Wordmark

The wordmark is our official logo. Include it on all publications and other visual communications developed for the University. Student organizations may not use the wordmark and should use the block M instead.

• Use approved, unaltered versions only—don't attempt to type the wordmark or use it in a sentence.
• The wordmark should not be blended or incorporated into other logos and unit names, but may be used with them as prescribed in correct and incorrect use of the wordmark and wordmark and unit combinations.

Color

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. Never screen the wordmark or print over it. You may print it over backgrounds and photos if there's enough contrast.

Buffer Space

Leave a buffer space the height of the letter "N" between the wordmark and other graphic elements or the edge of the page.

Placement

Place the wordmark at the top or bottom of a piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.

Minimum Size

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".
• On larger pieces, such as a banner, the wordmark should be sized to ensure legibility and prominence.

Correct and Incorrect Use of the Wordmark

The following are examples of incorrect ways to use the wordmark, plus correct alternatives.

INCORRECT: Wordmark is incorporated into a sentence.	CORRECT
INCORRECT: Adjacent type attempts to duplicate the wordmark typestyle.	CORRECT
INCORRECT: Insufficient buffer space around the wordmark.	CORRECT
INCORRECT: The wordmark should not be sandwiched between two elements.	CORRECT

See also the guidelines for wordmark and unit combinations.

Block M

The block M says "University of Minnesota" to everyone who sees it. All campuses, colleges, departments, student organizations, 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 and Block M Combinations section.

Recommended for most communications.

Intended for use primarily by athletics.

Buffer Space

Leave a buffer space the height of the M serif between the block M and graphic elements or the edge of the page.

Minimum Size

• 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.

Block M as a Graphic Element

University Relations 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.

Shown at 45% of actual size.

Wordmark and Block M Combinations

The wordmark guidelines also apply to wordmark and block M combinations.

Buffer Space

Leave a buffer space the height of the letter "N" between the wordmark and block M combination and other graphic elements or the edge of the page.

Placement

Place the wordmark and block M combination at the top or bottom of a piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.

Minimum Size

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".

Goldy Gopher

Some logos are unique to a specific University of Minnesota campus. Goldy Gopher 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).

Leave a buffer space the height of the M serif between the Leaning Goldy and graphic elements or the edge of the page. For Running Goldy logos, leave a buffer space the height of Goldy's fist between the Running Goldy and graphic elements or the edge of the page.

Minimum Size

• 3/4" (.75"): for all paper sizes.

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Wordmark and Unit Combinations

The wordmark may not be incorporated or blended into another logo or name. It may be used in combination with a unit's own logo. Combining the wordmark with your unit's logo or name communicates your unique connection to the University.

Templates have been created for combining a unit logo with the wordmark.

Buffer Space

Leave a buffer space around the wordmark (and all other elements in the wordmark and unit combination) the height of the letter "N."

• A line the width of the wordmark must separate it from the unit logo or name. At the 7/8" size of the word "Minnesota," the line should be .5 pt. Scale it proportionately when enlarging.
• For logos with hard edges, such as a box or line on the side adjoining the wordmark, you may omit this line.

Minimum Size

• Horizontal unit logos must be the same width as the wordmark.
• Square rule: The combination of a unit logo, icon 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".

 
Preferred version

Alternate version with logo

When using the wordmark and a unit logo or name in the same piece, but not combining them using the template provided, remember that:

• The wordmark and unit logo/name must be far enough apart so as to not appear grouped.
• The wordmark must be placed at the top or bottom of a piece on the cover or front, where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.

Shown at 45% of actual size.

Regents Seal

The regents seal is reserved for awards, gifts and events involving the Board of Regents or documents bearing the signature of the president or a vice president, chancellor or dean. Contact University Relations for approval.