Use of the Penn State Mark

NOTE: The correct marks on this Web page are saved at a lower resolution and should not be used in print publications. To download marks suitable for print, visit www.altoona.psu.edu/ur/logos.php

A strong visual identity system offers many advantages to an institution such as Penn State Altoona. It helps eliminate confusion in the minds of target audiences, unifies and strengthens the institution and all its component parts, and projects an image of excellence and cohesiveness that attracts high-quality students and faculty.

The Penn State visual identity system is centered on the University's mark, which is a shield with the date of the University's founding, the well-known Nittany Lion, and a uniquely drawn "PENNSTATE" logotype. Together with the geographic location of each campus, the mark is combined to form the University's various "signatures." Along with typography, color, and format, these signatures are the basic elements of the Penn State visual identity system.

Strict University guidelines govern the use of the Penn State/Penn State Altoona logo/mark. Deviation from these rules is not permissible. A complete copy of the University's Visual Standards Manual is available on the web at http://publications.psu.edu/.

The following is a list of some important guidelines to remember when using the mark in any publication, advertisement, or other written material:

The shield is always placed below the "STA" of the logotype, with the left edge of the "S" and the right edge of the "A" serving as borders.

The University colors are dark blue (PMS 287) and white. A light blue (PMS 285) may also be used to expand creative possibilities. The preferred and standard mark utilizes dark blue or the logotype, rule and campus identifier and the light blue for the shield. However, other color variants are permissible. Please check with UR if you have any questions as to the proper use of the other colors, as some color usage is not permissible.

The approved typeface for campus identifiers and stationery is Times. Its usage is strongly encouraged for body copy in University brochures and other publications.

The mark must be used on all publications, Web pages, advertisements, and any other written materials that will be seen by our external constituencies.

The Office of University Relations can provide you with the Penn State and Penn State Altoona marks on disk, electronically, as well as camera-ready copies for your usage.

YES!

When printing the mark on dark backgrounds, the border surrounding the shield is outlined in white, and the shield border, lion and date must all be the same color, preferably white as is the one above.

NO!

Never reverse the mark on a dark color as illustrated above but when using the mark on a lighter color or over an image, the mark illustrated below is acceptable.

YES!

The "PENNSTATE" logotype can never be used without the accompanying shield.

NO!

The shield may be used alone.

YES!

Do not alter the spacing and sizing of the shield and logotype.
NOTE: For Web pages, the ENTIRE Penn State mark is needed in the upper left hand corner of every page. The shield alone is not allowed.

NO!

Do not set your own type.

NO!