Athletic Standard Manual

VISUAL IDENTITYS TANDARD S

A G U I D E T O

2 0 1 1

SMSUATHLETICS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Letter from theDirector of Athletics, MIssion . . . . . .1

Glossary of Terms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Legal Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Official Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Primary Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Approval Form . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Autorized Identity Uses . . . . . . . . . .7

Non-Authorized Identity Uses . . . .13

Approved Sub-Brand Icons . . . . . .15

Identity on Apparel . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

Special Event Exceptions . . . . . . .18

Recommended Type Styles . . . . . .19

Stationery System . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Additional Information . . . . . . . . . .22

1 A T H L E T I C S V I S U A L I D E N T I T Y G U I D E L I N E S

MMIISSSSIIOONNThe mission of Southwest Minnesota State University is to provide high quality liberal arts, professional, andtechnical programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Southwest Minnesota State University is dedicated toexcellence in teaching and to preparing students to be life-long learners in a changing global, social, and naturalenvironment. The University has a special commitment to the educational needs of people in its service region. Thiscommitment is reflected in the curricula, cultural enrichment programs, cooperative relationships with other regionalinstitutions, and in service and research contributions on both the public and private sectors of the region.

WWHHYY IISS IITT IIMMPPOORRTTAANNTT TTOO FFOOLLLLOOWW TTHHEE GGRRAAPPHHIICC SSTTAANNDDAARRDDSS??Visual Identity Standards, applied correctly and consistently, enable us to project a strong, effective identity forSouthwest Minnesota State University Athletics and help to prevent confusion among our audiences. Using theUniversity’s official symbols correctly and consistently is an important part of the branding process, enhancingSMSU’s image as a quality educational institution.

Every time someone from SMSU communicates with the public, it contributes to our reputation. Public appearances,publications, letterhead, newsletters, T-shirts, displays, business cards, advertisements, media interviews, Websites,flyers, signs and other forms of communication represent not just the individual or program, but the entire University.

The most basic yet comprehensive component of a strong institutional image is a unified visual presentation.Collectively, all elements of Southwest Minnesota State University Athletics must present to the world a consistentimage that reflects our quality, professionalism and mission. This manual it is a tool designed to help manage theidentity of SMSU Athletics.

LETTER FROM ATHLETICSWith the publication of these brand guidelines,we introduce the new SMSU Athletics Identitystandards system. Comprised of refined logosas well as appropriate colors and typefaces,this new look is being introduced to strengthenthe athletic department’s commitment to astrategic direction that is anchored to athleticand academic excellence.

Critical to the successful implementation of thenew identity will be its consistent application.Therefore, it is required that when applying theidentity to athletics department assets (e.g.apparel, signage, promotional brochures,equipment, etc.) the identity meets thespecifications outlined in this guide. Additionally,before vendors are given authorization to applythe identity to any asset, written authorization(see attached form) must be secured fromSMSU’s Athletic Communications Director.

Thank you in advance for reviewing thisdocument, thoroughly understanding itscontents and abiding by the specificationsprovided. Further, should you have questionsregarding implementation of any component ofthe athletics brand, please do not hesitate tocontact the Athletic Communications Director.

Chris HmielewskiDirector of Athletics

A T H L E T I C S V I S U A L I D E N T I T Y G U I D E L I N E S 2

GLOSSARY OF TERMSCamera-Ready ArtSee Digital Art.

CMYKAbbreviation for the four colors that are used to print all full-color artwork: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and K stands for Black.Also referred to as Full-Color. Any color photographreproduced in a publication is printed in CMYK inks.

Desktop PublishingComputer generated page layout.

Digital ArtFinal reproduction art that is generated on a computer withspecific printing requirements met. A commercial printer canoutput final film negatives from digital art. Digital art istransferred from designer to printer on various forms ofelectronic disks.

HalftoneTypically, a photograph that is reproduced for printing. Theoriginal continuous-tone photograph is digitally scanned andultimately converted to a series of dots varying in size.Halftones reproduce much better from an imagesetter thanfrom a laser printer.

Institutional IdentityA desired image acquired and communicated by an institutionor organizations to the public through consistent visualcommunications.

