Policy Manual

The following definitions apply to this policy:

1. "Unit" means a college, department, center, institute, or other similar administrative unit.
2. “Source identifier” means anything capable of conveying meaning that identifies the source of a good or service.  
3. “Visual identity” means source identifiers, color values, typography, imagery, and other visual elements that are included in the university brand guidelines.
4. “Stylized wordmark” means a word or phrase presented in a specific, consistently used typeface that is used as an identifier of source.
5. “University of Iowa stylized wordmark” means a stylized wordmark that is used by the University of Iowa to identify itself and is cataloged in the University Brand Manual. 
6. “University of Iowa logos” means the following:
   1. the term “IOWA” in stylized all-capital block letters primarily in black or gold set against a contrasting field of black or gold;
   2. the graphical representation of the dome of the University of Iowa’s signature building, the Old Capitol, both alone or combined with University of Iowa stylized wordmark; and
   3. additional University of Iowa logos approved by the University Brand Committee and catalogued in the University Brand Manual.  
7. “University of Iowa colors” means the colors black and gold. The precise values of these colors are specified in the University Brand Manual.
8. “University of Iowa graphical marks” means the stylized wordmarks, logos, symbols,  and colors that visually identify the University of Iowa. The term “University of Iowa graphical marks” does not include the words “University of Iowa" themselves. For the policy governing the use of the University name, see II-33 Use of University Name.   
9. “Third party” means a person or entity external to the university.
10. “Registered student organization” means a student organization at the university which has met all of the obligations set forth in the policy governing the creation of a student organization. See Registration of Student Organizations for details.
11. “Communication” means information disseminated by any unit of the university, registered student organization, or independent contractor of the university utilizing any medium that has the capacity to include graphical marks of the university in its presentation. Examples include all printed communication such as flyers, brochures, pamphlets, and posters; digital communication such as e-newsletters, PowerPoint presentations, web sites, and apps; and short and long video communication.

1. University of Iowa logos and stylized wordmarks are essential to the identity of the University of Iowa and, as such, it is required that all University of Iowa employees, recognized student groups, and university independent contractors comply with all elements of the University Brand Policy when using University of Iowa graphical marks. 
2. All University of Iowa employees, recognized student organizations, and university independent contractors are responsible for ensuring that use of University of Iowa graphical marks is consistent with the University Brand Manual. Unit leaders are responsible for the activities of their unit; e.g., deans are responsible for the activities of their college, directors are responsible for the activities of their department.
3. All communications and items produced for sale or promotional distribution by units of the university must contain a University of Iowa logo or stylized wordmark approved by the University Brand Committee and as prescribed in the University Brand Manual.
4. Units of the university and recognized student organizations creating items for sale or promotional distribution must comply with all university licensing policies and procedures, including the use of an officially licensed vendor. 
5. No variations of University of Iowa logos or stylized wordmarks may be used without prior written approval by the University Brand Committee.
6. University of Iowa employees and registered student groups, when acting in fulfillment of the mission of the university, are required to use a University of Iowa logo or stylized wordmark for identification purposes when communicating formally on behalf of the university.

The Office of Strategic Communication may approve co-branding a university logo with one or more third-party logos for a shared function or activity, such as:

1. acknowledgements, sponsorships, and promotions (e.g., in advertising where the university is one of a number of sponsors or supporters of an activity);
2. memberships (e.g., where the university is a member of a professional association); and
3. approved collaborations or joint ventures between the university and another entity.

1. Requests for exceptions. Requests for an exception to the University Brand Policy or the University Brand Manual are to be submitted in writing to the Office of Strategic Communication, which will review the request and make a recommendation to the University Brand Committee.  
2. Requests for changes. Requests for changes to the University Brand Policy or the University Brand Manual are to be submitted in writing to the Office of Strategic Communication, which will review the request and make a recommendation to the University Brand Committee.  
3. Appeals. Appeals of a denied request for an exception or a change to the University Brand Policy or University Brand Manual should be submitted in writing to the chair of the University Brand Committee, who will lead a review of the appeal and will make a recommendation to the Vice President for External Relations. After receiving the recommendation, the Vice President for External Relations will decide whether to permit the exception or change. 

The University Brand Manual includes an editorial style guide that establishes standards for clear and consistent writing for a variety of audiences. Units of the university must follow these guidelines, in particular for marketing materials and public information projects that include news stories, feature articles, and the like.