Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need to follow brand guidelines?
The University of Southern California is a single institution, a trademark that stands for quality in higher education, research, health care, and a variety of other programs and activities. Given this diversity, it is necessary to establish a set of guidelines that position the university’s identity under one unified set of standards.
May I create an official USC monogram or an official wordmark by typing University of Southern California or a USC academic unit’s name in Adobe Caslon Pro?
No. The approved USC monogram and wordmark as well as USC academic unit wordmarks have been carefully and uniquely designed by identity specialists and thus must be accessed by downloading the graphics files. You may seek the advice and assistance of a graphic designer to use these files properly.
May I create my own custom icon, wordmark or logotype for an academic unit, department, program, institute, center or office?
No. To maintain consistency throughout the system, the program prohibits the use of any additional iconography, marks, artwork, wordmarks or logotypes outside of the approved logotypes, wordmarks, university seal, shield, and Trojan Head (the latter may only be used for spirit-related applications). Existing iconography can be used as illustrative elements.
May I use the seal instead of the shield?
The seal and the shield are not interchangeable. The shield is the primary academic mark; the seal is to be applied to formal applications such as gala invitations and legally sanctioned or official documents such as diplomas and certificates of merit.
May I use the shield element by itself without the wordmark or monogram?
Yes, in limited applications, the shield may be used as a graphic element. However, it should never be used as the only representation of the university. The shield should always be isolated from academic unit logotypes.
When using an academic unit logotype, do I also have to use one of the university logotypes?
Whenever possible, it is recommended that the primary university logotype be used in conjunction with the academic unit logotype, as on the Web. In applications in which space is limited, it is recommended that the primary university monogram or the words “University of Southern California” be used to help reinforce the connection between the academic unit and the overall university identity.
Are the approved typefaces (Adobe Caslon Pro and National) available for free?
Licensing restrictions prevent us from distributing the typefaces for free. Visit usc.edu/identity for information on purchasing Adobe Caslon Pro and National.
Where can I get approved artwork to be in compliance with the USC Graphic Identity Program?
You can download the approved artwork and assets by visiting usc.edu/identity.
Where can I get approved artwork to be in compliance with the USC Dornsife Graphic Identity Program?
Visit dornsife.usc.edu/identity for more information on obtaining USC Dornsife logotypes, including those for departments, programs, institutes, centers and offices, as well as electronic letterhead.
Who owns the copyright to USC artwork?
The University of Southern California is the copyright owner by origination or assignment of any representation of a USC mark. Please contact USC Trademarks and Licensing if you have further questions about ownership of copyrights.
How do I order letterhead, envelopes and business cards?
The university’s approved stationery vendors have all of graphic elements and assets for the USC Graphic Identity Program, including those for USC Dornsife and all USC academic units. Visit identity.usc.edu/stationery for more information about ordering stationery.