University Relations launches new brand, visual identity system

A new brand and visual identity system for UW–Madison is now being rolled out on campus, Vince Sweeney, vice chancellor for university relations, has announced.

Created to help present a unified message and look for the vast array of campus units, the new system includes an updated, multi-tiered institutional logo for use on materials ranging from printed publications to stationery items, guidelines for appropriate use of the brand, and website templates. The system is endorsed by Chancellor Biddy Martin.

“Taking steps to ensure that the university’s brand and visual identity is used consistently is essential as we compete in the higher-education marketplace and communicate with our key audiences within Wisconsin and beyond,” says Sweeney. “The first critical connection any campus unit — from a school or college to a research center to a student-services program — can make to establish credibility is a connection to the university. Working as a team to leverage the university’s brand benefits the entire campus.”

A newly created brand and visual identity website includes guidelines for implementing the new system.

In keeping with the university’s commitment to sustainability, Sweeney says, campus units are asked to use current supplies of materials such as letterhead or business cards before ordering materials that reflect the new visual identity.

“The campus community is justifiably proud of the presence and strength of the university,” says Sweeney. “Presenting a public face that is instantly recognizable as UW–Madison is a way to demonstrate that pride.”