Logo Download

This resource is available to U of M faculty, staff, and departmental accounts.

Logo Overview

Official University logos include the Wordmark, Driven to Discover, Block M, Unit/Wordmark combination, Goldy Gopher, and Regents Seal. The use of these marks on communications helps our audiences to quickly see that it is a University communication.

These logos have specific uses and are not interchangeable. The guidelines explain when and how to use each of the University’s logos.

Before proceeding, note the following:

All marks are reserved for official University business and may not be used to promote non-University activities or imply endorsement.
Units may not develop new logos or alter existing logos.
Third party logos may only be used in conjunction with University marks if a signed agreement between the University and the outside vendor or company has been executed. Any use of third party marks on University materials must be approved by the Office of University Relations. Whenever possible, sponsors or collaborators should be indicated in text, not with a logo.
To use any logos on merchandise or apparel, see Products and Licensing.
Student Organizations registered through Student Unions and Activities should review the student group handbook for rules pertaining to logo usage. Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are not permitted to use University trademarks except for the official RSO mark. See Registered Student Organization Brand Guidelines page for more information.
When multiple internal collaborators or sponsors join forces, the University’s wordmark is the only identity mark/logo that should be used. Additional references and credits can be highlighted in text.

Wordmark

The Wordmark is a graphic element, not a type style. It is a foundational brand element that should be used in all communications to provide a visual indication of its origin or source.

Do not type the Wordmark or use it in a sentence.
The Wordmark may not be altered in any way but may be combined with official unit designations through the unit and Wordmark combination logo.
Each University of Minnesota campus has a distinct version of the Wordmark incorporating the campus’s name.
Do not use the ® or ™ symbols with the Wordmark.

Placement

Place the Wordmark (or unit and Wordmark combination logo) in a prominent location on a designed piece where the Wordmark isn't overshadowed by other elements.
Note: Websites must include the Wordmark in an approved web header; do not duplicate elsewhere on a umn.edu site.
When using the Wordmark and a unit name as separate elements, they must be far enough apart so as to not appear grouped.
Do not duplicate the Wordmark on any designed piece.

Buffer Space

Leave a buffer space the height of the capital letter "N" between the Wordmark or Wordmark combination and other graphic elements or the edge of the page/screen.

Minimum Size

Because the Wordmark can appear in vertical (stacked) and horizontal orientations and is customized for each campus, the minimum width is measured against the word “Minnesota."

The word "Minnesota" must be 7/8" (.875") wide.

In digital applications, the entire mark “University of Minnesota” must be no smaller than 220 pixels wide on desktop screens and 170 pixels wide on mobile screens.

Wordmark and Other University Logos

The Wordmark should be used with Driven to Discover on all visual communications when space permits.
The Wordmark may be used in combination with the Block M in either a horizontal or vertical orientation, except on umn.edu websites where only a horizontal orientation is permitted.
Goldy Gopher logo(s) may be used on the same piece as the Wordmark but should not be combined into one element.

Campus Designations

Crookston

Guidelines and standards for University of Minnesota Crookston Wordmark.

Duluth

Morris

Rochester

System-Wide

In instances when a communication needs to represent the entire University system, use the version with the campus designations (see below). Campus designations should only be used with the Wordmark and not with any unit combination marks.

Digital Applications

Digital Wordmark files are included in the above download with Wordmarks optimized for a variety of digital displays. The package includes variations of the Wordmark on maroon and gold backgrounds. The Photoshop download includes wordmark variations that have been optimized for use with digital communications. The wordmarks in this file may be enlarged, but not made smaller.

Contact University Relations if you have digital Wordmark needs beyond what is available on this site.

Other considerations when using the Wordmark in digital settings:

Digital Wordmarks should be used when creating digital ads or other digital content when a template doesn’t exist.
A responsive Block M/Wordmark combination is incorporated into the official header for all umn.edu websites.
Do not duplicate the Wordmark on a UMN website.
Units may not use their Wordmark/unit combinations on UMN web pages.
HTML email should use either the email templates with the Block M/Wordmark combination included or prominently place the Wordmark within the email.

Social Media

The Wordmark may not be used in the profile image or other graphics created for use on social media. See Social Media Guidelines and Codes of Conduct for more information.

Driven to Discover

Driven to Discover is the official brand tagline of the University of Minnesota. It describes our University and connects all units together under a common platform. All units are encouraged to use Driven to Discover in combination with the Wordmark.

When used as a graphic, Driven to Discover should never be used separately from the Wordmark. It is a graphic element, not a type style. The only exception is in the footer of official University stationery.

Block M

The Block M is one of the most recognized logos in the state. All campuses, colleges, departments, and other units are encouraged to use it.

Use the Block M in addition to the Wordmark, not as a substitute for it.
The Block M may be used as a design element by incorporating it into a pattern, cropping, or screening. Any use of the Block M in this manner requires review and approval by University Relations.
Include a ® on all instances of the Block M except where its size may render it illegible.
The solid Block M is a widely recognized symbol of the University of Minnesota as a whole. It is strongly recommended for use by University departments, units, and registered student groups.
The double-outline Block M is used most often by Athletics and is strongly recommended for connecting with those audiences.

The Block M may not be:

Altered in any way that distorts its proportions.
Blended or incorporated into other logos except as prescribed in the Wordmark/Unit combination section.
Used in any color other than Maroon, Gold, Black, White, or Grey.
Used as a letter in a word.

Cropping of Block M (cut off) is allowed

Must ensure majority of Block M is visible so that it is still recognized as our mark
Side cropping is preferred so that the top and bottom of the M are discernable

MPact 2025 graphic displaying acceptable side cropping

Block M used with unit or program name is allowed. To do so, use the Block M name template (add link to template).

The Block M is the most recognized symbol of the University of Minnesota within Minnesota.
The Block M may not be used as a letter in a word; instead the Block M stands for the words “University of Minnesota”.
To avoid confusion:
- Use the wordmark in addition to the Block M to differentiate from other universities who also use a Block M.
- When there is the potential for confusion with another entity, include the wordmark or spell out “University of Minnesota” in body copy.
- Spell out names rather than relying solely on acronyms as they take a lot of time and resources to have meaning for audiences.
- When naming a program or offering, check that the same name isn't already in use by another University unit or an entity outside the University. Avoid using a name used by another entity if there is potential for confusion.