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University Identity and Style Guide

More and more over the last decade or so, top-tier universities have begun to understand the value of coordinated, well-planned, and well-designed communications in attracting the best students, premier faculty, and lucrative partnerships. It is an understanding of this more competitive market that compels major institutions to devote more effort and resources to the development of effective and coherent communications strategies. Among these strategies is a solid, well-executed graphic identity. To remain competitive, NYU must employ equally sophisticated and effective techniques for delivering its messaging.

NYU Graphic Standards and Logo Usage

The value of the NYU graphic identity lies in its ability to bring consistency and unity to the visual representation of the University in all of its communications. The term "graphic identity" refers to a set of visual characteristics. These characteristics include color, type style, and page composition or layout. Over time, the characteristics of the graphic identity will become visual signals that convey the values with which New York University is associated. Steady and coordinated use of the graphic identity will project organizational credibility, a sense of common cause, and professionalism. This will enable us to represent New York University in a manner commensurate with its position as a leader in the field of higher education.

Accordingly, the University has developed the New York University Graphic Standards and Logo Usage Guide, downloadable from this page, which should be strictly adhered to in the use of one consistent and uniform NYU logo. In addition, it sets forth mandates about proper usage when paired with a distinct "subidentity." It also places restrictions on the use of institutional iconography such as the torch as well as co-opted iconography such as the Washington Square Arch. This manual mainly addresses the Central Administration of the University but also gives guidance for individual school usage as well.

These guidelines are an important step in providing clear and specific rules to follow in terms of the NYU logo, from designing business cards and stationery to thinking through new communication needs. Adherence to them going forward will begin to introduce a visual consistency and coherence to NYU's communications.

Informed by this Standards Guide, those involved with the design and production of communications on behalf of NYU will be able to represent the University in an approved, unified, and coordinated manner.

Also presented in the Standards Guide are important guidelines for the proper use of the NYU logo. A range of official NYU logos in various file formats is provided for download from this page.

Additionally, the Standards Guide will explain the criteria that must be met when a unit within the University's Central Administration is interested in the development of an independent graphic identity. As a general matter, such distinct subidentities should be discouraged. They are often unnecessary and only serve to dilute the more important overall institutional identity each office or unit should be projecting.