Brand Guidelines

One key to enhancing the visibility and reputation of USA is a consistent approach to marketing and communications. Consistency in the messages, content and design of our marketing materials provides a recognizable and memorable presence for the University in the minds of the people and organizations with whom we seek to communicate.

The USA Brand Guidelines are a toolkit. The guidelines are not designed to inhibit creativity or expression. Rather, the guidelines are meant to provide a solid and standardized foundation upon which all USA departments, programs and units can build their marketing and communications plans and materials. Following these brand guidelines will help the University of South Alabama present its messages in a manner that people will both respect and remember.

These guidelines govern the appropriate use of the USA Brand messages, logo, colors and typefaces. They explain how to apply these guidelines to print materials, websites, signage, stationery and other materials. If you have additional questions, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at marcomm@southalabama.edu.

The guidelines are designed to be a reference book, in which users can turn directly to the relevant chapter. You may access the guidelines by:

  • Downloading a PDF copy of the Brand Guidelines.
  • Ordering a spiral bound, full-color copy of the Brand Guidelines from USA Publication Services at publink@southalabama.edu. Cost per book is $25.
  • Clicking on the links in the Table of Contents below to open that section of the manual in your web browser.

 

Introduction

Information and Resources
  Branding the University
  of South Alabama

    Branding FAQs
  Office of Marketing and
  Communications

    General Procedures and
    Contacts

    Media Relations,
    News Releases and
    Crisis Communications

    Design, Editorial and
    Photography Assistance

    Publication Services
    USA Website
    Social Media

Brand Foundation
  Our Positioning
    Brand Essence
    Messaging Map Overview
    Messaging Map
    Brand Narrative
    How to Use the
    Brand Narrative

    Personality
    Audiences
  Voice
    How We Say It
    Writing Tips
    Writing Headlines
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4

5
7

9

10


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14
14
15
16

17
18
19
20
21
22

23
24
25
26
27
28
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  Identity
  Our Name
  Our Logo
    Primary Lockup
    Alternate Lockups
    USA Letters Only
    Primary Logo Colors
    One Color Logos
    Logo Size and Placement
    Logo with Unit Identifier
    Protecting Our Logo
    Alternate Marks and Symbols
    University Seal
    University Flag
    Gonfalons
    Athletic Logo and Identity
    Trademark and Licensing

University Business System
  Stationery
    Letterhead
    Envelopes
    Business Cards
    ID Cards
    Name Badges
    Email Signatures
  Marketing Templates
    Agendas and Memos
    Invitations
    PowerPoint
    Rack Cards
    Brochures
    Newsletters
    Advertisements
    E-News
    Social Media Assets
    Promotional Items
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33
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
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48
49

50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
  Color
  Our Color Palette
    Our Colors
    Primary Colors
    Supporting Colors

  Typography
  Our Typography
    Overview
    Sofia Pro
    Surveyor Display
    United Sans Condensed
    Typographic Examples

Photography
  Our Photography
    Usage
    Overview
    Academics
    Community
    Campus
    Health System
    Photography Traits

Graphic Elements
  Our Design Elements
    Overview
    We Are South
    Frames
    Gradients
    Underlines
    Grit Texture

Guidelines in Practice
    Sample Print Materials
    Sample Campus Banners
    Sample Outdoor Ads
    Sample Awareness Ads
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82
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84
85
86
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88
89
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95
96
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98

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101
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