Student Organization Logos
Official University-funded Student Organizations:
Official University-funded student organizations must work under the guidance and approval of their departmental advisors to choose between one of three different options for their logo:
Option A: Academic Secondary Logo,
Option B: Spirit Secondary Logo, or
Option C: A Non-UTRGV Trademark Logo
- While official University-funded student organizations may choose any of these options with the approval of their departmental advisors, only one logo is to be chosen. Once a logo has been chosen, the student organization will only use the selected logo. Official University-funded student organizations may not use multiple logos and visual identities that change based on context, use, audience, etc.
- If Option A or Option B is selected, no alterations are permitted. These options are part of our official brand identity and logo system and are standardized. Logo usage will follow the same parameters as university departments, colleges, divisions, etc.
- University Marketing and Communications creates all secondary logos using our official marks. While UMC generally does not create custom logos for student organizations (Option C), we are happy to make an exception and assist the select funded student organizations that want to go down that path. Otherwise, UMC can provide student organizations with feedback on their logo creation, as desired.
- UMC will provide student groups and departments with guidelines and examples on how to represent multiple departments collaborating on events in a marketing piece.
- UMC will also be able to provide student groups with color variations of the updated or new logos to cut costs when printing.
- UMC can help make sure branding guidelines are being followed and ensure that there are no trademark infringements or other issues that would cause a hold-up with licensing and printing. Please reach out anytime.
University non-funded Student Organizations:
Non-funded student organizations have much freedom in the design of their logo. However, design restrictions consider how these organizations reference their affiliation to UTRGV without using any university trademarks.
- Non-funded student organizations may not use the primary or secondary UTRGV logos (Spirit Mark, Academic Mark, or any other trademarked graphic) and may not modify or redesign any of those marks as part of their logos.
- The proper way to indicate they are affiliated with UTRGV is to add “at UTRGV” or “at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley” at the end of their student organization name. This should be in text in any standard font, but the university name shouldn’t be stylized or given a graphical text treatment. Both the fully spelled out university name or initials version need to have the "TM" symbol.
- Non-funded student organizations may opt not to indicate they are affiliated with the University ("at UTRGV" or "at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley), under the risk of not being related to the university.
- Since the university name itself is trademarked, student organizations must use licensed vendors to print promo items when the university name is included.
- We encourage student organizations to use the University’s colors when creating their logos and visual identities. This is just a recommendation.
Examples of non-funded student organization:
