Identity guidelines

Primary mark

 

The Wayne State University W shield reinforces the strength and determination of a Wayne State Warrior, building on the legacy and energy of what was previously the Athletics mark. The logo incorporates an updated Wayne State University type artwork, giving a nod to our traditions while providing a more contemporary alternative. The graphic works well in small and large formats. This mark, or one of its variations, should be the first consideration when a Wayne State logo is used for external audiences.

Official logos can viewed and downloaded from the Digital asset library. Logos have been created for all of the schools and colleges and divisions of the university.

 

Variations

Stacked                 

 

Horizontal with full name

To be used when space constraints present an issue (examples include exterior signage and/or website headers).

 

Reversed                    

To be used on a dark background such as the Wayne State green (PMS 561). The reverse option is limited to white.    

 

One-color

Can be used in the Wayne State green (PMS 561) or black. All other one-color variations must be approved by WSU Marketing and Communications.

Schools and colleges

The goal of all Wayne State units should be to reflect a consistent identity and use the primary mark. However, in instances where a supporting unit needs to be identified, the specific unit can add its name in one of the following formats.

Official logos can viewed and downloaded from the Digital asset library. Logos have been created for all of the schools and colleges and divisions of the university.

 

 

Departments/programs

To create an official logo for your department, logo templates are available. 

This treatment is considered the official logo for all units (schools, colleges, programs, departments, student groups, etc.). Other graphics that exist outside of the standards in this document that are used as logos may not be supported by WSU Marketing and Communications.

Special marks

This is Wayne State's primary mark and should be used whenever possible.

However, it is recognized that within some platforms, the full mark as it is shown is not possible (examples might include merchandise or signage). Often, the mark is used within a Wayne State University experience (examples include on-campus displays and digital platforms). Special mark variations are provided to meet this variety of needs.

 

Shield-focused primary mark

To be used when the visual impact of the shield is critical due to size restraints.

 

Shield alone

To be used when it is unquestionably a Wayne State experience.

Restrictions

• The logo is artwork and not type. Do not attempt to recreate it.
• Do not resize any of the elements.
• Do not change the proportion of the logo.
• Do not replace or redraw any of the elements.
• Do not change the colors.
• Do not place the logo on items that are distracting or difficult to read.
• Do not use the use the logo elements separately (except where noted in the special marks section).
• Do not add to the logo elements.
• Do not pull elements from the logo to create new graphics.
• Do not type "Wayne State University"  use the provided artwork only.
• Do not stretch or reshape the logo.
• Do not pixelate the logo.
• Do not use the logo where it isn't clear and readable.
• Do not use the logo on any merchandise without following university licensing guidelines.

University seal

The university seal is used on official documentation and material for the Board of Governors or the Office of the President. Permission to use the seal must be obtained through WSU Marketing and Communications.

These logos should be used without modifications or additions. Any variations to the logos reflect directly on the overall reputation of Wayne State University and weakens our legal protection. If you have any questions regarding the use of Wayne State logos, contact Marketing and Communications at 313-577-8157 or visit mac.wayne.edu.

Colors

Wayne State University school colors are represented in print work as green (PMS 561) and gold (PMS 1225). There are no specific percentages of each color required for documents, but the takeaway should be an awareness of the school colors. Unofficially, black and white serve as supporting colors, primarily as the color of body copy.

 

Special projects

VIP audiences communicated to by the Office of the President, donors, the Board of Governors, government officials, etc., often require a more formal feel than the collegiate green and gold. In these special instances, metallic gold (PMS 871) and silver (PMS 877) can be used.

 

Fonts

The Stone family fonts have been used to create the foundational elements of the WSU identity system, most noticeably, the official logos of the school and colleges. It is also used in supporting elements such as business cards, letterhead and body copy for print publications.

On Jan. 1, 2023, Stone fonts will no longer be supported by Adobe products, the software used by most graphic designers. In response to this change by Adobe, WSU will continue to rely on the current logo system including the school/college/department secondary marks, available as artwork and add Lato family fonts as an option for supporting elements. 

Lato is an Adobe font, which means it will be available to everyone with Adobe software. It is also web friendly and currently in use on digital platforms. For non-Adobe users, such as those who use Stone Sans in Microsoft products, Stone Sans will continue to function and can be used. If Stone Sans is not available on your computer, Calibri can be used as an option within the Microsoft platform.