Select Page
Home » Toolkit » Brand

Our Brand

The UW Oshkosh brand is how outside parties perceive our organization. Through our messaging, storytelling, and visual identity, we accentuate our campus’s best attributes in order to stand out among more than 4,000 higher education institutions in the United States.

University Color Palette

The official colors of UW Oshkosh are black, yellow and white — colors that, taken together, both recall our institutional heritage and reflect our contemporary image.

Black
CMYK 0/0/0/100
Hex #000000
RGB 0/0/0

Yellow
CMYK 0/18/100/0
Hex #ffcc00
RGB 255/204/0

White
CMYK 0/0/0/0
Hex #ffffff
RGB 255/255/255

University Typography

As with other visual representations of the brand, consistency is important—typography is no different. Accordingly, the University primarily uses two typefaces in its communications: Baskerville and Avenir.

If Baskerville and Avenir are not available to you, acceptable substitutes are Times New Roman and Open Sans, Helvetica Neue or Arial.

University Lettermarks

Below is a selection of identifying marks for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Consistent use of these visual identifiers will strengthen our UW Oshkosh brand and our structure as three campuses, one University.

If you are creating digital or printed materials to represent the University, please make use of UMC’s brand review process.

Lettermark Usage Guidelines

UW Oshkosh Lettermark

The lettermark is the primary identifier of the University and, with few exceptions, should appear on all official documents.

There are three approved lettermarks, one for each of the University’s three campuses. For each campus lettermark, there are two versions – vertical and horizontal – as shown below. The vertical is the preferred version, but design considerations should take precedence in your usage decisions.

All lettermarks should always have at least 0.25″ clear space on all sides.

Size

The preferred size for vertical lettermarks in any standard printed document: Recommended height 1″ with 0.25″ clear space on all sides Minimum height 0.5″

The preferred size for horizontal lettermarks in any standard printed document: Recommended height 0.6″ with 0.25″ clear space on all sides. Minimum height 0.35″

When using a lettermark, it should be in proportion to the size of the piece on which it will appear. For example, using a lettermark at its minimum 0.5″ height on an 11″ x 17″ poster is not in proportion to the piece, as the lettermark would not be readily visible.

 

UW Oshkosh Sub-Branding

It is essential for UW Oshkosh colleges, departments, units and programs to leverage the identity of the University in order to benefit fully from the connection to this highly respected, comprehensive institution. University Marketing & Communications will work closely with departments, units or programs on the development of sub-branding incorporating the relevant campus lettermark. If you would like to use a sub-branded identifier like the one below, please submit a project request form here.

Other Visual Marks

Clash_ColorClash Mascot

University departments are asked to use the UW Oshkosh logo as their primary identifier. In cases where a Titan reference is made and the desire exists to leverage the campus mascot, Clash, we encourage and approve the use of the Clash Mascot Logo for general campus use on a case-by-case basis.

 

Athletics Logo

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Titans athletic wordmark, logo, trademark, mascot and name are reserved for the use by the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics and cannot be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the UW Oshkosh Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.

For logo usage questions, please contact Darren Brzozowski at brzozowd@uwosh.edu.

All rights reserved.

Former Wordmark

The former University of Wisconsin Oshkosh wordmark is a graphic containing the words “University of Wisconsin” in gray, a yellow curved line, and the word “Oshkosh” in black. It is no longer the active primary identifier for UW Oshkosh and should not be used on university documents or marketing materials.

Oviatt House Logo

The Oviatt House logo is a circular graphic depicting the Oviatt House and trees, accompanied by the University name. It is NOT the official UW Oshkosh logo and should not be used on university documents or marketing materials.

The Oviatt House logo was designed in the winter of 1977-1978 for use on a flag for an expedition to Antarctica by geology professor Thomas Laudon. Within the circle, the logo originally depicted a “moon’s eye view of the earth” to suggest UW Oshkosh’s worldwide impact.

Other images in the center of the logo were tried early in 1978, including a silhouette from the Oviatt House tower. Oviatt House’s rich history as the oldest building on campus (built in 1882-1883) lent this version of the logo a historic and collegiate appeal. Chancellor Edward M. Penson (1978-1989) soon gave it formal approval and stipulated that it become the official logo to be used on all University communications.

UW Oshkosh / Oshkosh Campus Lettermark

This lettermark is the primary identifier for the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. It should appear, with few exceptions, on all official documents. The wordmark is the only approved graphic representation of the University’s name and must follow all visual identity guidelines shown above.

