The University of Missouri thrives on collaborative partnerships. Successful co-branding of these partnerships should always uphold the University’s identity and brand and recognize external partners appropriately. Use these guidelines to co-brand your internal and external partnerships across different media and applications, including print, web, social, Canvas and on apparel and promotional products.
When two or more University of Missouri entities (including MU Health Care, Extension, schools and colleges, divisions, programs, centers, institutes, and labs) are working together, a multi-unit signature should be used. Reach out to identity@missouri.edu to obtain a multi-unit signature.
External Co-Branding
When University entities partner with external companies, organizations and schools, or when a university entity sponsors an external event we must uphold the integrity of our marks and the identity and brand standards, including:
Minimum size & clear space
Color
Only the full-color University, unit, or multi-unit signature may be used on co-branded printed, web and social materials.
A one-color signature may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color.
Understanding how to brand your partnership is key to clearly defining the relationship between MU and its partners. If you feel your partnership does not fall into one of these categories, please reach out to identity@missouri.edu.
When the University of Missouri is the lead partner:
Follow all Mizzou Brand Guidelines & Identity Standards
If partner creates the materials a Permission Use Form* is required
*MU Permission Use Form – This form is provided by Licensing & Brand Management to approved external partners to reproduce our marks for defined projects. Please reach out to identity@missouri.edu to request a Permission Use Form.
When the University of Missouri or any of its programs are promoted or sponsored by an external party:
Do not use Mizzou brand colors and graphics. Marketing materials and communications should not be represented as official correspondences from the University.
Include a line of text that the external partner supports MU or the program:
For example: The [external partner name] supports the [school/college/department/program/activity] at the University of Missouri.
*MU Permission Use Form – This form is provided by Licensing & Brand Management to approved external partners to reproduce our marks for defined projects. Please reach out to identity@missouri.edu to request a Permission Use Form.
When the University of Missouri or a unit(s) is one of many sponsors, a university, unit or multi-unit signature may be used alongside other sponsor logos.
Do not use the Mizzou brand colors or graphics. Marketing materials should be created by the third-party and follow these guidelines:
Minimum size, clear space and color standards must be followed.
Language should be included to clearly indicate the relationship between the University and the external entity. Ex: In partnership with, Our Partners, Sponsored by, ect.
*MU Permission Use Form – This form is provided by Licensing & Brand Management to approved external partners to reproduce our marks for defined projects. Please reach out to identity@missouri.edu to request a Permission Use Form.
Design Guidelines for Co-Branded Materials
Before proceeding with co-branding on printed and digital materials, you must have:
Approval from external partners to use their mark(s)
Check any agreements in place for guidance on how to use a partner’s mark
High-resolution file of external partner logos for print, or web resolution PNG files for digital use
If the partner logo appears blurry, it may not be used and the partner name must be listed in text
High-resolution university, unit or multi-unit signature, or web resolution PNG file for digital use
To meet identity standards, reach out to identity@missouri.edu for a multi-unit signature to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space apply to multi-unit signatures.
External: 1 or 2 Partners
When you have approval to use and access to high-resolution partner logos, they may be included opposite the university, unit, or multi-unit signature on printed marketing materials.
The signature takes priority and must follow all identity standards. If there is not enough space to maintain identity standards or you do not have access to a high-resolution logo, list the partners by name (see External: 3 or More Partners for an example).
External: 3 or More Partners
When you have three or more external partners, they may be listed opposite the university, unit, or multi-unit signature on printed marketing materials.
Websites
Internal: 2 or More University Units
To meet identity standards, reach out to identity@missouri.edu for a multi-unit signature to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space apply to multi-unit signatures.
External: 1 or More Partners
When you have approval to use and access to web resolution partner logos, they may be included on a website page or section titled Sponsors or Partners. If you do not have access to a web resolution logo, you must list the partners by name under a page or section titled Sponsors or Partners.
Social Media
Internal: 2 or More University Units
To meet identity standards, reach out to identity@missouri.edu for a multi-unit signature to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space apply to multi-unit signatures.
External: 1 or More Partners
When space allows and you have approval to use and access to web resolution partner logos, they may be included in the post image opposite the university, unit or multi-unit signature.
List or tag all units and/or partners at the end of the text section of your post using “Sponsored by” or “In partnership with”.
Canvas
When setting up a co-branded Canvas site on One Canvas, MU branding takes priority. If neutral branding is needed, use the colors black and gray. Any color choices outside of MU gold, black and gray must comply with Accessibility Standards.
MU Gold = #F1B82D Black = #000000 Gray = #DBD5CD
Internal: 2 or More University Units
A multi-unit signature may be placed in the header or footer area. To meet identity standards, reach out to identity@missouri.edu for a multi-unit signature to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space apply to multi-unit signatures.
External: 1 or More External Partners
When you have approval to use and access to web resolution partner logos, they may be added:
To a page section or separate page headed by Partners or Sponsors
In the footer area opposite a university, unit or multi-unit signature
In the header when a university, unit or multi-unit signature is in the footer
Apparel & Promotional Items
All apparel and promotional products ordered by university entities, including co-branded items, must be ordered through a licensed vendor.
Follow guidelines for University departments and MU Extension. Lockups approved by Licensing & Brand Management, such as the Extension & 4-H lockup are allowed.
Internal: 2 or More University Units
To meet identity standards, reach out to identity@missouri.edu for a multi-unit signature to use in place of multiple individual signatures. All identity standards, including minimum size and clear space apply to multi-unit signatures.
External: 1 or More University Units
When imprint area allows, and you have access to high-resolution files, external partner logos may be included below the university, unit or multi-unit signature. Create separation with a line. The text Partners or Sponsors may be included below the line. If you do not have a high-resolution logo, list the partner names in the font Gotham.