KerningThe amount of space between individual letters of a word. Alsoknown as letterspacing. A word kerned tightly has very littlespace between letters.

Laser OutputLow resolution paper positive image generated from computerfiles and output from a 600 dpi laser printer.

LeadingThe amount of space between lines of type. Wide leadingimplies a larger-than-usual space between a line of type andthe line below it.

Pantone® Matching System (PMS)A universal system of printing ink formulas which enable anyprinter to match specific color precisely. PMS colors areusually identified by a number, such as PMS 116. When apublication is to be printed in 2 or 3 different colors, PMS inksare specified.

PointA unit of measurement commonly used in specification to type.

Pre-PressServices required in the preparation of artwork prior to actualprinting, such as color separations.

Reproduction ArtworkPrecision reproductions of the approved logo.

ResolutionRefers to the amount of detail in a given piece of digitalartwork. Given in a numerical value, the resolution directlyaffects the quality of all printed material.

Sans SerifRefers to the typestyle that has no small lines at the ends ofthe letter forms.

ScreentintA light value of a solid color. A 20% screentint of black appearsas a light grey. Screentints are reproduced as tiny dots of asolid color. As a screentint becomes darker, the dots that formthe screentint are more densely grouped together. Screentintsreproduce much better from an imagesetter than from a laserprinter.

SerifRefers to a typestyle that has serifs, or small lines at the endsof the letter forms.

TypefaceA specific style of computer generated typography.

Authorized Brand NamePerhaps the biggest challenge facing the SMSU brand is theimproper use and presentation of the University’s brand name.This occurs because of the name change that occured in2003. When referring to Southwest Minnesota State Universityin writing, the name may not be abbreviated in any way otherthan ‘SMSU’, Southwest Minnesota State, or simply‘Southwest.’When describing, referring to, listing or referencing theUniversity, only the following names are authorized:Southwest Minnesota StateSMSUSouthwest MustangsFormal Name - Southwest Minnesota State University

Unauthorized or Improper Brand NamesPresented below is a list of incorrect names that have beenused for SMSU. These names are not authorized orrecognized by the University.

Southwest MN State UniversitySW Minnesota State UniversitySW Minn. State UniversitySouthwest Minn. State University

or any combination of the above abbreviations.


LEGAL NOTES

USE OF TRADEMARKSCreation, application or any use of the SMSU AthleticsTrademarks must conform to approved standards asauthorized by SMSU’s Athletics Department. Additionally, it isimperative that SMSU Athletics Trademarks are used properlyon all merchandise and in a quality manner.When using the SMSU Athletics Trademarks, whether the itemon which the trademark is applied is for internal use,departmental use, being sold or otherwise distributed incommerce, one must include the registered trademark symbol® or ™ designation depending on the trademark being usedand the item on which it will appear. Further, SMSU’s Directorof Athletic Communications must be contacted to verify andapprove correct usage and standards before any visual identityor new design incorporating an SMSU Athletics Symbol is usedby either the public or the University community onmerchandise.

VENDORSUniversity departments, staff, and student organizations arerequired to use approved vendors to produce merchandisebearing the SMSU Athletics Trademarks. The use of approvedvendors will ensure that the Athletics Departments’ name andsymbols are used correctly and on items of the highest quality.SMSU’s Director of Athletic Communications can verify thateach department or organization’s choice of vendor is licensedor approved by the Athletic Department.

UNIVERSITY VENDOR LICENSEA University vendor approval and or license authorizes acompany to use the Athletic Department Trademark onproducts that will be sold directly to a University department orrecognized student group for their own internal use.Recognized student groups must work with SMSU’s Director ofAthletic Communications to secure approval and complete theIdentity Use Approval Form provided in these brand guidelines.University vendors are not permitted to use the AthleticDepartment Trademarks on products for resale to anyoneoutside the University.

CAMPUS LICENSEA campus approval or license authorizes a company to use theAthletic Department Trademarks on products they sell tocampus retail outlets such as the Barnes & Noble CampusStore. A completed Identity Use Approval Form (as provided inthese brand guidelines) must be submitted to theaforementioned individual.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTSAll vendors who manufacture and sell items imprinted withSMSU Athletic Trademarks are required to be licensed orapproved by the University’s Athletics Department.

