A university’s visual identity is the foundation of all communication efforts and helps to convey the image and aspirations of the institution. The University of Houston logotype and many other graphic elements associated with UH represent the university’s pride in its students and their accomplishments. By using these official elements in the correct manner, you help instill that sense of pride and respect in your intended audience.
Following is some information that will help you implement these elements in the most effective manner.
As we continue to make great strides in our effort to reach Tier-One status, we have launched a new branding initiative for the university.
The “You Are the Pride” brand tells the story of all Cougars, from our students with their high academic aspirations, to our faculty and staff who contribute to the groundbreaking research on campus.
The University of Houston is unified and defined by its diversity. Our students have competing responsibilities with family, home and work. They are highly motivated and have high academic aspirations with a commitment to learning. Their successes are UH’s primary focus. When students succeed, they gain pride in themselves-and the university. The “You Are the Pride” brand captures our students’ sense of accomplishment and belonging. At other Texas universities, students get their identity from the university. At UH, we get our identity from our students.
The University of Houston logotype is the graphic depiction of the name "University of Houston" in a type format. It is a one-of-a-kind signature, which identifies our university and projects our unique identity. Spacing and size relationships between the logotype have been carefully established and calibrated so that university identity will remain consistent in all applications.
An important key to presenting a strong and consistent image is the correct use of the wordmark. The trademarked “You Are the Pride” wordmark was developed for use in all aspects of the advertising campaign. This image allows us to project the proper image of the university in print, television, radio and other formats.
The official colors of the University of Houston are Pantone PMS (Pantone Matching System)
As with all graphic elements, these school colors have a rich historical tradition and are immediately identifiable amongst internal and external audiences. By displaying the office colors prominently in your publication, you declare that you are apart of the UH family.
In the official logotype, the word "University" appears in ITC Avante Garde Gothic Book by BT type style all upper case, separated by the word “of” which is in Avante Garde Gothic Book all lower case and "Houston" in all upper case in the Avante Garde Gothic Demi by BT type style. Additionally the “You Are the Pride” wordmark can appear in ITC Avante Garde Gothic Demi by BT type style, all upper case condensed.
The signature can be obtained through the University Marketing in digital format. There is no need to attempt to replicate the logo.
*The “You Are the Pride” tagline may or may not be used with the University of Houston logotype. You may choose whether to include it in your mark. Alternate taglines may NOT be substituted. NO graphic element may be placed next to the university, college or business unit logotype.
These images are available in digital format from University Relations (713-743-8863).
Primary Logotype: (with tagline)
Primary Reversed with tagline
Primary without tagline:
Primary Reversed without tagline:
Secondary Logotype (with tagline)
Secondary Logotype (without tagline)
College and/or Business Unit:
"Note: The Bauer College of Business logotype has been used as an example. Other college and/or business unit logotypes are available upon request."
Primary Logotype (with tagline)
College and/or Business Unit:
Secondary Logotype (without tagline)
The university does not have a site agreement with Adobe to place these fonts on every printer and computer on campus; if you would like to purchase these fonts for your own use please contact University Relations (713-743-8863) for assistance.
The signature can be obtained through University Marketing in digital format. There is no need to attempt to replicate the logo.
(Sample only.)
The official UH cougar mascot photograph was taken by photographer Pam Francis. It is not a logo, but a copyrighted graphic element that may be used.
This fine photograph projects the overall strength of the university and when used consistently and correctly unifies the many different programs on campus. Therefore, other photographs of cougars should not be substituted.
Digital copies of the cougar image are available from University Relations (713-743-8863).
(Sample only.)
According to historical accounts, the UH seal is the coat of arms of General Sam Houston. The seal was adopted for use by the university in 1938 in conjunction with construction of the new UH campus.
The seal is an official, trademarked academic symbol of the University of Houston. It is not to be used interchangeably with the UH logotype.
The seal is reserved for academic use only by the Office of the President and the Provost's Office. Other uses must be approved by the Associate Vice President for University Relations.
