University Identification and Affiliation

Which standards do we follow?

Our brand identity system assigns graphic standards procedures based on your college, unit or division’s primary offering to the public. This system places audience, rather than our organizational chart, at the forefront of decisions about visual identity, ensuring that the University provides a unified face to each of its unique constituent groups.

Four categories of brand identity are explained below:

  • Core University
  • Secondary Branding
  • Student Organizations
  • University Outreach

Core University

Colorado State University’s primary offering is education. Any college or unit (and departments within those) that provide or support higher education must comply with our core University brand guidelines including the University Signature on all communications. To align with the public’s perception of our University as a single entity, core University units cannot develop independent logos and marks.

Departments, units and affiliates are required to utilize the institutional Unit Identifiers, and leverage the full University Signature (Ram head and university name) for brand equity and consistency. 

Core University examples: College of Natural Sciences, Office of Admissions, Housing & Dining Services

Secondary Branding

Every official University logo and mark in existence or created for usage must be officially approved by University Marketing and Communications.

All secondary branding proposals must be submitted to [email protected] for consideration and official approval, with a comprehensive explanation as to why a unit identifier is an inappropriate form of branding. University Marketing and Communications reserves the right to not allow the reproduction of secondary branding in any format including, but not limited to, online, video, printed materials, advertising campaign deliverables, apparel, swag items.

A hybrid version of our Unit Indentifier was developed to allow for distinct separation of certain University Centers, Institutes, and Other Special Units (CIOSUs) while maintaining brand integrity and consistency. Units should consider this alternate option before requesting a full secondary branding. These unique versions of the Unit Identifier must also be approved by University Marketing and Communications.

Note: All units and affiliates with approved secondary branding must still adhere to the university’s brand guidelines and clearly identify themselves as part of Colorado State University with our University Signature below the secondary logo or the designation “at Colorado State University”.

Secondary branding examples: CSU Spur Start, The Energy Institute, SoGES

Institutional affiliations with external partners:

Registered Student Organizations

Student Organizations are an important demonstration of our community’s vibrance and diversity. Student leaders’ school pride in and ownership of the CSU brand promise its health and strength for years to come.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are encouraged to use CSU Unit Identifiers and visual branding as core university units.

RSOs may elect not to use CSU branding or marks in favor of outside affiliations or internally developed marks and branding. Independent club logos should not incorporate any of the University’s marks, including the Ram head, in any way that differs from the University brand guidelines.

University Outreach

University Outreach is comprised of units or entities that have independent public identities and receive more than half of their funding from an entity external to CSU. Their audiences and public offerings are typically very different from the Core University’s, but they benefit from affiliation with the University.

University outreach units should maintain the university’s brand guidelines, but in case of separate branding needs, units must follow the secondary branding guidelines above.

University Outreach examples: Colorado State Forest Service, OLLI