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University logos include the wordmark, block M, Goldy, and the regents seal.
University logos are reserved for official University business and may not be used to promote non-University activities or imply endorsement.
Beginning May 2009, units may not develop new logos, and existing unit logos must be phased out as inventories are depleted and print pieces are redone. Existing logos may be repurposed as graphic elements.
To download approved versions of the logos, go to the University of Minnesota Images Library (log on required). The regents seal is reserved for uses authorized by the Board of Regents. To request the seal, contact University Relations.
The wordmark is our official logo. It is required on all publications and other visual communications developed for the University. Registered student groups may not use the wordmark but may use the block M and mascot marks if such use complies with the student group handbook.
Use approved, unaltered versions only. The wordmark is a graphic element, not a typestyle. Do not attempt to type the wordmark or use it in a sentence.The wordmark may not be blended or incorporated into other logos and unit names except as prescribed in wordmark and unit combinations.
Use the wordmark in the University's official colors or use it in black and white. For example, on a two-color, purple-and-black printed piece, use the black version. Do not use a gold wordmark on a white background or a maroon wordmark on a black background because neither is sufficiently legible. Do not screen the wordmark or print over it. You may print it over backgrounds and photos if there is enough contrast. See the Color and Type section for more information.
Leave a buffer space the height of the letter "N" between the wordmark and other graphic elements or the edge of the page.
Buffer space illustration
The wordmark must have prominence. Place the wordmark at the top or bottom of a piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.
Wordmark examples
Minimum size of the word "Minnesota":
7/8" (.875"): for paper sizes 3" x 5" and larger. (.625"): for paper sizes smaller than 3" x 5". On larger pieces, such as a banner, the wordmark should be sized to ensure legibility and prominence. 220 pixels wide for electronic applications such as PowerPoint or digital signage (U Web pages must use the wordmark in the template header only).
The wordmark may be combined with the block M and/or Driven to Discover. The wordmark and Driven to Discover combinations must be used as prescribed. The wordmark guidelines also apply to these combinations.
Use the wordmark combinations in the University's official colors or use it in black and white.
Place the wordmark combination at the top or bottom of a piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.
Minimum size of the word "Minnesota":
7/8" (.875"): for paper sizes 3" x 5" and larger. (.625"): for paper sizes smaller than 3" x 5". The entire wordmark must be at least 220 pixels wide for electronic applications such as PowerPoint or digital signage (U Web pages must use the wordmark and block M in the template header only).
Wordmark combination examples
Use a buffer space equal to the height of the letter "N" to separate the wordmark combination from other graphic elements or the edge of the page.
Buffer space example
The wordmark may be combined with a unit's name using templates created by University Relations. Download templates for wordmark and unit combinations from the Images Library (log on required).
Around each element in the wordmark and unit combination, use a buffer space equal to the height of the wordmark's letter "N."
A line the width of the wordmark must separate the wordmark from the unit name. When the word "Minnesota" is 7/8", the thickness of the line must be .5 pt. Scale proportionately when enlarging.When using the wordmark and a unit name in the same piece but not combining them using the template, remember:
The wordmark and unit name must be far enough apart so as to not appear grouped. The wordmark must be placed prominently at the top or bottom of the piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements. Unit name must be the same width as the wordmark. Square rule: The combination of a unit name and wordmark may be no taller than it is wide. Rules regarding the minimum size of the wordmark still apply. Minimum size of the word "Minnesota": 7/8" (.875"): for paper sizes 3" x 5" and larger.5/8" (.625"): for paper sizes smaller than 3" x 5". The entire wordmark must be 220 pixels wide for electronic applications such as PowerPoint or digital signage. Contact University Relations to determine appropriate use of your unit name with the templates.Wordmark and Unit Combination templates
Placement example
The block M is our most recognized logo and one of the best-recognized logos in the state. All campuses, colleges, departments, and other units are encouraged to use it.
Use approved, unaltered versions only. Use the block M in addition to the wordmark, not as a substitute for it (except student organizations, which may not use the wordmark).The block M may not be blended or incorporated into other logos except as prescribed in the Wordmark Combinations section.
Use a buffer space equal to the height of the M's serif to separate the block M from other graphic elements or the edge of the page. You may not place type or other graphic elements on the block M.
1/2" (.50"): for paper sizes 3" x 5" and larger. 2/5" (.40"): for paper sizes smaller than 3" x 5".On larger pieces, such as a banner, the block M should be sized to ensure legibility.
University Relations (612-624-6868) must approve any design that uses the block M as a graphic element. This includes designs that:
Use the block M in a pattern. Crop, screen, or otherwise alter the logo.
Recommended for most communications
Intended for use primarily by athletics
Buffer space example
Block M as a graphic element - Shown at 45% of actual size
Some logos are unique to a specific University of Minnesota campus. Goldy Gopher, for example, is a logo that represents the Twin Cities campus in informal communications. It does not replace the wordmark.
Use approved, unaltered versions only. You may use Leaning Goldy or Running Goldy in addition to the wordmark, not as a substitute for it (except student organizations, which may not use the wordmark).Use a buffer space equal to the height of the M's serif to separate the Leaning Goldy from other graphic elements or the edge of the page. For the Running Goldy logo, use a buffer space equal to the height of Goldy's fist.
3/4" (.75"): for all paper sizes.University Relations (612-624-6868) must approve any design that uses Goldy as a graphic element. This includes designs that:
Use Goldy in a pattern. Crop, screen, or otherwise alter the graphic.
Goldy Gopher logos
Buffer space example
Minimum size illustration
Note: Official versions of the UMC, UMD, and UMM mascot marks are available from the Office of University Relations on each coordinate campus.
The regents seal is not for everyday use and is reserved for awards, gifts, and events involving the Board of Regents or for documents bearing the signature of the president or a vice president, chancellor, dean, or member or officer of the Board of Regents. Contact University Relations to request approval to use the seal.
See the Founding Date, Corporate Name and Seal, and University Marks (124 K PDF) policy for more information.
Use of the University's branded elements, such as the wordmark, block M, mascot marks, and colors, quickly conveys your connection to the University.
Note: These guidelines are for print publications only. For guidelines about the use of the wordmark and other University logos in electronic publications, see the eCommunication Standards site.
The wordmark, block M may be used separately or combined with Driven to Discover. The Images Library has several combined versions you can choose from (log on required).
The Illustrator templates shown here are available in the Images Library.
Exception
When the University of Minnesota is part of its official name, a unit may place the wordmark or wordmark and block M combination on top of its name. The rules on the left still apply and a distinct font must be used for the portion of the unit name below the wordmark. With the exception of the block M, logos may not be placed above the wordmark in this format.
University Relations can help you design your wordmark and unit combination. Contact us at 612-624-6868 for more information.
Use of the block M unaltered does not require approval.
Contact University Relations at 612-624-6868 or urelate@umn.edu if you want to use the block M as a graphic element. See below for details.
Unlike logos such as the wordmark, block M and Goldy Gopher, the regents seal is not for everyday use. It's reserved for the highest awards of the University and other selective purposes.
The regents seal is not for general or online use. Contact University Relations at 612-624-6868 or urelate@umn.edu for an official version of the seal and permission to use it.