Licensees or Approved Vendors must operate underspecific guidelines including the following:• The Athletic Department’s Director of Athletic

Communications must approve, in writing, all products and designs using SMSU’s Athletics Department Trademark(s).

• Items must include an approved “officially licensed” hangtagor label.

• SMSU Athletics does not permit the use of its name or graphics in any announcement, advertising, publication or report if such use in any way implies University endorsement of any product or service.

Non-Commercial and Community use of SMSU AthleticsTrademarksAny company or organization wishing to use any SMSUAthletic name, trademark, symbol, slogan, or motto that isassociated with or owned by the University on anything otherthan merchandise must receive prior approval through theSMSU Athletic Department.

Do’sThe trademark symbol ™ normally is placed in the lower rightcorner of the trademark. The symbols depicted in this sectionare registered trademarks of SMSU Athletics and cannot bereproduced without the express written consent of SMSUAthletics. All rights reserved.

Don’tThe ™ symbol is not to be used with the visual identity onstationery, administrative forms, signs or exhibits. Please notethat SMSU Athletics does not allow the visual identity to beused for commercial purposes (products for resale).

ArtworkAll artwork for merchandise on which the SMSU AthleticsTrademarks is to be used must be submitted for approval toSMSU’s Director of Athletic Communications prior to placing anorder for production.

ContactFor additional information regarding the use of the SMSUAthletic Trademarks, a list of approved vendors or to obtainapproval for artwork to be used on merchandise pleasecontact:

Kelly LoftDirector of Athletic CommunicationsSMSU Athletic DepartmentMarshall, MN 56258Phone: 507-537-7177Fax: 507-537-6578E-mail: [email protected]


PANTONE 497 BROWN

PANTONE 871 GOLD

PANTONE 452 TAN

PROCESS BLACK

In terms of consistency and identity, color plays a key role in building recognition. Use of the University’s official colors, Brown (Pantone® 497), Gold (Pantone® 871), and Tan (Pantone® 452) are critical when reproducing all Athletic logos. Black is the preferred alternative when budget or context prevent use of the official color scheme.

SMSU Brown• Spot color: Pantone® 497• CMYK: Four-color process formula 20/61/65/86• Web or other screen media: RGB 56/21/7

HEX #381507

SMSU Gold• Spot color: Pantone® 871 (metallic)• CMYK: Four-color process formula 0/15/76/38• Web or other screen media: RGB 172/146/60

HEX #AC923C

SMSU Tan• Spot color: Pantone® 452 • CMYK: Four-color process formula 24/18/42/0• Web or other screen media: RGB 197/193/157

HEX #C5C19D

SMSU Black• Spot color: Process Black• CMYK: Four-color process formula 72/66/65/76• Web or other screen media: RGB 29/29/29

HEX #1d1d1d

Using the formulas specified will ensure the best color match on all computers. Do not rely on the outputproduced by a desktop color printer for matching the color when a project is to be printed on a printing press.The color calibration of desktop printers typically does not match the Pantone Matching System colors used byoffset printers.

ATHLETIC COLORS

ATHLETIC PRIMARY LOGO

The designs described in this manual are the only permissible SMSU athletic logos. No othervariation can be created. All reproductions of these logos should be accomplished by acquiring ortransferring the image from camera-ready artwork or from certified electronic files. Scaling is doneby enlarging or reducing camera-ready artwork. When scaling the logos, the width of the logo is thedimension used to communicate the size.

Note: So-called “freehand” renditions or other renditions of the SMSU logos, including scanned,auto-traced, or other computer-generated versions are not permissible. Electronic versions of theSMSU logos are available by contacting the SMSU University Relations Department. Files areavailable for use on Windows and Mac OS (operating system) computers. These files are providedto ensure the SMSU logos are reproduced accurately. Do not alter, adjust, or modify them in anyway without written approval from the Director of Athletic Communications.

Anything produced with the wrong or distorted logo will have to be redone at the expense ofthe inquiring department.