It is also the primary identifier for the Oshkosh campus. 

Each download available below contains the following file formats: AI, EPS, PNG.
Color and Black downloads also include JPG.

Vertical Lettermark – Oshkosh – Color

Vertical Lettermark – Oshkosh – Black

Vertical Lettermark – Oshkosh – White

Horizontal Lettermark – Oshkosh – Color

Horizontal Lettermark – Oshkosh – Black

Horizontal Lettermark – Oshkosh – White

Fox Cities Campus Lettermark

This lettermark is the primary identifier for the Fox Cities campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Each download available below contains the following file formats: AI, EPS, PNG.
Color and Black downloads also include JPG.

Vertical Lettermark – Fox Cities – Color

Vertical Lettermark – Fox Cities – Black

Vertical Lettermark – Fox Cities – White

Horizontal Lettermark – Fox Cities – Color

Horizontal Lettermark – Fox Cities – Black

Horizontal Lettermark – Fox Cities – White

Fond du Lac Campus Lettermark

This lettermark is the primary identifier for the Fond du Lac campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Each download available below contains the following file formats: AI, EPS, PNG.
Color and Black downloads also include JPG.

Vertical Lettermark – Fond du Lac – Color

Vertical Lettermark – Fond du Lac – Black

Vertical Lettermark – Fond du Lac – White

Horizontal Lettermark – Fond du Lac – Color

Horizontal Lettermark – Fond du Lac – Black

Horizontal Lettermark – Fond du Lac – White

Writing Style Guide

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh style guide is a general resource for consistency in writing across all University communications.

A writing style guide is a tool to help UW Oshkosh communicators. It’s a list of choices that have been made to ensure consistency. Consistent style helps solidify the University’s brand platform and content strategy across communications.

UW Oshkosh Writing Style Guide

The style guide outlines specific rules and usages followed by the writers and editors of the University Marketing and University Communications team. UW Oshkosh defers to The Associated Press Stylebook when conflicting information exists.

University name

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

Full name, first reference: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Preferred second reference: UW Oshkosh
Third reference and beyond: “UWO” and “the University” may be used interchangeably.
Preferred abbreviation:
 UWO

  • There is no hyphen in University of Wisconsin Oshkosh or UW Oshkosh. (The hyphen is only acceptable in athletic marketing materials).
  • When referencing UW Oshkosh, capitalize University. When referencing other universities, do not.
  • Be sure, however, to use the hyphen when referencing other UW System schools, such as UW-Stout and UW-Whitewater.

Campus names

Oshkosh campus

Full name, first reference: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Oshkosh campus
Alternative first reference: Oshkosh campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Preferred second reference: Oshkosh campus

Fond du Lac campus

Full campus name, first reference: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fond du Lac campus
Alternative first reference: Fond du Lac campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Second reference: Fond du Lac campus or UWO Fond du Lac
Avoid other variations: University of Wisconsin Fond du Lac is not correct.

Fox Cities campus

Full campus name, first reference: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, Fox Cities campus
Alternative first reference: Fox Cities campus of the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh
Second reference: Fox Cities campus or UWO Fox Cities
Avoid other variations: University of Wisconsin Fox Valley or Fox Cities are not correct.

More rules for campus names

  • Do not refer to the Oshkosh campus with terminology that denotes higher value than the other campuses, such as the “main” campus or the “central” campus.
  • The Fond du Lac campus and the Fox Cities campus may be individually or collectively referred to as “access campuses.”
  • Do not use “centers,” “colleges,” “extensions,” “branch campuses,” or “satellite campuses” when referring to the Fond du Lac and Fox Cities campuses.
  • Do not use “Fondy” when referring to the Fond du Lac campus.
  • Do not use “Fox Valley” or “FV” when referring to the Fox Cities campus.
  • Do not use “FC” when referring to the Fox Cities campus.

 

UW Oshkosh Style Guide

Adviser/advisor

  • Adviser is preferred in communications, advisor is preferred in marketing materials.