If you have questions regarding the proper use of the seal, please contact University Relations (713-743-8863)
Collegiate symbols are a long-standing and well-respected tradition in higher education. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff instantly recognize their university by its mark and often wear that logo with great pride.
The interlocking UH mark is a legacy graphic symbol that can be used in print and digital publications.
(Sample only.)
As an official symbol, it should not be manipulated in any way and may NOT be placed next to the university logotype.
The mark is available in digital format from University Relations (713-743-8863).
In 2009, University of Houston adopted a new look and feel for the university’s brand, complete with a new logo. The faculty and staff are valued members of the UH community and your support of the new brand will help it be a success.
Why did UH adopt a new brand? - The “Learning. Leading.” campaign was fresh and effective when it was launched, but is no longer an active campaign. The university has new goals, new opportunities and new leadership. It’s time to update our communications to reflect that.
What inspired the new brand? - UH reached out to Fletcher Martin, a top communications firm, to help research and re-imagine a new brand. After months of interviews, focus groups, and more, Fletcher Martin recommended a brand image that emphasizes our strengths: diversity, entrepreneurialism, connection to the City of Houston and accessibility. The overall look is very editorial, with candid photos using actual students, urban landscape and actual UH scenery. The new tagline, YOU ARE THE PRIDE, is influenced by what we learned through research; that UH gets its identity from its students while the students at other Texas universities get their identity from their university.
Will my department have to throw away materials with the old brand and reprint new ones? - No. Continue to use the materials you have if you wish. UH is implementing a gradual rollout so colleges and departments can continue using current logos for a while. However, college and department logos are available. If your college or department would like to get started, please contact University Relations at (713) 743-8863.
Will my college or department website be updated? - No. Although the main UH website has already been updated, the individual colleges and departments will be responsible for updating the web header (red bar across the top of the screen) on their college or department site. To renew your header, have your Web Developer contact University Relations at (713) 743-8863 for an updated template.
How do I get logos to use in my pieces? - If you would like to start using the new UH logo and/or learn more about a new logo for your college or department, contact University Relations at (713) 743-8863. If you have questions, you can also contact Liz Selig at 713-743-8383 or easelig@uh.edu or Madeline Nichley at 713-743-0773 or mcnichley@uh.edu.
Where do I go to order promotional items with the new logo on them? - You can continue to order promotional items and printed materials from the vendors you have used in the past. If you would like a list of vendors to consult, please contact University Relations at (713) 743-8863.
Where do I go to order business cards and letterhead with the new logo on them? – New university business cards and stationary are being created now. Printing & Postal will produce business cards and letterhead with the new university logo this winter. You can contact Printing & Postal on their website, www.uh.edu/postal, or by calling 713-743-5900.
What are the guidelines for using the new logos? - The new word marks can be used with or without the “You Are the Pride” tagline. Please do not use any other tagline with the new brand, logos, and word marks. Do not append other logos or marks or the interlocking UH to any new logos. Do not append current or past college/department logos on to the new ones. If you are not ready to transition to the new logos, you may continue to use the old ones. For a more detailed informatin, please refer to the UH Graphic Standards.
What happens to Shasta and the interlocking UH logo? – The cougar, Shasta, will always be our beloved mascot. You may not see cougars in pieces published by University Relations as we shift the focus to represent our students, faculty, and alumni. The interlocking UH logo will not disappear, either. We will continue to embrace this “heritage” logo, using it mostly as an Athletics mark.
What is the deadline for incorporating the new logo? - There is no deadline for incorporating the new brand and logo. UH is implementing a gradual rollout. Colleges and departments may volunteer to use the new brand when ready. College and department word marks are available. If your college or department would like to get started, please contact University Relations at (713) 743-8863, we’ll help you get set up.
Do I still need to have advertising approved by marketing? – Yes. The purchasing department requires all printed ads, digital ads, and promotional items to be approved by University Relations before they can release funds to pay the vendor, per MAPP 04.01.03, Section VII, Item N. Please email you ads to adapproval@uh.edu at least 5 days before they are due to your vendor.
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