Overview

There are a number of logo marks associated with the University in addition to the official University logo and the unit and department logos. Each of these marks has specific usage criteria and guidelines. In general, they should not be considered for primary use.

Download a full list of University registered and trademarked logos.

 

University Seal

The University seal should not be substituted for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo. There are three authorized versions of the seal, and University departments, as described below, may use only one of these: the Latin University seal.

The two English versions of the University seal may be used only on licensed merchandise as described by the Office of Trademarks and Licensing.

Usage
  • Corporate seal: The embossed version of the seal, either in a document itself or in gold foil that is affixed to a document, must be authorized by the Office of the Chancellor.
  • Diplomas and graduation materials: The multi-color version of the University seal may be used on diplomas approved by the University Registrar and on graduation announcements available through Student Stores. UNC Creative may also authorize use of the University seal on other materials related to the granting of degrees.
  • Transcripts: Official transcripts for work performed at the University are embossed with the University seal, under the authority of the University Registrar.
  • University accomplishments: The University seal may be used on documents and in other media that indicate accomplishment in or on behalf of the University. In such cases, the seal must be printed in black ink or in the color in which the rest of the document is printed.
  • University Libraries bookplates: The University seal may be used as a mark of ownership on selected University-owned books.

The seal must be reproduced from high-resolution digital artwork. Contact UNC Creative to obtain artwork for use on an approved document.

Athletics Logos

The three primary Athletics logos are the Tar Heel foot, the interlocking NC and the ram. University schools, centers, institutes, departments and administrative units should utilize the University’s Old Well logo, or their respective unit or department logo, as the primary mark in any marketing or communications piece. To use Athletics trademarks on media such as mugs or t-shirts, consult the Office of Trademarks and Licensing for clearance before proceeding. This office can also provide information and instructions regarding the purchase of such materials for internal use or resale.

 

UNC Health and UNC Medical Center Logos

UNC Health is an academic health system proudly affiliated with UNC School of Medicine and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UNC Medical Center, also known as UNC Hospitals is the 950+ bed hospital located in Chapel Hill, NC. UNC Health maintains its brand assets, including the master brand, all owned and affiliate hospital logos and other various logos and marks throughout the health care landscape. Detailed guidelines can be accessed at brand.unchealth.org.

UNC Health Logo

 

Custom Logos

The following groups and initiatives are outside the University logo system and may not qualify for a standardized unit logo or department logo:

  • Events
  • Studies
  • Campus-wide initiatives
  • Revenue generators (for example, ticket sales or receipt-supported services)*
  • Groups funded outside of the University (must equal at least 50% of the group’s total funding)*
  • Entities associated with University Ombuds
  • Alumni groups
  • Student groups

These groups and initiatives may create their own unique logo, which can be paired with the main University logo, or a unit or department logo, when appropriate. Custom logos cannot use elements from other trademarked logos. For more information on custom logos, including getting permission to create one or help designing one, contact UNC Creative.

*May not include revenue or funds from donors or foundations.

 

Official Marks vs. Artistic Representation

A custom logo or design that includes an element from a trademarked icon (e.g., the Old Well icon) must use an artistic representation instead of the official icon. Artistic representations must be distinctly different from the University icons. The design of artistic representations should not start by using or closely mirroring the official University marks. To learn more about when an artistic representation is required or to request design approval, contact UNC Creative.

Contact

For more information about other University marks, contact University Communications.