Logo and Identity Usage
The WVU Logo, Wordmarks and University Seal
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Our logo, tagline, and University seal are available for use in our Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva Libraries. College wordmark files are available for download below.
Access to Adobe’s Creative Suite is provided through ITS. Once installed, visit the link below to get access to the WVU Brand Kit. You must be logged in to your Adobe account to access the link.
For more information on our Canva Library and to purchase a license, please contact Mark Webb using the link below.
The Flying WV with Signature
Our logotype consists of two elements: the flying WV logo mark, and the name, or signature, West Virginia University.
Logotype Usage
Our logotype may appear in four colors only: black, white, gold and blue.
This ensures that our logo remain timeless, and is always recognized as the West Virginia University logo.
Using the logo in a one color format is common, but only WVU’s blue or white is acceptable. Do not use our logo in all gold, or any other color.
Only the Flying WV should appear in old gold. The logo signature should not.
Clear Space
Maintaining ample clear space around the logo ensure that it remains legible, and doesn’t get lost within the composition. Photos, text and graphic elements should never be placed within the pictured clear space.
Sizing
There is no maximum size limit, but use discretion when sizing the logo. Never reproduce the logo at widths smaller than 1.5 inches. When space is limited, the Flying WV is the preferred mark.
Do not substitute another typeface for West Virginia University.
Do not use the signature without the Flying WV.
Do not add type or graphic elements to the logotype.
Do not change the scale of the elements in the logotype.
Do not add drop shadows or other visual effects to the logotype.
Do not stretch, condense or change the dimensions of the logotype.
Do not put the logotype in a box or otherwise enclose by rules, outlines, shapes or color.
Do not put the logotype in a box or otherwise enclose by rules, outlines, shapes or color.
Do not change the colors of the logotype.
Do not place the two-color version of our logotype onto backgrounds that render it illegible.
Do not place the one-color version of our logotype onto backgrounds that render it illegible.
College Lock-ups, Wordmarks, and Sub Brands
When representing a WVU school, college, department or unit, the lock-ups and wordmarks should be visually consistent. All lock-ups and wordmarks should be created or approved by University Relations.
Standard one-line logo lockup
Use the height of the lowercase “e” for proper spacing.
- Helvetica Regular
- Kerning: Optical
- Case: All caps
Standard two-lines logo lockup
- Helvetica Regular
- Kerning: Optical
- Case: All caps
The WVU logomark and logotype are the only symbols generally used to represent the University, and must appear prominently in all WVU visual communications (print, online and multimedia). Using multiple logos can result in visual confusion and dilutes the WVU brand.
As a general rule, WVU schools, colleges, academic units and departments are not permitted to have a logo. Individual logos at this level reduce the impact and effectiveness of the University’s brand identity.
Secondary Logos
Graphic Identifiers for Special Events
A logo may be used to mark special occasions such as annual events, campaigns and anniversaries. The duration of the use of this logo is short-term, and promotes and identifies only this particular event.
Any secondary logo used on University publications or marketing materials must be approved in advance by University Relations. Please submit at least four to six weeks before needed. A secondary logo cannot include or incorporate any existing WVU trademark, and must be subordinate to, and used in conjunction with, the WVU logotype.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My department wants to create a unique logo of our own. Why shouldn’t we?
A: When organizations adopt a new mark they typically spend millions of dollars over years to build the desired associations between the organization and the visual identity. We already have a powerful symbol that evokes incredibly strong, positive emotions for thousands of people in our state and across the world. Consistently showing that your unit is part of the WVU brand strengthens its influence as well. Having multiple, competing logos for departments and schools/colleges can contribute to confusion and dilution of our visual identity.
Q: As an academic institution, why should we care about branding? Isn’t that for commercial enterprises?
A: Branding is the term for building a strong identity. You could substitute the word reputation. All types of organizations need a positive reputation. A strong identity builds confidence, trust and respect. One important way to build a strong identity is through consistent use of visual images and a recognizable look and feel to published materials.
University Seal
The University seal is used in a very formal context, such as on a diploma or for Commencement materials, or by the WVU President’s Office. It is also used as a watermark on official WVU letterhead. Please use the University logomark or logotype as an identifier instead.
Affiliates
Three affiliated organizations use their own logos: the WVU Foundation, the WVU Alumni Association and the Mountaineer Parents Club. These logos should be used only as shown here, and only in gold and blue, or, for the Alumni Association and Foundation logotypes only, in a single solid color. The Mountaineer Parents Club logomark may be screened in a single color. The Foundation and Alumni Association logotypes may also appear in white (reversed).
