It is the policy of the University of Nebraska System to invest in a single visual identity, rather than maintain multiple marks that may interfere with the university’s message. To strengthen the University’s visual identity, the creation of additional marks is restricted. As a result, any new secondary mark must be submitted through a formal process and approved by the University-wide Identity Committee prior to development and use.
If your organization or department is currently using a secondary logo, you may be contacted by the Office of External Relations to provide proof of approval by the University-wide Identity Committee. If previous approval cannot be provided, the logo must be submitted through the approval process before you may continue to use it. Approval is not guaranteed.
SUBMIT A SECONDARY LOGO FOR APPROVAL
Step 1: Determine if you qualify for a secondary logo
To qualify for a secondary logo, an entity must meet one of these tests:
- Contractual or legal agreements that specify or require the use of a logo other than the University of Nebraska or campus logo. If legal or contractual agreements are a factor, the relevant portion of these must be included.
- Gift agreements in which a donor has required certain identification as a condition of the gift (note that it is strongly discouraged to permit this level of donor involvement).
- Be a revenue-generating, self-supporting auxiliary or affiliate, providing services or goods to faculty, staff, students or external audiences, with the majority of its revenue coming from providing those services or goods (e.g., the Lied Center.)
- Have an existing approved secondary logo that you are looking to revise.
NOTE: Academic colleges, departments and programs are not eligible for secondary logos. Approved configurations of college, department and program names with the official campus logo are included in the identity handbook.
Step 2: Submit a request for consideration
Entities seeking a new or revised secondary logo must first obtain support from their campus Chief Communication and Marketing Officer and then submit a written request for consideration to the University-wide Identity Committee. This step MUST be completed prior to any creative work being undertaken. Click the button below to complete the online form.
SUBMIT A SECONDARY LOGO FOR APPROVAL
Once your submission is received, the committee will determine whether the entity qualifies for a secondary logo. A simple majority vote is required for the logo to move forward. If denied, the committee will provide rationale regarding the denial. Appeals will not be considered.
Step 4: Submit the developed logo for Committee approval
The Committee will review the presentation of the developed logo, which must include the following elements:
- An endorsement from the member of the Committee representing your unit or organization.
- Demonstration of how the logo will appear in a range of executions including color and black and white; print materials; web and digital use; and any proposed stand-alone uses (i.e. banners, specialty/promotional items.
- Demonstration of conformance with secondary logo standards (i.e. size relationship to NU System/campus logo and presence of NU System/campus logo on all materials).
- Any additional executions, sub-brands or other extensions anticipated.
- Any available market research regarding the target audience of your logo.
Once reviewed, the committee may, with a simple majority vote, approve the logo as submitted. The committee may also request revisions or additional information prior to approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get approval to create a new or secondary logo?
A written request with supporting documentation and business need is submitted to the University-wide Identity Committee, using the form located here. The committee will approve or deny the logo request.
Approved logos, once developed, must go through final approval by the Committee prior to usage.
Legal questions about the registration, protection or infringement related to a logo or trademark should be referred to the NU Office of the General Counsel.
Who are the members of the University-wide Identity Committee?
Jackie Ostrowicki
Assistant Vice President for External Relations
Director of Marketing, Brand and Digital Media
University of Nebraska System
Todd Gottula
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
University of Nebraska at Kearney
Jim Coll
Chief Communication and Marketing Officer
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
Bill O’Neill
Executive Director of Strategic Communications
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Victoria Kohout
Chief of External Relations
University of Nebraska at Omaha
Dorothy Endacott
Vice President of Marketing Communications
University of Nebraska Foundation
Are there co-branding requirements I should consider?
Yes. When a secondary logo is approved, the work that it represents may begin to disconnect from the University of Nebraska brand.
There needs to be a clear tie to NU in your logo. We’ll look for that connection as the logo is being reviewed. Additionally, the NU System or a campus logo should be used as a secondary logo (back of brochures, bottom of website, etc.) with your new, approved logo to help show alignment with the university.
Are there approved design vendors I should work with on my logo?
All marketing projects, including the design of new logos, should be run through the marketing communications office on your respective campus—or the Office of External Relations for UNOP departments and units. We do not want university departments or units to design their own logos or use external vendors.
What else do I need to consider?
The Committee will want to clearly identify and agree on who will be managing the logo and ensuring it is used properly. That could be someone within your department, unit or organization—or it could be handled by your campus communications office. You will need to denote what existing staff will be the day-to-day contact on brand/logo issues.
