Frequently Asked Questions

UF Identity and Signature System.

General Questions

Q: Where can I download the UF signatures?

A: Downloadable TIFF and EPS versions are available at www.identity.ufl.edu, under "Signature System."

Q: I prefer to use the Gatorhead athletic logo. May I use it on my publication?

A: The Gatorhead logo cannot be used in place of the UF monogram/wordmark.

Q: When can I use the Athletic Association Gatorhead logo?

A: Use of the Gatorhead must be approved by the UAA. Contact Debbie Gay at debbieg@gators.uaa.ufl.edu for consideration.

Q: Can I use the UF signature for my department or unit but alter it to be a little different and set us apart?

A: No, the UF signature is a registered trademark and as such cannot be modified in any way.

Q: May I take the UF monogram out of the logo and use it as a graphic element on my brochure?

A: Yes, the monogram can be used as a separate element, or in the "vertical signature" form as depicted on the identity site.

Q: If I have questions or need approvals, who do I contact?

A: The Office of University Relations at 352-846-3903, or e-mail identity@admin.ufl.edu.

Q: What is a secondary signature?

What is proper usage?

A: Secondary signatures allow for individual identifiers while retaining an overall university identity. These signatures are not to be used on publication cover designs, stationery or business cards.

Q: How do I obtain a secondary signature for my unit?

A: The Office of University Relations will design each original college, school, department and unit signatures. An EPS version of your college/unit/department signature is available at MyUFL. If you do not find your signature, please contact the University Relations Publications Group at 352-392-0186 or identity@admin.ufl.edu to have one created.

Q: Am I required to use the images and signatures established as the "official" marks of the university-will there be penalties for not following the guidelines?

A: Yes, the identifiers are registered trademarks and must be used in all official university communications. Failure to use them, and use them properly, not only compromises the university's branding efforts, but could result in the loss of trademark protection under the law.

Q: Where do I place the UF signature in print materials or on my web site?

A: In print materials such as brochures, newsletters and magazines, the primary university signature must be clearly and prominently displayed on the front cover. On web sites, the preferred position is in the lower right-hand corner of the home page.

Q: We're still using the old UF wordmark on our department's web pages and on our print materials. Do we have to create new materials using the new logo?

A: You should have your web manager update your web site immediately. Printed materials that were printed prior to 8/1/06 can continue to be used until depleted. Any materials printed after 8/1/06 should already be in compliance.

Q: I would like to use another logo in addition to the UF signature on the cover of my brochure, since it is being paid for or sponsored by or is a joint venture? Can I use multiple logos on the cover?

A: Under these circumstances it is possible to include partners' logos on the cover, but the UF logo must be prominent, and separate from the other logos.

Q: What are the rules regarding adding logos of affiliated organizations?

A: It is possible to include strategic partners' logos on the cover, but the UF logo must be prominent, and separate from the other logos.

Q: I want my work to stand out and be different. Can I use other formats, colors, fonts and images not described and provided in the Identity Guidelines?

A: Possibly, but UF signatures cannot be modified or physically associated with other logos or graphic elements. If you feel you may not be in compliance, discuss your concepts with the Office of University Relations.

Q: To what degree may publications create their own personality within the confines of the identity guidelines?

A: To a great degree. The guidelines are not intended to limit creativity or individuality - just to insure that the university is identified in an appropriate and consistent way.

Q: Do you need to use a specific font for UF publications?

A: No. Font requirements are only specific to the official university logo graphics.

Q: How should the themeline "The Foundation of The Gator Nation" be used in text?

A: When it stands alone, it should be written as "The Foundation for The Gator Nation." In running copy, it can be written as "the foundation for The Gator Nation."

Q: Where can I find approved photography to use?

A: The university stock photography library contains thousands of UF-related images, and can be accessed at www.photos.urel.ufl.edu.

Q: How much time do we have to comply?

The deadline for stationery and business cards has been relaxed due to current budget challenges.

Q: When should web sites be updated?

A: Immediately.

Q: May I add my department's name underneath the UF Signature?

A: Yes, if you follow the guidelines for secondary signatures as described on www.identity.ufl.edu.

Seal

Q: What has happened to the seal of the University?

A: It is now reserved for use by the Office of the President, and on official UF documents such as diplomas and awards.

Q: My unit has always used the seal as our symbol. Can we continue to use it?

A: No, it is no longer approved for use as a logo, part of a logo, or a unit symbol.

Unique Logos

Q: Our department has its own logo. Where do I include it on our letterhead, business cards and note pads?

A: It cannot by used on letterhead, envelopes or business cards. Note pads used for internal use only can include the department logo, but notes distributed externally (off campus) should only have the official university logo.

Q: Can we continue to use our department's logo?

A: Only for internal purposes.

Q: Can I create a unique mark that will identify my department or unit?

A: No, individual department or unit logos are no longer approved.

Signage

Q: What about signage?

Are there any standards for signs that need to be made for either the interior or exterior of buildings?

A: Yes, the identity standards do include signs, and approved sign layouts are available at www.identity.ufl.edu.

Q: I have the old logo with the UF wordmark in vinyl on the door to my department. Does this need to be removed?

A: No, but the new logo should be applied when any circumstance requires repair or replacement of the door.

Stationery

Q: Is an electronic letterhead template available?

A: Yes, at www.identity.ufl.edu, under "Stationery System."

Q: Can I print letterhead in black only on my laser printer?

A: The template available on the identity web site is intended for use on color printers only. It will not print properly on a black & white printer. A black ink template is available through the Office of University Relations.

Q: My unit still has a supply of business cards and stationery with our previous logo but would like to eventually adopt the new signature. Do we have to switch now?

