Guidelines for use of our logos and wordmark
Please read through these guidelines on our Crookston campus wordmark and logos. You will learn about combinations, buffer space, minimum sizes, incorrect and correct usages of the logo, as well as, taglines, the Golden Eagle logo and Regents Seal.
Logo Overview
Official University logos include the Wordmark, Block M, Unit/Wordmark combination, Golden Eagle, and Regents Seal. The use of these marks on communications helps our audiences to quickly see that it is a University communication.
These logos have specific uses and are not interchangeable. The guidelines explain when and how to use each of the University’s logos.
Before proceeding, note the following:
- All marks are reserved for official University business and may not be used to promote non-University activities or imply endorsement.
- Units may not develop new logos or alter existing logos.
- Third party logos may only be used in conjunction with University marks if a signed agreement between the University and the outside vendor or company has been executed. Any use of third party marks on University materials must be approved by the University Relations. Whenever possible, sponsors or collaborators should be indicated in text, not with a logo.
- To use any logos on merchandise or apparel, see University's Products and Licensing.
- Student Organizations registered through Student Activities should review the student group handbook for rules pertaining to logo usage. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are not permitted to use University trademarks except for the official RSO mark.
- When multiple internal collaborators or sponsors join forces, the University’s wordmark is the only identity mark/logo that should be used. Additional references and credits can be highlighted in text.
Wordmark
The Wordmark is a graphic element, not a type style. It is a foundational brand element that should be used in all communications to provide a visual indication of its origin or source.
- Do not type the Wordmark or use it in a sentence.
- The Wordmark may not be altered in any way but may be combined with official unit designations through the unit and Wordmark combination logo.
- Each University of Minnesota campus has a distinct version of the Wordmark incorporating the campus’s name.
- Do not use the ® or ™ symbols with the Wordmark.
Placement
- Place the Wordmark (or unit and Wordmark combination logo) in a prominent location on a designed piece where the Wordmark isn't overshadowed by other elements.
- Note: Websites must include the Wordmark in an approved web header; do not duplicate elsewhere on a umn.edu site.
- When using the Wordmark and a unit name as separate elements, they must be far enough apart so as to not appear grouped.
- Do not duplicate the Wordmark on any designed piece.
Buffer Space
Leave a buffer space the height of the letter "N" between the wordmark and other graphic elements or the edge of the page.
Minimum Size
Because the Wordmark can appear in vertical (stacked) and horizontal orientations and is customized for each campus, the minimum width is measured against the word “Minnesota."
The word "Minnesota" must be 7/8" (.875") wide.
In digital applications, the entire mark “University of Minnesota” must be no smaller than 220 pixels wide on desktop screens and 170 pixels wide on mobile screens.
Wordmark and Other University Logos
- The Wordmark should be used on all visual communications when space permits.
- The Wordmark may be used in combination with the Block M in either a horizontal or vertical orientation, except on umn.edu websites where only a horizontal orientation is permitted.
- Golden Eagle logo(s) may be used on the same piece as the Wordmark but should not be combined into one element.
Crookston Campus Preferred Wordmark and Block M Combinations
| Preferred Version | Logo |
|---|---|
| Version 1 | 
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| Version 2 | 
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Other acceptable versions
Note: They may be in full color, black and white, official maroon, official gold, or reversed in white. Other colors should be avoided.
| Acceptable Version | Logo |
|---|---|
| Version 1 | 
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| Version 2 | 
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| Version 3 | 
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| Version 4 | 
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Wordmark and Unit Combinations
The wordmark may not be incorporated or blended into another logo or name. It may be used in combination with a unit's own logo. Combining the wordmark with your unit's logo or name communicates your unique connection to the University.
Templates have been created for combining a unit logo with the wordmark. Please contact Printing and Design for support.
| Example 1 | Example 2 |
|---|---|
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Block M
The Block M is one of the most recognized logos in the state. All campuses, colleges, departments, and other units are encouraged to use it.
- Use the Block M in addition to the Wordmark, not as a substitute for it.
- The Block M may be used as a design element by incorporating it into a pattern, cropping, or screening. Any use of the Block M in this manner requires review and approval by University Marketing Communications.
- Include a ® on all instances of the Block M except where its size may render it illegible.
| Option 1 | Option 2 |
|---|---|
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The Block M may not be:
- Altered in any way that distorts its proportions.
- Blended or incorporated into other logos except as prescribed in the Wordmark/Unit combination section.
- Used in any color other than Maroon, Gold, Black, White, or Grey.
- Used as a letter in a word.
