Guidelines for Use of University Symbols
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The Institutional Emblem
Visual contact is one of the main communicative channels of any institution. For this reason, an institutional emblem, or logo, is all-important in style, form and practical application.
A logo must be used properly and presented consistently to convey its intended character.
MSU's logo
The Morehead State University logo, created by designer John March of Evanston, Ill., became official in May 1980 after approval by a special MSU logo committee appointed by President Morris L. Norfleet and subsequent adoption by the Board of Regents.
March's design represents a blend of strength and mountain tradition that symbolizes MSU.
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Logo Use Limitations
All applications of the logo must be approved in advance by the Office of University Marketing.
The logo and logotype must always appear together. Do NOT use the logo without the Morehead State University lettering beneath it.
Example:
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 Acceptable |
 Unacceptable |
THERE WILL BE NO BLENDING OR ALTERING OF THIS LOGO WITH OTHER DESIGNS including, but not limited to, the athletic symbol, line drawings of mountains from the old letterhead, the Great Seal of the University, organizational logos, original drawings, or additional lettering.
The logo may not be altered in any way.
Commercial Use
The MSU logo is the registered trademark of Morehead State University, and unauthorized commercial use is subject to applicable laws.
All commercial use of the logo must be approved by the Office of Alumni Relations, and must carry the registration mark ® before the logo can be used with the product.
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Identification Use
1. Proportion and size
THE LOGO AND LOGOTYPE MUST ALWAYS APPEAR TOGETHER. Do NOT use the logo without the Morehead State University lettering beneath it. [See above]
The size can be no smaller than 1/2" from top to bottom, including the logotype.
All sizes require the use of the registered mark ®.
2. Use of Color
If printed in two colors, the logotype is PMS 286 Eagle Blue and the logo is PMS 116 Eagle Yellow. The RGB equivalents for Web presentation are #000099 for blue and #FFCF00 for yellow.
A single color, whenever possible should be PMS 286 Eagle Blue (000099) or black. The logo should not appear in any colors other than those specified except when used as a signature element on an existing project. When this is done, the most pleasing color should be used to complement the project. Contact the Office of University Marketing before making your choice.
The ink color for letterhead, calling cards and memo pads is ALWAYS PMS 286 blue; other forms or documents may use PMS 286 blue or black.
Reverse--if the logo runs in reverse (on a black background), run the logo in white and drop a 20% screen behind the logotype.
3. Typefaces
The logotype appears in Avant Garde Bold and modified Avant Garde Book.
ITC Avant Garde Gothic is currently used by for letterhead, memo pads, calling cards, etc.
4. Size and placement on literature
The preferred size for use is 1/2" measured vertically. Placement should be as unobtrusive as possible. THERE WILL BE NO BLENDING OF FEATURES OF THIS LOGO WITH OTHER DESIGNS, LINE DRAWINGS, THE GREAT SEAL OF THE UNIVERSITY, ORGANIZATIONAL LOGOS, ADDITIONAL LETTERING, OR AS PART OF ANOTHER DESIGN. On a brochure, the best placement might be at the bottom of the back panel. Contact the Office of University Marketing for specific applications.
Document Services adheres to specific placement guidelines for letterhead, envelopes, memo pads, business cards, etc. These guidelines cannot be changed or altered at client request.
The registration mark ® is used following only the MSU logo and logotype. ™ should be used in these applications:
following the Great Seal of the University
following the strutting eagle
Morehead State University Eagles ™
Eagles ™
Eagle Athletics ™
Lady Eagles ™
Eagle Baseball ™
Eagle Basketball ™
Eagle Cross Country ™
Eagle Football ™
Eagle Golf ™
Eagle Rifle ™
Eagle Swimming ™
Eagle Tennis ™
Eagle Track ™
Lady Eagle Basketball ™
Lady Eagle Cross Country ™
Lady Eagle Rifle ™
Lady Eagle Softball ™
Lady Eagle Swimming ™
Lady Eagle Tennis ™
Lady Eagle Track ™
Lady Eagle Volleyball ™
strutting eagle with curved Morehead State ™
strutting eagle with curved Morehead State University ™
Questions about these applications should be addressed to the Office of Alumni Relations or the Office of University Marketing.
A Registered Service Mark (Trademark)
The University logo is the registered service mark of Morehead State University. As such, it must be properly presented and must be used for approved purposes only.
In order to function as a readily identifiable symbol, the MSU logo must be confined to exact specifications in all official and commercial use.
The primary function of the logo and logotype is for stationery and related materials, MSU identification and signage, and as a signature for printed materials. These guidelines are also applicable to use on uniforms, clothing, rugs and ALL other materials on which the logo and logotype appear.
This University logo manual establishes print and style specifications to present our logo in ALL applications.
Policies described in this manual apply to all facets of Morehead State University printing, design and use. These uses include, but are not limited to, printed paper materials including desktop publishing, uniforms, rugs, electronic media such as online applications, Web pages, and commercial use.
The Great Seal of the University
The University seal is the official identification of Morehead State University on diplomas, commencement programs, academic certificates and other legal documents. It should always be followed by the service mark ™.
The Great Seal of the University was designed for Morehead State College in 1948 by the late Thomas Young, an art professor, and modified in 1966 when the institution received university status.
The seal was altered again in 2001 when the founding date was changed from 1922 to 1887 to acknowledge the legacy of Morehead Normal School, MSU's forerunner institution. Minor design elements also were removed to simplify the graphics.
Use of the seal must be approved in advance by the Vice President for University Relations and the University Registrar.
Athletic Symbols
The eagle is the University's athletic logo and is used on materials related to athletics. IT MUST NOT BE USED IN COMBINATION WITH EITHER THE UNIVERSITY LOGO OR THE GREAT SEAL OF THE UNIVERSITY.
For additional information about the athletic logo and usage guidelines, please contact the Office of Athletics at athletics@moreheadstate.edu.
Other Guidelines
When the word "university" refers specifically to Morehead State University, it should be capitalized.
The University should always be referred to as Morehead State University, with Morehead State or MSU acceptable as subsequent references; Morehead refers specifically to the city and is not an acceptable reference to the University.
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