Applying the Brand
Events
Events provide units the opportunity to create an immersive experience and allow organizers to bring their brand to life. From tabling to conference exhibits, every event should clearly connect with the Maryland brand. Give careful consideration to decor, attire and marketing materials during your planning process. Students, faculty and staff should be brand ambassadors when representing UMD at events.
Signage
Branded table covers, retractable banners, feather flags and step-and-repeats are among the options to consider, budget permitting.
Graphics
OMC has created libraries in Canva and Adobe Express that feature a brand kit and customizable templates for presentations, flyers, social media graphics and more. Contact marylandbrand@umd.edu for access.
Promotional Items
Giveaways attract people but do not get so engrossed with that element of your event. Value the interaction with guests and make sure they walk away knowing how fantastic UMD is.
Appearance Requests
Are you hosting an event and interested in inviting senior UMD leadership or Testudo? Here’s how to make that request.
Accessibility
Great events welcome everyone. Accessible event planning involves removing physical, sensory and cognitive barriers so everyone can fully participate, creating an experience that is inclusive and welcoming to diverse audiences.
Attire
Maryland differentiates itself in the NCAA with four official colors: red, black, white and gold. While not required to wear branded Maryland gear when hosting events, it is highly encouraged. If you choose not to wear gear, accessorize with a lapel pin, Maryland socks or another branded accessory.
Sponsorships or Partnerships
Your unit may enter into a partnership or sponsorship agreement with an external organization. If the agreement includes use of protected UMD marks, the relevant section or sections must be reviewed by the Office of General Counsel and Trademarks and Licensing. Intellectual property usage is subject to review and approval. Email licensing@umd.edu to get started.
Campus Calendar
The Campus Calendar is a valuable resource for promoting your events to the campus community. All submitted campus events are featured on calendar.umd.edu, and the Maryland Today team selects events from the calendar to highlight in its daily campus e-digest.
Photography and Video Releases
Areas on campus that are considered public spaces include lobbies, atriums, sports fields, arenas, outdoor common spaces and UMD-sponsored events. Releases are not required from people whose images are captured in photographs and videos at public events. If you plan on using general event photos or videos for promotional purposes, you are encouraged to display language informing attendees of this.
Historical Acknowledgements
To recognize our history and reflect on how it continues to affect our community today, these official University of Maryland acknowledgements may be displayed or read aloud at campus events.
Marquee Events
These are marquee events produced by the University of Maryland. Creative assets can be found on the toolkit hub, and any questions about the event should be directed to the respective email addresses below.
On the last Saturday of each April, the university welcomes tens of thousands of visitors for a day of learning, exploration and fun. Units across campus come together to host 400+ free activities, performances and demonstrations that showcase the arts, sports, student and faculty research, UMD’s agricultural roots and much more. The Office of Marketing and Communications organizes and directs the promotion of Maryland Day.
Contact: marylandday@umd.edu
Each fall, the university welcomes back alums to join current students for a week of reconnecting through events including the annual comedy show, a carnival on McKeldin Mall, Teddy’s Pup Parade, a limited-time Dairy ice cream flavor, and of course, the football game. Homecoming is a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs, the University of Maryland Alumni Association, the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Office of Marketing and Communications.
Contact: homecoming@umd.edu
The main Commencement ceremony is held annually in May and produced by the Office of Special Events. The event at SECU Stadium celebrates the hard work, resilience and achievements of Maryland graduates. It features a commencement speaker, the university president, and other notable speakers and honorees.
Contact: commencement@umd.edu
Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising marathon held every March that encourages students, faculty, staff, parents, friends and alums to give to advance the University of Maryland’s mission. Giving Day is spearheaded by the Office of Annual Giving.
Contact: givingday@umd.edu