Cropping of Block M (cut off) is allowed
- Must ensure majority of Block M is visible so that it is still recognized as our mark
- Side cropping is preferred so that the top and bottom of the M are discernable
Block M used with a unit is allowed. To do so, use the Block M name template.
- The Block M is the most recognized symbol of the University of Minnesota within Minnesota.
- The Block M may not be used as a letter in a word; instead the Block M stands for the words “University of Minnesota”.
- To avoid confusion:
- Use the wordmark in addition to the Block M to differentiate from other universities who also use a Block M.
- When there is the potential for confusion with another entity, include the wordmark or spell out “University of Minnesota” in body copy.
- Spell out names rather than relying solely on acronyms as they take a lot of time and resources to have meaning for audiences.
Placement
- Place the Block M in a prominent location on the designed piece (poster, website, flyer, etc.), where it isn't overshadowed by other elements.
- The Block M must be far enough away from other elements so as to not appear grouped.
- Do not duplicate the Block M on any designed piece (poster, website, flyer, etc).
Buffer Space
Leave a buffer space the height of the M serif between the block M and graphic elements or the edge of the page.
Block M Minimum Sizes
- 1/2" (.50")
- 45 pixels
Digital Applications
All University websites on the umn.edu domain are required to use the University's web header and footer. The web header includes the Block M at the upper left along with the Wordmark.
Do not duplicate the Block M in other locations on pages with the official header and footer.
HTML email should use either the email templates with the Block M included or place the Block M in a prominent location within the email along with the Wordmark. Use the appropriate buffer space to separate the Block M from other graphic elements or text.
Do not duplicate the Block M within an email.
Other considerations when using the Block M in digital settings:
- Digital Wordmarks should be used when creating digital ads or other digital content when a template doesn’t exist.
- A responsive Block M/Wordmark combination is incorporated into the official header for all umn.edu websites.
Social Media
The Block M can be used in profile images or other graphics designed for social networking sites.
Block M as a Graphic
University Relations must approve any design that uses the block M as a graphic element as shown below. This includes designs that:
- Use the block M in a pattern.
- Crop, screen or otherwise alter the logo.
Headlines and Taglines
Headline
Use the headline "Small Campus. Big Degree. Best of Both Worlds." on marketing materials for prospective students.
Tagline
What you should do now
Here’s what units and communicators can do now to align with this transition:
- Remove references to Driven to Discover in written content, letterhead, websites, email headers, and materials.
- Stop using logos that include the Driven to Discover tagline. Use the updated logos now available at the top of this page.
- Take inventory of your unit’s most visible materials (websites, key publications, signage) and prioritize which to update first.
- Work with your MarComm lead to plan for broader updates once new brand assets launch in Spring 2026.Current Updates
Correct/Incorrect Uses
The following are examples of incorrect ways to use the wordmark, plus correct alternatives.
Incorrect:
Wordmark is incorporated into a sentence.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
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Incorrect:
Adjacent type attempts to duplicate the wordmark type style.
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
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Incorrect:
Insufficient buffer space around the wordmark
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
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Incorrect:
The wordmark should not be sandwiched between to elements
| Incorrect | Correct |
|---|---|
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Incorrect:
The Block M should NEVER be incorporated into a word or phrase and should NOT be used as part of UMC
Golden Eagle Logo
The Golden Eagle logo can be found in the Crookston campus Images Library.
- The Golden Eagle logo adopted by the Image and Marketing Committee on April 9, 2001, is the official University of Minnesota, Crookston Golden Eagle Logo to be used as a major mark. The Golden Eagle is registered as a trademark
- The Golden Eagle logo always faces left. It does not include a background.
- The use of any other Golden Eagle Logo marks is not approved.
- The buffer zone for the Golden Eagle logo is 1/4”.
| Option 1 | Option 2 | Option 3 |
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Digital Applications
The Golden Eagle represents the Crookston campus in informal communications. It does not replace the required Block M and Wordmark combination for digital communications.
Social Media
The Golden Eagle represents the Crookston campus in informal communications. The Golden Eagle is not to be used in place of the Block M in social media profile graphics.
Regents Seal
The Board of Regents adopted the Regents Seal in 1939 as the corporate seal of the University of Minnesota. The Latin motto omnibus artibus commune vinculum means “a common bond for all the arts.” The lamp represents the metaphysical sciences, the telescope the physical sciences, the plow the industrial arts, and the palette and brushes the fine arts.
Unlike the Wordmark or Block M, the Regents Seal is not available for widespread use. The Regents Seal is reserved for official awards, gifts, event materials, and documents involving the Board of Regents or bearing the signature of the president or a vice president, chancellor, dean, or member or officer of the Board of Regents. Contact University Relations at [email protected] for approval.
