SIUE Brand Guidelines FAQ
These frequently asked questions provide guidance on using the SIUE brand consistently across University communications. For complete requirements, refer to the SIUE Visual Identity Requirements and Brand Guidelines.
Who is required to follow the SIUE Brand Guidelines?
The guidelines apply to all faculty, staff, students and external partners using SIUE wordmarks, logos or other official brand assets in University communications. Departments and units are responsible for ensuring the materials they create, publish, produce or distribute comply with the Visual Identity Requirements.
Does my department need UMC approval before creating or publishing materials?
No. Artwork review is not required for every communication or marketing piece. Departments may create and distribute materials without prior UMC review as long as they comply with the SIUE Visual Identity Requirements.
If you are unsure whether a piece complies, submitting it for Artwork Review is strongly recommended. Departments are also encouraged to submit higher-visibility materials such as advertising, recruitment materials, major publications, signage, environmental graphics and promotional materials.
Please allow at least seven days for UMC’s portion of the Artwork Review process.
Do I need to submit artwork 60 days in advance?
No. The 60-day lead time applies when requesting University Marketing and Communications to develop a project or provide creative support.
Completed materials submitted only for Artwork Review do not require 60 days’ notice. Please allow at least seven days for UMC’s portion of the Artwork Review process.
Can our department, office or program create its own logo?
No. Departments, offices, programs, centers and other University units may not create or use their own logos, icons, seals, wordmarks or visual identities unless specifically approved by UMC.
Units should use the University signature line or an approved college, school or major unit lockup where appropriate. Previously approved identities and certain University-affiliated organizations may be exceptions.
When should I use the SIUE signature line instead of a department or unit lockup?
For marketing and communications materials, including social media posts, advertising, publications, event materials and recruitment communications, use the University signature line rather than a unit lockup. The unit name may be incorporated into the design as text when needed.
Approved college, school and major unit lockups are intended for situations where unit-specific identification is necessary, such as a unit’s primary social media profile image or other approved applications.
For University-wide communications, the University signature line should always be used.
Can I create my own department or unit lockup?
No. Official lockups are created and provided exclusively by University Marketing and Communications. Units may not create, modify or recreate their own lockups.
Not every department, office, program or center is eligible for a separate lockup. Units without an approved lockup should use the University signature line or the approved lockup of their associated college, school or major administrative unit.
Can I modify an SIUE logo to fit my design?
No. Official SIUE artwork may not be recreated, redrawn, traced or modified. This includes changing proportions, rearranging elements, substituting fonts, changing approved colors, adding text or graphic elements or creating new lockups.
Always use official artwork provided by University Marketing and Communications or, when appropriate, SIUE Athletics.
Can I use the University Seal?
The University Seal is SIUE’s most formal and historic symbol and is primarily reserved for ceremonial, historical and commemorative uses.
All uses of the University Seal must be approved by UMC. Seal files are restricted to UMC and are not distributed for general use.
Materials requiring the seal should be coordinated with UMC for design, production and approval.
The seal should not be used on common marketing or recruitment materials or departmental or student organization merchandise.
What do I need to know before ordering SIUE apparel or promotional items?
All apparel, promotional products, giveaways and other merchandise using SIUE branding must follow University brand and licensing requirements.
Items should use approved SIUE marks, be produced by a licensed vendor and be submitted for review before production. Do not place an order or begin production until the required brand and licensing approvals are complete.
Can we create custom artwork for a T-shirt, event or giveaway?
Yes. Custom artwork may be used for events, apparel and promotional items when it is clearly decorative, themed or promotional and does not function as a new University, department or program logo or competing mascot.
Approved SIUE marks must remain intact and should not be incorporated into custom artwork in a way that creates a new logo or visual identity. Merchandise designs must be reviewed before production.
Can I use AI to create graphics, photographs or other SIUE content?
AI may be used for brainstorming, creative exploration, copy ideation, mood boards and internal mockups.
AI-generated layouts, logos, wordmarks, signature lines, seals, mascots, icons or other institutional brand assets may not be used as final SIUE communications.
AI-generated people or campus experiences also may not be presented as authentic SIUE photography or video. Official communications depicting SIUE students, faculty, staff, alumni or visitors should use authentic photography and videography.
Are there accessibility requirements for branded digital materials?
Yes. Digital communications should comply with current WCAG AA accessibility standards.
This includes appropriate color contrast, meaningful alternative text for images, logical heading structure, readable typography and accessible links. Accessibility should be considered throughout the design process rather than added only after a communication is complete.
Are official SIUE social media accounts covered by the Brand Guidelines?
Yes. Official University social media accounts must follow SIUE brand standards and be registered with University Marketing and Communications.
Each official account must have at least two administrators. Account managers are responsible for content accuracy, brand compliance, accessibility, security and regular account maintenance.
Official accounts should use approved SIUE branding and should not create custom logos or profile graphics.
Do student organizations have to follow the SIUE Brand Guidelines?
Yes. Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) may develop their own logos and visual identities, but RSO logos must incorporate SIUE Red and may use additional colors to create a distinctive identity.
The University signature line must appear on RSO communications and promotional materials, either with the RSO logo or elsewhere on the piece, such as in an approved footer.
Materials must also include the statement:
“[Organization Name] is a registered student organization at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.”
RSO identities may not imply official University department status or incorporate, modify or recreate official SIUE logos, wordmarks, athletic marks or other protected University artwork without approval.
Certain student organizations with previously approved identities may be exempt from some requirements. Exceptions are determined by UMC.
What should I do if I’m unsure whether something follows the Brand Guidelines?
If you are unsure whether your artwork complies with University brand standards, submit it to UMC through the Artwork Review process before publishing, printing or ordering.
UMC can review the materials, provide guidance on the appropriate University marks and identify any changes needed to align the piece with the SIUE Visual Identity Requirements.
What happens if SIUE branding is used incorrectly?
Departments and campus organizations are responsible for ensuring their use of SIUE wordmarks, logos and other branded elements complies with the University’s Visual Identity Requirements. Materials that do not comply may be required to be revised or removed.
The Visual Identity Requirements establish a $10,000 assessment for each instance of unauthorized or improperly displayed SIUE wordmarks or logos. This applies to branded materials including apparel, promotional items, signage, websites, social media, print publications and presentations produced on behalf of SIUE.
If you are uncertain whether a piece complies with the requirements, submit it for Artwork Review before production or distribution at siue.edu/artwork-review.
