Summer brand update


With the new school year approaching, we’re sharing key updates and reminders related to University Marketing Communications.

Updates

  • University Relations is now named University Marketing Communications: In February, our office formally changed its name to University Marketing Communications. Now that a few more pieces are in place, we wanted to share them:
    • New URL: Our official URL is umarcomm.umn.edu. While redirects are in effect, we recommend updating your websites, z-links, documentation, or anywhere our previous URL was used.
    • Acronyms and shorthand: Please don’t use acronyms or shorthand for references to University Marketing Communications‚ except where required. In instances where shorthand is required, we should be referred to as U-MarComm. Use of the acronym “UMC” should be avoided.
  • Updated photo and video release standards: We have made substantial changes to our standards for photo and video releases. The new language clarifies when releases are or are not needed. Spoiler: they’re typically needed.
  • Font size and accessibility: In collaboration with the Office for Digital Accessibility, we’ve added information on our brand site to provide font size recommendations for a wide variety of uses. You can read more on our Colors and Type page. 

Reminders

  • Connect with your unit’s marcom lead: Each campus, college, or administrative unit has a designated marketing and communications (marcom) lead who serves as the primary point of contact for brand-related questions. They are familiar with unit-specific brand practices (such as unit wordmarks) and collaborate closely with University Marketing Communications. Start with them—they can triage questions and help determine when additional support is needed. To find your marcom lead, visit our Marcom Leads page.
  • Ensure you have all the required header and footer elements on your websites: Consistent use of required header and footer elements ensures a unified and recognizable University presence across all web properties. These elements establish credibility, signal affiliation with the University, and reinforce our brand identity—helping users trust the content they’re viewing and easily navigate between the various campuses, colleges, and units. Inconsistent or missing elements can cause confusion, dilute the brand, or give the impression of an unofficial or unaffiliated site.
  • When ordering licensed products, use a licensed vendor: The University of Minnesota requires all products and materials bearing the name, marks, and colors of the University of Minnesota go through one of our licensed vendors. This ensures products meet a certain level of quality and that vendors have been certified to meet labor laws and environmental impact goals of the University. Visit z.umn.edu/licensees for the latest list, or visit z.umn.edu/UMNLicensing for more information.

If you have any questions about the University’s brand standards, contact [email protected].

Topics: Brand and Campaign