Alumnus, alumni, alumna, alumnae

  • Use alumnus (alumni in the plural) when referring to a man who has attended school.
  • Use alumna (alumnae in the plural) for similar references to a woman.
  • Use alumni when referring to a group of men and women.
  • Use alum (alums in the plural) when a gender-neutral term is preferred.
  • Include graduating year with all alumni names (first reference only).
  • Use comma after year.
    • Example: Milton Baerwald ’52, is the foremost expert on sleep psychology.
  • In the case of multiple degrees, indicate abbreviated degree name with master’s degrees only.
    • Example: Zhou Na ’97 and ’99 MSE
  • Make sure the apostrophes are, in fact, apostrophes, as opposed to single quote mark. ( use ‘ not ‘)
  • Do not include expected year of graduation for current students, unless it is part of a student writer’s byline.
  • Some students who attended UWO but did not graduate are indicated in records by their “last year attended.” However, since they often consider themselves alumni, it is best to write something like Joe Smith, who studied German at UW Oshkosh, received an award.

Ampersands

  • Use the ampersand when it is part of a company’s formal name or composition title.
  • Use of the ampersand as a graphic element in design is acceptable.
  • Substitute “and” for ampersands in University college and departments.
    • Example: College of Education and Human Services

Attribution

  • When using a quote in writing, use the name of the person being attributed before the word “said,” except when using their title.
    • Example 1: “I went to the store,” John Smith said.
    • Example 2: “I went to the store,” said Dean John Smith.
  • When using a photo, no credits are needed for UMC staff photographers. If the photo is submitted, indicate under photo. Online, put in parenthesis.
    • Example 1: (Photo by Tara Mullings)
    • Example 2: (Photo courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum)

 

Bands

Titan Thunder Marching Band

  • Full name, first reference: Titan Thunder Marching Band
  • Second reference and beyond: “Titan Thunder” and “the marching band” can be used interchangeably. The abbreviation TTMB also is acceptable.
  • Follow style guidelines for the University name when preceding the marching band. So on first reference for both, “University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Titan Thunder Marching Band” is the full name.

Bolt Band

  • Full name, first reference: the Bolt Band
  • Second reference and beyond: “the pep band” can be used as long as it is clear it is referring to the Bolt Band.
  • Follow style guidelines for the University name when preceding the Bolt Band. So on first reference, “University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Bolt Band” is the full name.

Colleges

  • Names of colleges should be spelled out and capitalized.
    • Example: College of Business

Commas

  • Use commas to separate elements in a series, but do not put a comma before the final conjunction in a series, unless another conjunction in one of the final two items would confound the meaning.
    • Example: Faculty, staff and students attend the inaugural all-campus piñata party; attendees attacked the piñata with sticks, hatchets and bows and arrows.
  • For alumni, use comma after year.
    • Example: Milton Baerwald ’52, is the foremost expert on sleep psychology.
  • Always use a comma before a conjunction separating two independent clauses (compound sentences), but not before a conjunction separating dependent clauses.
    • Example: “I allow my students to text and use the internet in class, but I can’t tolerate daydreaming. NOT: “A new nationwide initiative, LAMO aims to enrich student’s experiences in the classroom, and to building collaborations within the community.”
  • Use a comma before the coordinating conjunction “so,” but not before the correlating conjunction “so that.”
  • Use a comma in “not only, but also” constructions.
    • Example: “Not only did the grammar professor hate excessive commas, but also she loathed the improper use of semicolons.”

 

Composition titles

Apply composition title guidelines to book titles, magazine and article titles, computer game titles, movie titles, opera titles, play titles, poem titles, album and song titles, titles of lectures, speeches, journals and works of art.

  • Italicize the title. NOTE: This rule differs from AP Style. 
  • Do not put quotation marks around a title. NOTE: This rule differs from AP Style. 
  • Capitalize the principal words, including prepositions and conjunctions of four or more letters.

 

Dashes

  • Em dash: Use an em dash (―) for abrupt changes in thought.
    • Example: The editor―usually a calm individual―became infuriated whenever an em dash was misused.
  • En dash: Use an en dash ( – ) for a span of time. No spaces should be included. An en dash should be used when writing UW school names besides UW Oshkosh
    • Example: 1–2 p.m., Dec. 3–5, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
  • Hyphen: Hyphens are joiners. Use them to avoid ambiguity or to form a single idea from two or more words. Hyphens are also used in school years.
    • Example: The 2011-12 academic year.

