UNC Research Branding
Introduction
As the nation’s first public university and one of the world’s leading research institutions, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has a highly visible identity that continually evolves. The UNC Research identity serves to position the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as a leading public research university. Consistent branding enhances recognition of who we are and visually reinforces our reputation for quality and leadership.
To access the UNC Research signature files, please contact Corina Prassos from the Office of Research Communications.
Slogan: Serving North Carolina, Changing the World
In no case should more than one signature be used at the same time. In the event that two or more division brands are needed, please use the University signature.
The UNC Research signature is available in two variations: horizontal and vertical.
For more information about the identity of UNC Research or the University, please head over to the University Branding and Identity Guidelines website, maintained by the Office of University Communications and Marketing. There you will find information on the University color palette, brand fonts, and branded graphical elements, as well as guidelines on visual production, writing style requirements, and social media standards.
The UNC Research signature is available in six color options. Whenever possible, the two-color variations of the signature should be used. Single color variations are available for limited print use, only when using a two-color variation is not possible. No other color variations may be created or used.
Appropriate clear space must be maintained on all sides of the signature to ensure legibility and provide the greatest impact. All photos, text and graphic elements must not intrude on the clear space around the signature, as illustrated below. The amount of clear space must be no smaller than half the height of the interlocking NC.
The minimum size of the division signature is measured by the height of the interlocking NC. To ensure legibility, the height of the interlocking NC must be no smaller than 0.28 inches (for print) or 32 pixels (for digital).
- Do not recreate or substitute another typeface in the signature.
- Do not use a low-resolution version of the signature.
- Do not distort the signature.
- Do not change the colors of the signature.
- Do not rotate the signature.
- Do not change the opacity of the signature.
- Do not add shadows, effects or other elements to the signature.
- Do not group text with the signature to form a new logo.
Departments and all other units are also included in the University’s brand architecture. These units do not have their own signature within the University’s visual identity system, but instead the names of these groups may be paired with a corresponding school / division signature or the University signature when appropriate.
The names of these groups may be typeset in a single weight and size of Open Sans and should be aligned in the same vertical or horizontal plane as the signature. To ensure consistency across the University, all words must be spelled out completely and not be abbreviated. Non-alphanumeric characters, such as ampersands (&) and at symbols (@), may not be used.
A minimum distance defined by the height of the interlocking NC should be maintained between the typeset name and all sides of the school / division signature.
Do not pair the interlocking NC, University signature or division signature with the text of a department, center, institute, program or other unit name to form what visually looks like a wordmark. This will take away from the alignment of the brand framework and strength of the University’s brand presence.