos on merchandise or apparel, see Products and Licensing.
  • Student Organizations registered through Student Unions and Activities should review the student group handbook for rules pertaining to logo usage. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are not permitted to use University trademarks except for the official RSO mark. See Registered Student Organization Brand Guidelines page for more information.

Appropriate Use

The Office of Marketing and Communications manages the use of all official logos and wordmarks. Consult with the Office for the appropriate use.

    Primary Colors

    University marks and campaign graphics must use official colors or black-and-white. Maroon and gold must be prominent in all designs for print or digital. For print, use CMYK or Pantone versions of University colors. For digital, such as the web, presentations, or PDFs that will be viewed online, use the RGB or HEX versions.

    The official UMN maroon, gold or both should be the primary colors used for any print or digital communications.

    Color palette of primary UMR colors

     

    Secondary Colors

    Besides the official maroon and gold, shades of maroon and gold may be paired with the official versions for tone-on-tone graphics, etc.

    These official secondary colors are also used with the Folwell web theme. 

    Optional secondary colors and their tints may also be used as long as they are used sparingly and the maroon and gold are prominent.

    Any secondary colors may be used with University branding, except any combinations that appear similar to other primary color combinations for Universities within the Big10.

    Color palette of secondary UMR colors

    For a full color guide, visit University Relation's Colors and Type brand guide.

    Typography for Digital Publications

    Neutraface is the University’s official font. Open Sans is the recommended font for use on University websites. It includes a wide number of font styles and an array of special characters.

    Typography for Print

    The University's suggested font is Neutraface. Alternatives include: Frutiger, Helvetica Neue, Hoefler, and Times New Roman.

    The University of Minnesota Rochester uses Associated Press Style guidelines in all of its materials.

    Members of the University community can reference a digital version of the AP Stylebook through the University of Minnesota Twin Cities library. AP Style guidelines are not necessarily utilized in academic writing, interpersonal email communications or business letters. 

     

    Image Use Protocol

    Photographs and videos bring the UMR brand to life and represent our values and personality. They showcase our content, highlight our people and celebrate our community and campus. UMR often uses still images and videos of academic activities and campus life to promote the University. When taking pictures or selecting imagery, try to represent UMR’s brand and what truly sets us apart. 

    Contact the Office of Marketing and Communications for more information on standards for use of still or motion images.

    From a fairness perspective, it is good to get permission to use people's likenesses when they're individually identifiable and if the image will be used for commercial or promotional purposes.

    Release Forms

    The departmental unit that secures the image is responsible for obtaining and maintaining the release form for the reasonable life of the image. 

    When photographing or recording video of an individual or group in a public venue or while attending a public event on- or off-campus where there is not a practical expectation of privacy, it is not required to obtain written releases from said individuals.

    For students or community members under the age of 18, a release form must always be signed by a legal guardian.

    Image Requests

    UMR has a large internal gallery available. Should you have any specific needs, contact the Office for a curated collection appropriate for your request.

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