Campus Resources
Campus Graphic Standards
We developed and we’re continuously refining the campus graphic identity standards. These standards lead to greater consistency in the university’s printed and electronic materials, helping audiences instantly recognize material from Humboldt State. Ultimately, high-quality print and electronic communications reinforce the university’s excellent reputation.
From the President
Dear Campus Community,
Thanks to the work of our logo committee and Graphic Services department, we have a “family” of institutional marks that provide Humboldt State University with a strong visual identity for print and electronic media. In order to unify the HSU graphic image, it is important that all members of our community follow the standards that are established in this document. I have given our University Image and Marketing Committee and University Graphic Services the authority to implement these graphic standards.
Please use this institutional identity program as a helpful tool in communicating Humboldt State University’s image of academic excellence.
Sincerely,
Rollin C. Richmond
What are Graphic Standards?
Humboldt State University is an organization of individuals and departments dedicated to sharing information and resources with the citizens of our local community, state, and nation. In doing so, it is vitally important that the University is consistent in how it identifies itself. To this end, the University mandated a graphics standards program in 2003.
Graphic standards provide the broad communications platform from which more specific communications efforts are launched. The standards are made up of key communications elements designed to unify what we say about ourselves and why we say it. The standards consist of the University’s name, logo, other marks, and guidelines for their use. These elements may be used only by official University entities and by those commercial enterprises that enter into a licensing agreement with the University. All products bearing the University’s trademarks must be approved by the Image and Marketing Steering Committee.
This Graphic Standards Manual includes the University’s visual identity marks. Guidelines for their use are intended to allow flexibility while still providing a unifying theme that will be consistently applied across the institution. To ease transition, materials produced before January 2004 are not required to use the guidelines presented here.
The standards set forth in this manual apply to all internal and external communications. Please refer to this guide to answer questions that may arise regarding the use of the HSU logo. Contact Marketing & Communications if you have further questions.
Official HSU Logos
Download HSU Logos — If you need the logos saved in a format other than those provided in this download, please contact Marketing & Communications
The HSU 2-color logos with the trees are primarily used on institutional identity materials such as university stationery and business cards, and can be used on other publications. The 2-line stacked version is available as an alternate logo when layout and design constraints make the single line logo less effective.
HSU Wordmarks
Download HSU Wordmarks — If you need the word marks saved in a format other than those provided in this download, please contact Marketing & Communications
While the HSU Wordmark (official HSU logo without trees) is the supporting mark for the official HSU logo, it is usually the best choice for publications, websites and other uses. The wordmark is more versatile and its cleaner look works best by both strongly identifying Humboldt State University while not competing visually in the overall design. We suggest using this mark whenever possible.
The HSU 2-line wordmark is also a supporting mark for the official HSU logo. It is intended as an alternative for publications, websites and other uses where the 2-line logo format better fits the layout and design.
HSU Acronyms and Monograms
Download HSU Acronyms and Monograms — If you need the acronymms and monograms saved in a format other than those provided in this download, please contact Marketing & Communications
It is preferable to identify Humboldt State University with full official logos or wordmarks on publications. However, the acronym “HSU”, “H” or Circle “H” may be used for some specific applications. Both the HSU acronym, monogram “H” and Circle “H” must be in the same font as the other logos in the HSU identity family.
University Seal
The University Seal is not intended to be used as an identifying mark for most publications, websites or other designs. The seal is intended to imply specific endorsement of the university's president and its use must be approved by the Office of the President or Marketing & Communications. It is used on official University documents, executive stationary, and campus-wide events such as commencement. Please consult Marketing & Communications when considering the University Seal for use.
HSU Athletics Logo
The logos of HSU Intercollegiate Athletics are licensed by Humboldt State and any use must be approved by the Athletics Director or Sports Information Director.
Incorrect Logo Uses
In order to create a strong, unified identity for Humboldt State University, it is important to use the logo correctly. The logo is not to be altered in any way, including stretching or distorting. The stylized elements of the logo, the official logo colors, and the typography are all integral elements. These elements can not be modified.
Do NOT alter the logo in any form, including:
Do not use the trees as a stand-alone identity element without the words “Humboldt State University.” The three trees alone are not considered a logo or mark, and without the accompanying wordmark are not part of the University Identity system.
Do not stretch or condense the logo. All of HSU's wordmarks and logos should be enlarged or reduced proportionally. Disproportionate enlargement or reduction of the wordmards or logos will distort them and is to be avoided at all times.
Do not use a substitute font. You should always use the wordmarks or logos supplied by Marketing & Communications and should not try to recreate them. Using a different font in these marks is to be avoided at all times.
Do not display the logo at an angle. The word marks and logos are meant to be displayed horizontally only. They should not be rotated, canted or slanted in any way.
Do not obscure, provide insufficient contrast, or in any way diminish the visibility of the logo. One should always take care to not place the word marks or logos on top of a photograph, pattern or color that makes the logo difficult to read clearly.
Templates
| Template | Program | Download Link |
|---|---|---|
| HSU Letterhead | InDesign CS5 | DOWNLOAD |
| HSU Letterhead | MS Word | DOWNLOAD |
| Tri-Fold Brochure | InDesign CS5 | DOWNLOAD |
