University of Southern California

Glossary of Terms

Academic Marks

Academic marks are the official symbols of the university’s academic and administrative departments. These marks include the following elements: the monogram, the university seal, the university shield and the wordmark.

Athletic Marks

Athletic marks are the official symbols of the USC Athletic Department for its intercollegiate sports teams. These marks include: The SC Interlock, Baseball Interlock and Trojan Football Helmet Heat.

Configuration

The prescribed relationship among the sizes and positions of two or more graphic elements within a wordmark.

Logotype

The logotype is a combination of the approved graphic identity elements. The primary USC logotype consists of the university shield, monogram and primary wordmark. Combined in a precise manner, these elements create a distinct logotype for USC. The formal logotypes for academic units consist of the university monogram, academic unit wordmark and academic unit descriptor. Combined in a precise manner, these elements create a distinct, yet unified, logotype for each academic unit.

Monogram

The monogram is the shorthand identifier for the University of Southern California. It can be used in various combinations: alone, with the university seal, shield or the university name.

Small-use Version (of the logotype)

The version to be used whenever the final size of the reproduced artwork is to be less than the cut-off size specified for that logotype.

Spirit Marks

Spirit marks are expressions of school spirit and are used primarily on products for university students and alumni. These marks include: The USC Block Letters, Trojan Head and Trojan Block Letters.

University Seal

The university seal is the imprimatur of the University of Southern California. It should be used in the most formal applications and expressions of the identity, as a stand-alone graphic element or in conjunction with the primary wordmark.

University Shield

The university shield is the primary identifier of the University of Southern California. It should be used in the most primary applications and expressions of the identity, as a stand-alone graphic element or in conjunction with the primary wordmark. The university shield exists as the center of the official USC seal and has been updated to meet today’s standards for print and digital applications.

Wordmark

The wordmark is a unique typographic signature that displays the USC name and the academic unit names. It was developed from a modified version of the approved university typeface Adobe Caslon Pro. Do not alter or attempt to create the wordmark in any way.