The following is the policy as it is documented in the MBU Policy Manual.
6.020 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Originator: Office of University Communications
Subject: Graphic Standards and Publication Procedures
Date: March 10, 2000 (update adopted 15 July 2005)
A. BACKGROUND
All department and division publications convey the visual identity of the University. Every piece, from single- and full-color promotional pieces, forms, printed and electronic correspondence and online communication, carries an expressed visual identity. The myriad of design components constitutes and contributes to the University’s identity.
In an increasingly competitive environment, an institution's visual identity must be distinctive, representative and consistent. It is how the world recognizes MBU as an enterprise and it also unites the MBU constituencies as a community. The development and implementation of a visual identity is an important element in continuing and building on the positive changes taking place at the University.
A Graphic Standards Manual (GSM) has been created to outline the production of projects that constitute the visual communications of MBU. The goal of the GSM is to provide information and materials to assists departments in publishing projects that accurately convey the University’s identity in a manner consistent with the mission of MBU.
B. POLICY
The Graphic Standards Manual represents the official set of guidelines for visual University identity and the publishing procedures for print and electronic communications. The guidelines include, but are not specifically limited to, advertising, logos, colors, typography, photography, campus signage, web sites, online communications, stationery materials, stylebook and language use.
The GSM also defines specific compliance information required for all publications, including but not limited to, accreditation notation, nondiscrimination statements, ADA compliance, official University contact information, appropriate academic vernacular, abbreviations and naming conventions.
Enforcement of the visual identity policies is the responsibility of University Communications. Departments are to proactively review their documents for GSM compliance prior to submitting them for approval by University Communications.
All publications must to be approved by University Communications prior to publication.
Publications requiring alterations may need to be resubmitted to University Communications for a second review and approval. Departments producing large and complicated print jobs are encouraged to keep University Communications informed during the production schedule as to reduce the possibility of major changes and subsequent production costs and delays.
Questions regarding clarification or interpretation of situations not specifically covered by the GSM guidelines should be referred to the Director of University Communications.
C. DEFINITIONS
This policy and the GSM apply to all campus publication and communication materials including those from campus extensions, academic departments, administrative offices and subordinate organizations.
Portions of the GSM (naming conventions and contact information) also apply to organizations renting MBU facilities and publishing campus and building names.
Materials qualify by their use or by their definition. Uses include, but are not limited to materials intended for promotion, recruitment, solicitation, professional printing and/or mass distribution in print or electronic mediums. Defined materials include, but are not limited to, the student handbook, academic catalogs, University forms and stationery, donor mailings, athletic media guides, recruitment web pages, and print, radio, web or television advertisements.
D. GUIDELINES
The Graphic Standard Manual constitutes the guidelines
of this policy and is available online at:
http://www.mobap.edu/gsm/.