 

Degrees

  • Leave general degrees in lower case, including associate degree, bachelor’s degree in music, master’s degree, doctoral degree and doctorate.
  • Avoid official names of degrees, if possible. When using them, however, capitalize the degree.
    • Example: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Business Administration
  • Do not include Ph.D. after names of faculty members within text, except in formal invitations, programs and on-campus presentations.  In these situations, it also is acceptable to use the Dr. title for Ph.D.-holding faculty members on first reference only.
  • Avoid unnecessary prepositions.
    • Example: Use “English department,” not “department of English”

 

Departments

  • Names of academic departments should be kept in lower case, except for proper nouns.
    • Example: English department
  • Avoid unnecessary prepositions.
    • Example: Use “English department,” not “department of English”
  • Capitalize names of nonacademic departments.
    • Examples: University Marketing and Instructional Resource Center (IRC)

 

Ellipses

  • Use an ellipsis to indicate the deletion of one or more words in condensing quotes, texts and documents.
  • In general, treat an ellipsis as a three-letter word, constructed with three periods and two spaces.
    • Example: She used ellipses … very carefully.

 

Email

  • Avoid using email as a verb, instead use “contact.”
    • Example: For more information, contact the Alumni Relations Office at alumni@uwosh.edu. Not: For more information, email alumni@uwosh.edu.
  • Use a hyphen when referencing other e-terms, such as e-book, e-business, e-commerce, etc.

 

J. J. Keller

  • J. J. Keller Field is located at Titan Stadium and should be mentioned whenever the Oshkosh Sports Complex is referenced. A space must be placed between the Js.

 

Maiden names

  • Maiden names should be included whenever possible when referencing an alumna.
  • Place the maiden name in parenthesis between the first and last name.

 

Phone numbers

  • Always include area code in parenthesis, including (800) numbers.
    • Example: (920) 555-5555

 

Photo cutlines

  • When identifying multiple people, use parenthesis and directions to guide reader through the IDs.
    • Example: Students (left to right) Bill Smith and Julie Johnson enjoy an ice cream cone.
    • Example: Students Scott Adams (front) and Wendy Jones snack on popcorn.

 

States

  • Follow AP style and spell out state names.
  • Use ZIP code abbreviations for full mailing addresses only.
  • Use “Wisconsin” after the names of Wisconsin cities that are obscure or are more recognizable as locations in other states.

 

Students

  • Major, year in school and hometown should be included when using student sources.
    • Example: “This is the best place in the world,” said Vincent Cruz, a freshman political science student from West Allis.

 

Theater/theatre

  • Use theatre when referencing the department, faculty and staff, season or other University entities. Use theater in other instances, besides proper nouns.
    • Example: The UWO theatre season is fast approaching, said Jane Purse-Wiedenhoeft, theatre department chair.
    • Example: The Oshkosh campus has a theater called the Theatre Arts Center.

 

Titles

  • Capitalize academic titles when they precede the individual’s name.
    • Example: Dean Seon Yoon Chung
  • Avoid unnecessary prepositions
    • Example: Dubear Kroening, biology professor, not Dubear Kroening, professor of biology
    • Example: Laura Jean Baker, associate English professor, not Laura Jean Baker, associate professor of English
  • Do not include Ph.D. after names of faculty members within text. (An exception is in formal on-campus event programs and presentations.)
  • When highlighting a faculty member’s field of study or research program, especially in the sciences and social sciences, it is acceptable to identify them with their professional titles rather than their academic titles.
    • Example: Joe Peterson, vertebrate paleontologist
    • Example: Amy Knepple Carney, developmental psychologist

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh

  • Use University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (no hyphen) on first reference. (The hyphen is only acceptable in athletic marketing materials).
  • Use UW Oshkosh upon second reference.
  • Use the University and UWO interchangeably in future references.
  • When referencing UW Oshkosh, capitalize University. When referencing other universities, do not.

Websites

  • URLs should not end with a slash (/). There is no need to use http://  or www with web addresses.
    • Example: uwosh.edu/admissions

Brand Platform

The following brand elements outline the messaging strategy for UW Oshkosh. Collectively highlighting these concepts will help the broader public understand what truly makes our University unique.

UW Oshkosh Brand Platform

Key Messaging

Opportunity of Place

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has a unique advantage being located in the highly populated northeast Wisconsin region. The region provides limitless opportunities for internships, employment, community service and research for students. The city of Oshkosh provides an urban setting with many amenities, making it a great place to live, work and play.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a nationally ranked leader in sustainability.

Be a part of something bigger than yourself. The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is ranked third in the country for its work in sustainability. This foundational element for UW Oshkosh is infused in our curriculum, our daily lives and demonstrates internationally what a university can do to change the world.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is a research-enhanced comprehensive university.

