OVERVIEW

Why standards are important

We are stronger when we speak as one.

When the diverse individual parts of our great institution associate their unique strengths with those of their peers through a consistent, coordinated presentation of the University's identity, collectively we increase our reputation for excellence and emphasize the many benefits the University provides to all those we serve.

The University’s identity declares who we are as a whole while maintaining the uniqueness of our individual parts. That identity includes the campus name, symbols, colors, and messages. Content developers at the University should take steps to ensure that all communications products clearly present the University’s visual identity and Illinois Messages.

Chancellor Richard Herman and Provost Linda Katehi understand the need for the campus community to adhere to basic standards to communicate a consistent, quality University identity. Read a message from the Chancellor and Provost.

The Illinois Identity Standards, intended for both internal and external users, are designed to help promote and protect the University's identity. The standards are organized into three sections: Illinois Messages, the Writing Style Guide, and the Graphic Standards Manual.

Graphic Standards Manual

The Graphic Standards Manual provides guidelines for using the University's logos, typefaces, trademarks, and colors in print, online, and in video. Subsections regarding campus unit logos, business cards, letterhead, and stationery are under development.

View a brief overview of what's new.

Those with questions may sign up for one of many scheduled workshops on the calendar.

Illinois Messages

The Illinois Messages section is under development. When completed, it will tell the Illinois Story and provide talking points and explanations of who we are and what differentiates us from our peers.

Writing Style Guide

The Writing Style Guide is intended to offer guidelines to help campus communicators consistently use the same punctuation, terms, and formal nouns when developing external communications products for general audiences.

The process

Our campus is undergoing a strategic planning process that will guide us in the development of marketing messages that will define who we are and what makes us different from our peers, as well as our aspiration to become the pre-eminent public research university in the nation.

As part of the strategic planning process, we also will develop an integrated communications plan to effectively reach key constituents. The identity standards offer guidance for consistently communicating our images and messages to build familiarity among key audiences.

Compliance dates

Print

Print products developed after January 2, 2007, must comply with the graphic standards for print. Existing print communications must comply by January 2, 2009.

Web/Electronic

Web pages and PowerPoint presentations developed after January 2, 2007, must comply with the Web standards or presentation standards. Existing Web home pages must comply with the Web standards by June 1, 2007.

Review

The Chancellor's office will charge a committee to monitor compliance with the identity standards. The committee will review Web pages and print publications quarterly (March, June, September, and December).

Colleges and units that produce communications that comply with standards will be publicly recognized. If communications do not follow the standards, the Chancellor will send a letter to the college or unit explaining how they can comply. The Chancellor will enforce stricter consequences if colleges and units fail to comply after initial suggestions.

To assist with compliance, colleges and units should send print publications to Public Affairs, MC-304, 601 East John Street, Champaign, 61820. This is in accordance with the State Library Compliance Act as presented in the Campus Administrative Manual and as a page on this site.

More information about Illinois Identity Standards

Contact Bridget Jamieson at 333-5010 or bmj@uiuc.edu.