Item(s) on which the identity is to be applied: ________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Image of proposed asset attached (must be high resolution or vector art)

Name of proposed vendor selected for fulfillment:_____________________________________________________________________

Vendor has received a copy and understands the brand standards

Approval date required to meet order fulfillment: _____________________________________________________________________

Your Name _______________________________________ Department __________________ Phone _________________________

Coach or Athletics Staff Member Signature _________________________________________________ Date ____________________

FIND THIS FORM ON THE ATHLETICS WEBSITE AT WWW.SMSUMUSTANGS.COM, FILL OUT A HARD COPY OR ATTACH IN ANEMAIL AND RETURN IT TO THE DIRECTOR OF ATHLETIC COMMUNICATIONS FOR REVIEW.

Director of Athletic CommunicationsSMSU Athletics1501 State StreetMarshall, MN 56258

Email to [email protected]

IDENTITY USE APPROVAL FORM

The application of the SMSU Athletics Identity must comply with the Athletics Department’s brand guidelines. Before applying the identity toany piece, (apparel, equipment, promotional literature, signage, etc.) the approval of the Director of Athletic Communications is required.Reorders of previously approved materials do not have to be approved again unless changes to the identity have been made.

Complete and sign the form below confirming that you have inspected the proposed application of the identity and agree that it conforms tothe SMSU Athletics’ brand standards.

FOR SMSU ATHLETICS INTERNAL USE ONLY

Approval as is Approval with changes listed _______________________________________________________

Changes required (listed)

Please resubmit with corrections

Denied

Director of Athletic Communications signature _________________________________________________________________


AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES ON WHITE

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C

SMSU MARK MUSTANG ICON

WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B

The colors show on this page have not been evaluated by PANTONE, Inc. for accuracy and may not match the PANTONE color standards. Refer tothe current edition of the PANTONE Color Formula Guide for accurate colors. Pantone® is a registered trademark of Pantone, Inc.SPOT COLORSBrownGoldTanBlack

PANTONE COLORSPMS 497 CPMS 871 CPMS 452 CProcess Black C

THREAD COLORSBrownGoldTanBlack

PROCESS COLORSC=20 M=61 Y=65 K=86C=0 M=15 Y=76 K=38C=24 M=18 Y=42 K=0C=20 M=20 Y=0 K=100

Brown Gold Tan Black

Check thread colors withthe Director of Athletic

Communications


AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES ON WHITE

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C


WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B







Communications


™

AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES ON BROWN

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C


WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B







Communications


AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES ON GOLD

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C


WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B







Communications


AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES ON BLACK

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C


WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B







Communications

1 1 A T H L E T I C S V I S U A L I D E N T I T Y G U I D E L I N E S

AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES OF ONE COLOR IMAGES

COLOR INFORMATION

PRIMARY MARK A

WORDMARK C


WORDMARK D

PRIMARY MARK B







Communications


NON-AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES

Never use an unauthorized font or place textover the top of the mustang icon.

No graphics should ever be place over any ofthe brandmarks.

Never place any approved logo on a non-approved color.

The sport or sub-brand should never be placedabove or be the dominate item.

Never rotate any approved logo.

Never use the mustang icon in any other colorthan the approved color - see page 5.


The University logo should never be used onany Athletics Department item.

Never use pixelated logos, high resolutionoptions are available.

The mustang icon should never appear with theprinting of the legs incomplete.

SMSU Athletics logos should never appear innon-authorized colors.

NON-AUTHORIZED IDENTITY USES


APPROVED SUB-BRAND ICONS


IDENTITY ON APPAREL

If the new SMSU Athletics Brand is to successfully create awarenessand perceived quality for the department and its athletic teams,ensuring the indentity is available to students, alumni and fans isessential. Collaboration with Barnes & Noble Bookstore and otherdistrubution channels will be necessary.

When doing so, it will be the responsibility of SMSU’s Director ofAthletic Communications to provide the appropriate channels withadvice and counsel as it relates to the authorized implementation of

SMSU’s Athletics Brand. It will be necessary to closely monitor andapprove the application of the Department’s brand identity ensuring allstandards are met and it isn’t left up to the creative interpretation ofapparel vendors.

