Signatures & University Seals

Campus signatures

As part of the University of Colorado system, CU Denver employs a standardized set of campus logo signatures. These marks are the backbone of our visual identity and clearly indicate our affiliation with the University of Colorado system.

Use

Use of the campus signature should be limited to cases where:

1. A communication, event, or initiative is co-managed by multiple CU campuses
2. When CU Denver’s brand logo may not be viable or appropriate, due to available imprint size, target audience, etc.

In all other respects, the campus signature follows the same guidelines as CU Denver’s brand logo.

Configurations

The campus signature is available in two configurations: standard and condensed.

Standard configuration

 

Condensed configuration

 

Color options

Campus and unit signatures are available in the following color options, with the full-color version as the preferred format. In cases where the full-color version may not be applicable—for example, black-and-white collateral, single-color embroidery, etc.—a single-color (white or black) version may be used.

color reverse (preferred)

 

color

 

1-color white

 

1-color black

Minimum size

In order to ensure legibility, the campus signature must never appear smaller than the sizes below:

• 0.5" tall for print or physical media
• 40 pixels tall for online or digital media

Clear space

Clear space must always surround the brand logo, to improve visual impact and ensure legibility.

The minimum acceptable clear space is equal to the height of the CU icon as it appears in the campus signature.

Unit signatures

In select cases, CU Denver schools, colleges, and units may require further differentiation from the brand logo or campus signature. These cases are rare and require advance approval from University Communications.

When approved for use, unit signatures follow a standardized design and architecture, shown below. Per CU Administrative Policy Statement 2025, custom logos or graphic marks are not permitted for campus, school, or unit identification.

Unit signatures are created, managed, and maintained by University Communications. As with all CU logos and marks, alterations of any kind are expressly prohibited. See improper logo use for more information.

 

 

Use

Use of the campus signature should be limited to cases where:

1. A communication, event, or initiative is co-managed by multiple CU campuses
2. When CU Denver’s brand logo may not be viable or appropriate, due to available imprint size, target audience, etc.

In all other respects, the campus signature follows the same guidelines as CU Denver’s brand logo.

Color options

Campus and unit signatures are available in the following color options, with the full-color version as the preferred format. In cases where the full-color version may not be applicable—for example, black-and-white collateral, single-color embroidery, etc.—a single-color (white or black) version may be used.

color reverse (preferred)

 

color

 

1-color white

 

1-color black

 

Minimum size

In order to ensure legibility, the campus signature must never appear smaller than the sizes below:

• 0.5" tall for print or physical media
• 40 pixels tall for online or digital media

Clear space

Clear space must always surround the brand logo, to improve visual impact and ensure legibility.

The minimum acceptable clear space is equal to the height of the CU icon as it appears in the campus signature.

University seals

The University of Colorado system uses two versions of its seal: the official seal, with our official creed displayed in Greek; and the commercial seal, with our creed displayed in English. Use of both is strictly limited and subject to the approval processes outlined below.

 

Official seal

The official seal is reserved for diplomas, official transcripts, records, and admissions documents; legal agreements and contracts; and certification of CU Board of Regents actions.

It is also used on the president’s chain of office, the university mace, commencement programs, regent regalia, and Board of Regents publications and associated collateral.

Use of the official seal for purposes other than those described above is expressly prohibited and requires formal approval from the Director of Board Operations.

 

Commercial seal

The commercial seal has limited application and is used primarily for approved signage and podiums, as well as select merchandise and promotional items. It may not be used on university stationery (business cards, letterhead, envelopes), marketing collateral, advertising, web pages, electronic applications, general signage, vehicles, or apparel.

Use of the commercial university seal requires advance approval from University Communications.