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


Informal Seal
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.



Formal Seal
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.



Word Mark
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.


Incorrect Logo Usage
The following examples demonstrate incorrect logo usage:




Unit Identity
A complementary system of unit identification has been designed for every college, school, department and major center on campus to connect each unit with the university. Official department logos must be used in all communication materials, inclusive of publications, websites and other digital collateral.
Name of College

Name of College With Department

Name of College With Center

There are two variations of department logos available for use. One version emphasizes the University of Maryland, with the school, college or department names secondary. The other version reverses that relationship, featuring "University of Maryland" in the seal in small type and maximizing the unit-level name.


Multiple Units Within Maryland
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.

Maryland Logos With Third-party 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.

Other University Marks
"Muscle Testudo" Mascot Mark
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.
Mascot Mark Example


Shell Brand Mark
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.
Example of Mark

Request a Logo
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.