Provided below are suggested apparel options for the identity onclothing. This will serve as a basis for the identity that should be foundon items ranging from golf balls to baseball caps.

STUDENT-FUNDED CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONSAny apparel being designed and sold for profit by a student-funded club or orgainzation needs to follow the approval processdescribed on page 7. If the group profits from selling the apparel, 5 1/2% of t he cost to create the shirts needs to be paid to theathletic department. If the apparel is being made with no profit expected, no fee is required, however the approval process is still ineffect.


FASHION APPAREL FOR FANSBecause fashion depends on individual tastes, some liberties may be taken with the SMSU identity in the case of “fashion apparel”. These garmentsare the exception, not the rule. Only a select few designs per year will qualify as ‘fashion apparel’. In order to qualify, you must have written approvalfrom SMSU’s Director of Athletic Communications.

IDENTITY ON APPAREL CONTINUED


SPECIAL EVENT EXCEPTIONS

A limited number of campus events have created and will retain the use of their own logos. These logos were created at theonset of the event and have become identifiable because of their logo/brand. When communicating with off campusconstituencies, the logos below must be accompanied by an official Athletic logo somewhere on the piece when printed. All otherformer logos/wordmarks previously used should be retired from use. Any questions regarding the use of a former logo or thecreation of a new one for a specific event must be brought to the Director of Athletic Communications for review.

The SMSU Athletic Department reserves the right to alter any of the following logos at any time.

G O L D R U S H R A F F L E


™

™

™

™

™

™

The recommended type styles for SMSU’s campus-wide marketing materials are listed below. These type stylespossess a dignified, easy-to-read quality and their use is encouraged for body copy in brochures, newsletters,advertisements, and other communications. If you have a question about a font usage, please contactUniversity Rel ations.

SERIF Albertus Extra BoldABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

ALBERTUS EXTRA BOLD - SMALL CAPS

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789

GeorgiaABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

GEORGIA - BOLDABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789

GoudyABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

GOUDY - SMALL CAPS

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789

TimesABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789TIMES - SMALL CAPSABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789Times New RomanABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

Times New Roman BoldABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

SANS ARIALSERIF ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789Arial BlackABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

Arial NarrowABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ123456789abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz123456789

RECOMMENDED TYPE STYLES


STATIONERY SYSTEM

1501 State Street, FH 301 • Marshall, Minnesota 56258Phone: 507-537-7271 • Fax: 507-537-6578 • Cell: 507-530-0000

W W W . S M S U M U S T A N G S . C O M

N A M E I N A L L C A P ST i t l e i n u p p e r & l o w e r c a s e

[email protected]

I would like you to consider contributing to help us reach our goal. We have selected Offensive LinemanBrian Rodas as our representative for the alumni. Pledges can be made on a per-pound basis, based onhow much Brian can successfully bench press (he will do approximately 400 pounds) or on a flat dollarrate donation.

All contributions are tax deductible and go directly to the football program. The Lift-A-Thon will be heldon Saturday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the RA Facility at SMSU. Food and beverages will be available forall in attendance, during and after the Lift-A-Thon.

Sincerely,

ERIC EIDSNESSHead Football Coach

PS: Look for upcoming information on our sixth annual SMSU Football Alumni and Friends GolfTournament that will be held this summer.

F OOTBALL

Feb. 20, 2010

Dear Alumni and Fans:

Another exciting and successful recruiting season has come to an end and spring football is on the horizon.We were able to attract a group of outstanding student-athletes from good football backgrounds and solidfamilies who will contribute to the continued success of the football program here at Southwest MinnesotaState University.

We are attracting a higher caliber student-athlete because of the solid academic programs we offer and theprogress our football program has made over the past few years. One major reason for this rapiddevelopment is the tremendous financial and moral support we have received from faculty and staff,students, alumni, friends, local businesses, and parents. In order to run the type of first class program youexpect, and reach our championship goals, we need your support.

This year we will be holding our 4th Annual Lift-A-Thon, which is a major fundraising project for thefootball program. The funds we raise will be used to maintain the essential elements necessary to run acompetitive Division II football program. Our goal for this year’s event is to raise over $30,000.

