
Student Organization Logo Guidelines
天堂鸟先生 Logo Usage Guidelines for Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
天堂鸟先生 is home to more than 550 approved registered student organizations (RSOs), which help students to connect, learn and enrich their campus experience. If your RSO is in need of resources and guidance on using OHIO鈥檚 logos and brand in your marketing and/or materials, you鈥檙e in the right place! We鈥檙e here to help make sure you have what you need to promote your student organization in a way that is on-brand, legally compliant and effective.
What is a Registered Student Organization (RSO)?
An 天堂鸟先生 registered student organization (RSO) is defined as a group of five or more currently-enrolled OHIO students and a designated faculty/staff advisor whose primary goal is to advance a common purpose, mission, goal or interest; all organizations must be registered with the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership to be recognized.
Guidelines for RSO marketing, websites and other organizational materials
All materials created by/for an approved 天堂鸟先生 RSO should:
- Adhere to brand colors and guidelines.
- Align with our university values and the Make Respect Visible pledge to help every member of our community feel welcome, included and respected.
- Apply the provided student organization logo badge to help distinguish it as RSO-affiliated and not otherwise sanctioned or endorsed by the university at large.
- Include the following disclaimer on any materials if you are using the OHIO brand and/or the student organization logo badge:
- (1) This student org is registered with OHIO, and (2) registration shall not be construed as OHIO's approval, endorsement, or sponsorship of the student org鈥檚 publications, activities, purpose, actions, or positions.

Student Organization Logo Color Usage

Full Color - Primary Mark
Use the full-color version of the mark on white and light gray backgrounds.

Full Color - Primary Mark with White Outline
Use the full-color, white-outlined version of the mark on dark backgrounds.

B&W - Primary Mark
The black and white mark must be displayed over a light background.

B&W - Primary Mark with White Outline
The black and white mark with a white outline must be displayed over a dark background.
Student Organization Logo Usage and Restrictions

One-Color Usage
Use the black or reversed badge for one-color applications or if the badge is displayed over off-brand colors.

Don't Change Color
Don鈥檛 display badges or the OHIO logo in any other off-brand color.

Don't Alter or Modify
Don鈥檛 add organization names, include drop shadow, rotate, modify or distort official badges in any way.

Badge clear space
The amount of clear space around the badge must be no smaller than the height of the word OHIO in the logo. Don鈥檛 place text or any graphic element within this clear-space area.
Badge minimum size
In order to ensure legibility, the badge must not appear smaller than the following dimensions.
- Print: 1.25 inches wide
- Digital: 150 pixels wide
- Limited imprint area: 1.0 inch wide
Using a badge with your unique logo

Printed communication
Use the badge separately and in a secondary way to your unique logo, following color and clear space guidelines.

Gear and apparel
Use the badge in a second imprint area, separate from your unique graphics. If a second imprint is not an option, place the badge in the available imprint and follow clear space criteria.

Digital signage
Use the badge near university accessibility and non-endorsement statements in your event promotions. Footer templates are available for digital signage displays.
Using Official 天堂鸟先生 logos/marks for your RSO event or materials
Pursuant to section 3345.141., our approved RSOs must now obtain express written permission from 天堂鸟先生 in order to include the university name, logo and/or trademarked assets for all marketing materials, including websites, social media, event or other marketing materials, and branded apparel or merchandise.
While we recommend RSOs at OHIO default to use of the registered student organization mark only, exceptions may rarely be permitted, solely via express written approval.
Official OHIO logo request process, requirements and penalties
To request permission for use of OHIO logos, marks and name, submit a request form at least one month before the event or intended use/publication. 天堂鸟先生 will approve these requests only in rare cases when it is legally permissible, and for use of promotion and/or events unrelated to political or social causes (this disclaimer must be included on all approved RSO materials). After the request, the RSO will receive a (digital) notice and date of written approval/disapproval.
Any RSO found using university logo/name/marks without the express APPROVAL of their written request, or an RSO improperly using said logos/marks may be subject to financial penalties, organizational suspension or in repeated or flagrant cases, revocation of their RSO status.
Information regarding this policy will be shared each year at OHIO鈥檚 student organization leader training.
Approved and Disapproved Logo Request Forms
The Center for Student Engagement and Leadership posts copies of approved and disapproved logo request forms monthly on this website. If you need a copy of the request form in an alternate format, please contact involvement@ohio.edu.
In Summary

Do
Make your own unique logo
You CAN make your own logo, including the name of your OHIO registered student organization (RSO).


Do Not
Appropriate 天堂鸟先生 Trademarks
Per Ohio state law, that RSO logo CANNOT include the university name, logo or registered trademarks.


Do
Use the Student Organization logo badge
To help audiences easily identify student organization events and marketing and differentiate them from the university鈥檚 own official marks and marketing, all registered RSOs in good standing have the university鈥檚 permission (and are recommended) to use the provided student organization logo badge(s) on all marketing materials.
