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UNC Research & Departmental Logos

UNC Research LogoWithin the the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research (OVCR), three logos can be utilized depending on the nature of the communication product and it’s intended audience:

In most cases, OVCR administration units will use their OVCR department logos for communication needs on websites, newsletters, letterheads, and other media.

In rare cases, the use of the UNC Research logo may be appropriate. The Office of Research Communications will help make that determination and assist with communication planning.

The department logo or the UNC Research logo can replace the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill logo on printed and online material; it is not necessary or recommended to use multiple logos.

Logo Guidelines

UNC Office of Research Development logo.

Department logos brand individual groups within the OVCR organization. All department logos are created by UNC Creative and managed by the Office of Research Communications.

UNC Research logo.

UNC Research is the brand for the entire research enterprise, encompassing the OVCR, schools, the College, and any relevant unit that engages in research activity or administration. The UNC Research logo is managed by the Office of Research Communications.

Please refer to this chart when determining which logo to use:

OVCR Departmental Logo

  • All OVCR departmental communications
  • Examples include OVCR websites, newsletters, operational updates, policy updates that originate from OVCR departments, stationary letterhead, email signatures, etc.

UNC Research Logo

  • Campus-wide initiatives with involvement spanning beyond OVCR
  • Examples include Research Roadmap updates, University Research Week promotions, policy updates that originate from other research offices.

Logo Usage

OVCR Departmental Logos

  • All OVCR departments have access to horizontal and vertical versions of their respective logo. This provides flexibility of use in print and online materials.
  • When using a department logo, the University’s full name, “The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill,” should appear elsewhere in the copy or on the design.
  • The logo must be reproduced from high-resolution digital artwork.
  • The logos may not be reconstructed or altered in any way. This prohibition includes, but is not restricted to, type, the vertical line, outlines and embellishments.
  • Do not create secondary logos, as this is confusing to audiences and dilutes our goal of creating a common, mutually reinforcing image.
  • The logos may not be cut, cropped, or stretched in any way.

To access your OVCR Departmental Logo, contact the Office of Research Communication graphic designer, Corina Prassos

UNC Research Logo

  • The UNC Research logo is treated as the “University Unit Logo” and should only be used in communications intended for broad audiences on subjects spanning beyond OVCR operations
  • Please contact the Office of Research Communications for approval before using the UNC Research logo.

Clear Space Requirements

To ensure the integrity and visual impact of the logo, the appropriate “clear space” must be maintained on all sides. Specifically, where “x” is equal to the height of the Old Well icon, there must be a minimum of 1/2 the distance “x” between the outside edge of the logo and any other page element, including the edge of the page. The vertical line dividing “UNC” and the unit or department name may fall inside the clear space. This applies to all department logos.

Size Requirements

The logo must be resized proportionally and in its entirety; therefore, measurements for all elements in the logo are relative to each other.

When PMS® 542 or black is used in printing of the logo, the minimum height of the Old Well in the logo is 0.25 inches. When the logo appears as a white knockout on a color, the minimum height of the Old Well in the logo is 0.3125 inches. If a 4-color process build is used to print the logo, the minimum height of the Old Well in the logo is 0.3125 inches. This applies to all department logos.

Color Options and Color Restrictions

All logos come in four different colors: Carolina Blue and black, Carolina Blue, black, and white.

  • Do not change the logo color to anything outside of the color options.
  • Do not print the logo in black over a dark background.
  • Do not print the reversed (white) logo onto a light or white background.
  • Do not place the logo over a heavily patterned background.

Improper Logo Treatment

  • Do not configure the elements into a different logo.
  • Do not crop or remove any part of the logo.
  • Do not distort the logo.
  • Do not tilt the logo in any direction.
  • Do not add any shadows, effects or other elements to the logo.
  • Do not alter the proportions of the logo.
  • Do not attach a program-level identification to the logo or attempt to create your own unit or department logo.
  • Do not duplicate any part of the logo to create a pattern.
  • Do not recreate the type or substitute another typeface.
  • Do not surround logo with other competing shapes.

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 must be paired with the UNC Research logo or their department logo. 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.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding your department logo or the use of the UNC Research logo, please contact the ORC graphic designer, Corina Prassos at ccudebec@email.unc.edu.