I would like you to consider contributing to help us reach our goal. We have selected Offensive LinemanBrian Rodas as our representative for the alumni. Pledges can be made on a per-pound basis, based on howmuch Brian can successfully bench press (he will do approximately 400 pounds) or on a flat dollar ratedonation.

All contributions are tax deductible and go directly to the football program. The Lift-A-Thon will be held onSaturday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the RA Facility at SMSU. Food and beverages will be available for all inattendance, during and after the Lift-A-Thon.

If you wish to make your pledge (or payment) by mail, please complete the enclosed pledge form and returnit at your earliest convenience. You will be billed following the event for your per-pound commitment. Youmay choose to pledge a flat amount and include your check in the reply envelope enclosed. Please makechecks payable to: SMSU Football Lift-A-Thon.

SMSU Athletics1501 State Street

Marshall, MN 56258

SMSU Athletics, 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 • Phone: 507-537-7271 • Fax: 507-537-6578W W W . S M S U M U S T A N G S . C O M

SMSU Athletics, 1501 State Street, Marshall, MN 56258 • Phone: 507-537-7271 • Fax: 507-537-6578W W W . S M S U M U S T A N G S . C O M

Envelope

Business Card

Note Card (sport specific)

Letterhead


™

USE OF CERTIFICATES

This certificate is awarded to

Jane Johnsonfor outstanding participation in the 2010 SMSU Basketball Camp

Team Championspresented this 10th day of June, 2010

Head Coach Team Coach

In the case of athletic camps, certificates for recognition are used. Below is an expample of a template that will be availablethrough the athletic department. Certificate paper will be provided with the Primary A Official athletic logo printed on it. Samplesets of verbiage will also be provided, however, the verbiage will be left up to the discretion of the sport presenting the certificate.The copy written on the certificate below is there only as an example. The person creating the certificate can choose theverbiage he/she sees fit as long as it is created on the certificate paper provided.



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION & CONTACT INFORMATION

PROCESS FOR MAILINGSWhenever a mailing is planned, the integrity of the mailing list needs to be taken into consideration along with the mailpiece that is being mailed. The designer of the mail piece and/or the Director of Athletic Communications needs to beconsulted to assure the most efficient and cost effective means in getting the piece out accurately without sacrificingthe Athletics brand.

APPROVAL PROCESSIf a department produces a piece that carries any Southwest Minnesota State University logo, but hasn’t beenproduced by University Relations or the Athletic Department, then that job will need to go through the approvalprocess. The person or department developing a job needs to submit an approval form along with a copy of theproject to the Director of Athletic Communications either by dropping off a hard copy or sending a pdf. The project willbe reviewed to ensure the logos and colors are correct and will either be returned for adjustments to be made orapproved.

SMSU Athletics is part of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The NCAA's advertising andpromotional standards are designed to encourage those advertisements and advertisers that support the NCAA'sideals and exclude those advertisements and advertisers (and others who wish to associate with NCAA activities) thatdo not appear to be in the best interests of higher education and student-athletes. Go to www.ncaa.org to find furtherinformation regarding the proper use of the the NCAA brand.

To download and view the official University Visual Identity Standards, go towww.smsu.edu/Administration/UniversityRelations/Index.cfm

The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (MnSCU) System has also adopted a Graphic Identity StandardsManual. Visit the MnSCU website to view the system Graphic Identity Standards atwww.chancellor.mnscu.edu/employee/publications/identity.html

The mission of SMSU Athletics is to uphold and enhance the reputation, image, and values of the University through avariety of communications tools, channels, and messages. For questions regarding the content of this manual, contactany of the following:

Kelly LoftDirector of Athletic Communications

ext. 7177507-537-7177

[email protected]

Tim SteinbachDirector of Athletic Development

ext. 7204507-537-7204

[email protected]

Stacie MulsoGraphic Design - Admission

ext. 7093507-537-7093

[email protected]

Marcy OlsonPublications Editor

ext. 7374507-537-7374

[email protected]

Athletic Standard Manual

Documents

i d e n t i t y g u

autorized identity

applythe identity

visual identity standards

e t i c s v

theidentity of smsu

athletics department

thedirector of athletics