BRAND STANDARDS
Logos & Marks
As the primary visual identifier for CU Anschutz, the campus logo must be used on all forms of communication, whenever and wherever the university is being represented. Every communication we create is an opportunity to tell our internal and external audiences who we are, both as part of the larger CU system and as a university with a unique and vital mission.
Thoughtful and consistent application of the campus logo strengthens recognition for CU Anschutz, helps build a more unified brand and connects us to the University of Colorado system.
The development or use of custom-designed logos or graphic symbols for identification are expressly prohibited for all CU academic, administrative, research and clinical units and groups. More information can be found in CU System Administrative Policy Statement 2025.
Logo Anatomy
The campus logo unites two elements in an intentional and fixed arrangement:
- The CU icon is comprised of the gold, stylized letters “C” and “U” over a field of black. This graphic is shared across the entire University of Colorado system and used by all CU campuses, schools and units.
- The wordmark is a custom letterform used in conjunction with the CU icon. Together, these elements appear as a single graphic element and may not be altered, replaced or retyped in any way.
Configurations
Standard configuration
Single-line configuration
Condensed configuration
Color Options
The full-color campus logo is the preferred format and should be used whenever possible. In cases where a full-color logo may not be applicable – for example, black-and-white collateral, single-color embroidery, etc. – a single-color (white or black) version may be used. Recoloring or altering the colors of our logos in any way is prohibited. Color combinations other than those listed below are unacceptable and not permitted for use.
Minimum Size
In order to ensure legibility, the campus signature must not appear smaller than the sizes below:
- 0.5" tall for print or physical media
- 40 pixels tall for online or digital media
Clear Space Guidelines
Clear space must always surround the campus logo, to improve visual impact and ensure legibility.
The minimum acceptable clear space is equal to the height of the "U" in the interlocking CU icon as it appears in the campus logo.
Common Misuses
The campus logo is a registered trademark and cannot be altered in any way. Always use the official, university-approved official artwork and observe logo standards for color, clear space, and minimum size to maintain consistency and retain the integrity of the CU Anschutz identity. Do not attempt to "design" your own official logo using these guidelines.
The following examples are not permitted under any circumstances.
- Do not stretch, condense or distort the logo.
- Do not recolor or redesign the logo.
- Do not add text or graphics to the logo.
- Do not place multiple CU logos in the same design area.
