All Student Organizations must consult the the respective handbooks of affiliated campus units. Registered Student Organizations (RSO), Graduate Student Organizations (GSO), and all academic-based student organizations may follow the below brand guidance related to use of University trademarks in conjunction with your organization. Please see the Sports Clubs page for branding guidance.
Logos and Visual Identity
Recognized student organizations are encouraged to create their own, unique logo and design to brand their organization. Logo guidelines are outlined below.
- Student organizations may use the University’s name as part of the organization’s name only to denote location. For example, “Knitting Club at Syracuse University” is acceptable, while “Syracuse University Knitting Club” is not allowed. The use of “Syracuse University “, “SU”, “Cuse”, “Orange”, “Otto”, “Citrus”, and any other trademarked verbiage in the actual name of any new student organization is not allowed.
- The logo should not incorporate any of the elements taken from the University seal, Syracuse primary athletic marks, or the “amplified Block S” unless sponsored by a University school/college/unit
- University trademarks cannot be altered, tampered with, modified, or overprinted with other words or design elements
- Use of the logo on products must be approved by the Office of Trademark Licensing prior to production of the products. When ordering product or merchandise, a University licensee will submit the artwork to the Licensing Office for formal approval
- Student Organizations may not imply or otherwise create the appearance that Syracuse University sponsors, controls, or is responsible for the activities of the recognized student organizations
Examples of approved unique Student Organization visual identities:
- Use of the University’s name for any commercial purpose or in any way which may reflect adversely upon the University is prohibited
- Student Organizations and Club Sports organizations that are purchasing items incorporating Syracuse University marks with intention of fundraising, or for external purchases (parents, friends, etc.), will be required to pay licensing royalty on the retail item(s). Royalty will also be assessed on items that are not specific to organizational identity, such as fan shirts.