Logos

The University of Maryland logo is the primary element of our institution's visual identity. The logo provides immediate brand recognition and its proper use is imperative as we work together to maintain a reputation of prestige, excellence, and authority as the flagship institution for higher education in the state of Maryland. All communications sent on behalf of the university should prominently display the university logo. Presenting a professional and unified visual identity is an essential part of building and maintaining our reputation.

For logo guidelines on merchandise, please visit Trademark & Licensing or contact licensing@umd.edu for more information.

The primary logo consists of a wordmark—a text-only treatment of the university name—and a symbol—the illustration of a globe that incorporates the color and design of the Maryland state flag.

The symbol should not be reproduced smaller than 3/8" or 32 pixels in height. No alterations are permitted. The globe cannot be used on its own as a standalone graphic element.

This adaptation of the symbol and university name may be used when space is limited. The informal seal is used to mark unit identities. It should not be reduced below 5/8" or 73 pixels.

The formal seal has been created to distinguish the University of Maryland from government and public agencies that use the Maryland state seal. The formal seal is reserved for ceremonies, presidential communications, diplomas and certificate application.

The word mark can be used without the symbol when designing with one or two colors. It can also be displayed on T-shirts and other collateral where the symbol would clash with other design elements.

The following examples demonstrate incorrect logo usage:

A complementary system of unit identification has been designed for all UMD colleges, schools, departments, centers and institutes, and non-curricular units. All units must use the approved university mark on all communication materials, to include:

• Websites
• Printed collateral
• Publications
• Direct mail
• Letterhead
• Business cards
• Email marketing communications
• External advertising placement

There are only two acceptable variations of department logos available for use. One version emphasizes the University of Maryland, with the school, college, or department names secondary, and should be prioritized for application in channels with broad reach, i.e., external-facing advertising placements. The other version reverses that relationship, featuring "University of Maryland" in the seal in small type and maximizing the unit-level name.

To ensure brand consistency across all UMD websites and dynamic functionality, the following guidelines apply.

All UMD colleges, schools, departments, centers and institutes, and non-curricular units must use their unit's approved university logo mark in the header and footer of their website.

See example of best practice:

Website Header

Website Footer

A consistent element for all university magazines enhances our overall brand awareness and strengthens our brand's visual identity.

The covers of all UMD-produced magazines and printed newsletters must include a university footer. The footer is available for use in red and black.

University of Maryland units produce hundreds of e-newsletters, providing important information and community-building links to their audiences. Visual consistency in these e-newsletters improves overall brand awareness.

All UMD-produced e-newsletters must include the following UMD header at the top, in either red or black.

The Office of Marketing and Communications produces all official UMD logos. Please contact the lead communicator in your unit for access to logo files. If you need a University of Maryland lockup created, please visit omc.umd.edu to submit a logo request form. Do not modify or create your own logo.

A comprehensive overview of our brand guidelines can be found at brand.umd.edu to include a link to our new Fearlessly Forward brand tool kit.

If two or more campus units that are coordinating an event, program or other joint effort and require the use of logos, the marks must be separate from one another, and neither may dominate the other, in order to protect the integrity of both logos.

University marks may not be used in conjunction with the name or marks of any other entity without prior written permission from the Office of Marketing and Communications and that entity. If corporate entity logos are locked up with a university mark on merchandise or promotional giveaways, the item is royalty-bearing.

For more information, contact licensing@umd.edu or visit Trademarks and Licensing.

This mascot mark features the cartoon version of the university's mascot, Testudo, holding the letter "M." No alterations in his stance or what he is holding or his facial expression are permitted without approval from Trademarks and Licensing.

The stylized turtle shell brand mark, honoring the university's connection to the native diamondback terrapin, is used primarily as an institutional branding asset. It may not be used on athletics-specific or -inspired merchandise.

Nothing may overlap the shell unless it is in designated rectangle space created by Creative Strategies, a unit in the Office of Marketing and Communications.

All approved unit-level logos are available in the university's digital asset management system, brandportal.umd.edu. If you do not see your logo, please contact the lead communicator in your unit.

The Office of Marketing and Communications produces all official UMD logos. If you need a University of Maryland lockup created, please use the Logo Request Form. Do not modify or create your own logo.