How you can promote a consistent, clear, professional image for Stetson University...

What images come to mind when you think of America's elite universities? Strong visual identities and name recognition. These institutions of higher learning have strong university image programs for a good reason: easy identification. In the competitive world of higher education, Stetson University needs that, too. We produce brochures, posters, invitations, and other printed material to accomplish one goal: communicate effectively! We want our audience to get our message, then act on that message. While each of us works on individual department or program projects, we represent the same university. So, it's important that our printed material accurately communicate "Stetson University."

How we do that matters. Several years ago, we found that we were sending many different and confusing messages to our audiences when we portrayed Stetson in print. The university image program was developed to help us send clear and consistent visual messages. It was a lengthy, time-consuming process, involving the entire university. Research was done on and off-campus. We developed a list of attributes describing Stetson. Those attributes were used by prize-winning professional designers to decide how to say "Stetson University" graphically. This became our wordmark. Next, we identified Stetson green, based on existing school colors. Gradually, as the program developed, all of us began using the same visual elements to get our message out.

That investment paid off. Now the program is used successfully throughout the university. This updated manual is designed to help everyone stay focused on the program. New employees, employees with new responsibilities for publications, and those who don't have access to the first manual will find thisnew edition helpful.

We will continue to have workshops, and have compiled an extensive sample file showing the program's flexibility. A Public Relations & Communications representative will continue to answer your questions, and help you plan your publications when you meet with the typesetter. Our goal is to communicate "Stetson University" effectively. The program's a success because you make it work.

Thank you!

Keep up the good work!