UW Oshkosh delivers a student-centered education that is not commonly associated with regional comprehensive universities – providing a full range of undergraduate and graduate research opportunities. Faculty members have strong research and publishing credentials while keeping their teaching a top priority.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh is redefining general education in this country.

The newly launched general education at UW Oshkosh provides students with an assessable, common intellectual experience that also embraces the traditional breadth of a liberal arts education to prepare them for the challenges of work, engaged citizenship and a meaningful and satisfying life.  The new University Studies Program is being looked at nationally as a new model for general education in this country.

At the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, students are at the heart of all we do.

UW Oshkosh provides a hands-on, collaborative academic experience, promoting discovery in a community that celebrates inclusive excellence, fuels imagination, and champions critical thinking and opportunity in a supportive and caring environment. With a campus big enough to provide opportunity but small enough to provide support, student success is at the heart of all we do.

Brand Promise

A brand promise is a simple, powerful statement declaring an organization’s commitment to its constituencies. A brand promise is based on distinctiveness and authenticity — a memorable claim that an organization owns and lives. We are committed to fulfilling these promises, but if we fall short, we acknowledge it head-on, learn from it and do our best to make things right.

UW Oshkosh has several constituencies: students, alumni, faculty and staff, the community, our partners and our environment. To each we make a distinct brand promise.

Our promise to our students

UW Oshkosh provides a hands-on, collaborative academic experience, promoting discovery in an environment that celebrates inclusive excellence, fuels imagination, and champions critical thinking and opportunity.

Our promise to our alumni

UW Oshkosh sends its graduates into the world as talented, liberally educated, technically skilled global citizens who are fully engaged as leaders and participants in economic, civic, political and social life and who have lifelong ties to the University.

Our promise to our faculty and staff

UW Oshkosh is a center of excellence that provides continuous opportunities for research and professional growth in a caring environment that encourages diversity, inclusivity and open dialogue.

Our promise to our local communities and region

UW Oshkosh is a regional center for the celebration of knowledge, culture and community that nurtures openness, imagination, diversity and opportunity. We partner with our community constituencies, actively listening to their needs and developing educational opportunities that shape our collective, global future.

Our promise to our business and educational partners

UW Oshkosh is an environment of expertise, opportunity and openness. We encourage growth, offer collaboration, and provide access to innovative resources, people and ideas. We respond to our partners’ needs in open and forthright ways.

Our promise to our environment

UW Oshkosh strives to use resources responsibly, and demonstrates leadership in environmental, social and economic sustainability.

Brand Attributes

Brand attributes can be seen as a collection of facts about a product, service or organization. They describe the function, the features and the strengths of an entity.

Key Brand Attributes of UW Oshkosh

  • Affordable, accessible, high-quality education that prepares students to become strong partners, responsible leaders, agile thinkers and active learners, who create and thrive in a diverse society.
  • Small classes taught by engaged professors who are leaders in their fields of study and who provide students with one-on-one interaction.
  • Curricula that emphasize critical thinking, enhance learning outcomes and provide graduates with both intellectual and practical skills to positively impact their communities now and in the future.
  • Forward-looking programs and technology-intensive learning opportunities that prepare students to discover and put innovation into practice, whether they pursue further education or careers in their chosen fields.
  • Partnerships and collaborations that offer opportunities for innovation and growth, building a foundation for a stronger Wisconsin.
  • A commitment to providing abundant opportunities for life-changing experiences, such as internships, study abroad, on- and off-campus leadership and collaborative research projects.
  • The foresight to recognize emerging trends in a changing landscape and the agility to respond in ways that best serve our University, as well as our broader regional, state, and national communities.
  • A dedication to creating a more sustainable future through the University’s operations, its educational mission, its research and its outreach.

Email Signature

A well designed email signature conveys professionalism and serves as a promotion opportunity for you and the University. Below are some guidelines and a sample template that you can use when creating your signature. It is not required that you use the template, but doing so will help to establish a cohesive University brand.

Signature guidelines

  • Set the font formatting to 9 point Arial.
  • Include a horizontal campus lettermark, name, title, department/unit, campus location, office location, phone number and email address. Feel free to include additional information (fax, cell, etc.) if needed.
  • Download campus lettermarks sized specifically for email signatures below. When placing the lettermark in your signature, use the “Insert Picture Inline” function.

When complete, your branded email signature should look similar to the sample below.

When you are finished, be sure to click Save to commit your changes. You will see your newly edited signature at the bottom of the next new email you create.