You may use all remaining supplies until depleted. Any new printings or reprints should comply with the standards.

Q: Is there more than one stationery style? Can I create my own version of stationery or business cards?

A: There is only one approved style, and all stationery must comply with that format. No modifications to the official formats are permitted.

Q: Where can I order new stationery & business cards?

A: There are several approved vendors who already have all the appropriate graphic elements. A list can be found at www.identity. ufl.edu. Click "Print" then "Stationery System," then "Print Vendors."

Business Cards

Q: May I print a double-sided business card?

A: Yes. This is the preferred way to handle situations where joint funding requires recognition of an additional entity. Approval by the Office of University Relations is required.

Q: Can anyone purchase business cards?

A: Only full-time staff and faculty are authorized to use official university business cards.

Colors

Q. Does everything have to be orange and blue?

A: No, detailed color-use guidelines are available at www.identity. ufl.edu. Click "Print," then "Print Color Palettes."

Q. What color can I use on the UF signatures?

A: The official UF signature can only be reproduced in orange & blue, blue, black, or white.

Q: What are the names (values) of the official orange and blue colors?

A: For printing, spot colors are: orange, PMS-172; blue, PMS- 287. CMYK colors are: orange, 49-1; blue, 205-1. For the web, RGB colors are: orange - 255, 74, 0; blue Ð 0, 33, 165. Hex colors are: orange - #FF4A00; blue - #0021A5.

Q: The UF signature logo looks purple rather than blue when I preview it on my monitor. Why?

A: Monitors vary in the way they reproduce color. The values provided at www.identity.ufl.edu were selected to insure consistency in printed form.

Q: To what extent can the secondary color palettes be used?

A: The secondary palettes are provided to compliment the primary (orange and blue) colors, but should not be used to replace them where they are required, such as in official logo graphics.

File Formats

Q: I downloaded the logo files for my department, but they are in eps and tif format. Why did you provide these formats?

A: Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) files are suitable for high quality print publications. EPS files are vector images on transparent backgrounds and can be scaled to any size without losing quality or resolution.

TIF files are suitable for printing from your personal/office desktop printer. They can be placed into software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher.

Q: I downloaded the UF signature files, but I can't open them. What should I do?

A: UF Signatures are available in eps and tif file formats. Only an illustration or photo software program such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe PhotoShop will open eps files. EPS files can be placed into graphics software such as InDesign, Quark, Illustrator, Pagemaker, Photoshop or any program that imports EPS files Tif files can be placed into software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher.

Q: How do I import an EPS file into my MS Word document?

A: TIF files can be placed into software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Publisher and are suitable for printing from your personal/office desktop printer.

Licensing

Q: When do you need permission to use the University marks?

A: As long as you are in compliance with the official UF identity standards, you do not need to request permission. However, if you are not certain of compliance, it is recommended that you contact University Relations at identity@admin.ufl.edu, or 846-3903.

Q: When do you need a license to use the University marks?

A: You do not need a license if you are officially associated with the university and using it for university business. You do need a license if you are planning to associate the marks with any non-UF commercial product, service or enterprise. More detailed guidelines can be found at www.identity.ufl.edu. Click "Licensing."

Q: Do I have to use the TM or Registration marks when using the UF signature?

A: Not on official UF communications.

Students

Q: Can students or student groups use the new signature or seal?

A: Only sponsored student groups can use the new signature. The seal can only be used by the Office of the President, and for official documents such as awards and diplomas.

Q: Can students order University of Florida business cards?

A: No, only full-time faculty and staff can have university business cards.

Q: I represent a student organization. We print T-shirts and collateral. Do we need to follow the identity guidelines?

A: Yes. Any person or group associated with the university must comply.

Outside Users

Q: May businesses and individuals outside of the university use the logos and marks of the university?

A: Not without authorization from the Office of University Relations.

Q: I am working with an outside vendor to have T-shirts made. The vendor asked for a vector version of the logo. What should I give them?

A: EPS (encapsulated postscript files) are vector files.

Q: I'm not part of the UF staff, but I'm a vendor partner (advertising agency, design firm, production designer, printer, etc.) that produces marketing and communications solutions for the University of Florida. Do these Identity Guidelines apply to outside projects also?

A: Yes. The university's logos are registered trademarks and as such must always be represented in a consistent manner. Outside organizations must acquire prior written approval before using any of the official marks.

Q: Can alumni or student groups sell products using the University's marks as a fundraiser?

A: Only with prior written authorization.

Q: A corporate vendor has provided many products for use in my department at a favorable cost. In exchange, the provider wants us to let them use the university name and logo on their website and in their marketing materials. Can we?

A: Yes, but only with prior written approval from the Office of University Relations.

General Guidelines

Q: As an academic institution, why should I care about branding?

A: The university competes with many other institutions for students, faculty, staff and funding. Our branding efforts are designed to project a consistent, positive image for UF, which makes us attractive to these critical audiences, and allows us to defend and grow our position in the academic world.

Q: Why is it important to follow the Graphic Standards?

A: There are two reasons. First, we are an extremely diverse institution, but our real strength lies in the fact that we are all part of the University of Florida. Our graphic standards allow us to communicate that relationship. Second, our logos are registered trademarks, and as such, by law, must be presented in a consistent form.

Q: I have a special project that does not seem to be addressed in the Identity Guidelines. Can I make exceptions?

A: Possibly, but you will need prior approval from the Office of University Relations.

Q: Who must follow the identity guidelines?

A: Anyone who is using the official university marks for any purpose.

Q: How do the Identity Guidelines apply to university entities such as institutes, centers or other affiliated entities like museums?

A: Auxiliaries have more flexibility, but it is recommended that they follow the official guidelines as closely as possible.