Logos
A strong visual identity contributes to our reputation, and in turn our ability to recruit outstanding faculty, students and staff; to engage alumni, and to attract external support. To better take advantage of this potential, the University offers a formal logo and is building a Signature Logo System that links our locations, academic divisions, and administrative offices with the Miami University brand—a strong asset that we all proudly share.
Minimal Standards
Miami University should be prominently identified on the front cover or panel of each publication with an official Miami mark as identified in this guide. As a general rule of thumb, the wordmark portion of the logo should be no smaller than 2" wide on a standard 4" x 9" brochure, and proportionally larger for bigger publications. The primary beveled-M logo can appear in combination with a department or unit name, or separately from it, depending on what best suits the design of the piece.
There should always be space equal to at least half the height of the M surrounding the logo in publications, and the center of the M should only ever appear white or red.
Seal
The university seal should only be used by the president's office for ceremonial or official documents, and on certain items of distinction. It should be used only in approved versions and should NOT be used in marketing or promotional material. University Communications and Marketing should be contacted for any projects using the seal to determine appropriate usage.
Determine Size and Space Requirements
When using any version of the Miami logo/signature with other elements, spatial integrity must be maintained. To accomplish this, create a border surrounding all parts of the signature to separate it from other elements, as well as the edge of the page. This border should always measure a minimum distance equal to 50% of the Miami mark.
The Miami mark should never appear smaller than 1/2 inch across on a standard 4"x9" brochure, and should be more prominent in publications of larger size. The Miami mark without the words "Miami University" or "Miami" should never appear smaller than 3/8 inch across. The word "University" in the Miami wordmark should never appear smaller than 1 1/2 inches.
Images are not to scale.
Logos and Marks
The University Mark: The Beveled-M
The Miami University mark is what is known as a beveled-M. Typically depicted in red with a black border and white outline to set it apart, Miami's "M" is its most recognized symbol on campus and beyond. At all times, the center portion of the beveled-M mark must be either red or white. For on-campus/local use, and certain retail, event, and student applications, it can be used alone.
Full color M with white outline.
White M with white fill.
Two color M with red fill.
White M with no fill. For use on red background only.
Primary Signatures
The mark and the logotype shown are combined to be the formal institutional signatures in flush-left, centered, and stacked versions. The signature with the beveled-M to the left of the words Miami University is the preferred version when possible. The centered and stacked versions are provided for more vertical formats.
The full, formal version of the Miami University logo is preferred for publications and sites to convey the historical prestige and location of the university.
Wordmark
The Miami University wordmark is a unique typographic treatment of the University name. Do not attempt to recreate the wordmark or any part thereof through typesetting. There is no comparable font available and spacing letters correctly is difficult.
The wordmark should be combined with the Miami beveled-M in most instances; the elements can be separated or the wordmark can appear alone in complex or busy designs. The preferred use for external audiences is with the date.
Informal Signatures
By abbreviating the institutional name, the informal signature offers more flexibility in application while reinforcing the identity established in the formal signatures.
This option should only be used on campus when the word “university” is already assumed (for example, campus signage and vehicles) or as outlined/approved for uniforms and/or retail purposes.
Academic Divisions & Departments
The version with the beveled-M on the left is preferred. Academic division name can be separated from the logo on a publication, but must appear in Bembo Small Caps font to show its connection to the university.
Departmental names can be included beneath the division name with the use of the font Bembo Medium Italics. Departmental names are not required, and can be separated from the logo.
Please contact UCM to request a departmental or divisional logo.
Downloads
Formal Signature, Left Aligned
web-FSL_186K.jpg (42KB)
print-FSL_186K.jpg (430KB)
FSL_186K.pdf (73KB)
Pre-sized for your Email Signature:
email-FSL_186K.jpg (8K)
Formal Signature Extended, Left Aligned
web-FSLOD_186K.jpg (26KB)
print-FSLOD_186K.jpg (261KB)
FSLOD_186K.pdf (75KB)
Pre-sized for your Email Signature:
email-FSLOD_186K.jpg (10K)
Spirit Mark or Beveled M
web-M_186K.jpg (34KB)
print-M_186K.jpg (433KB)
M_186K.pdf (77KB)
Pre-sized for your Email Signature:
email-M_186K.jpg (4K)
Visit Miami's digital asset management system, Photoshelter, for more logo options.
