The use of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s logos and names are strictly controlled. There are limitations on which logos and other marks are available for use by student organizations. Details on permissible and impermissible uses are below.
Logos
As a general rule, the use of the primary, official university and athletics logos by student organizations is not allowed.
The usage of a number of other secondary logos is allowed.
Additional secondary marks and type treatments are available. Lockup logos are also available for club sports and student organizations.
Student Organizations do have the option of creating a type treatment or other graphic element to represent their organization. These designs MUST receive approval before being used in any way. Approval must be obtained from the following offices:
- All Groups – Office of Licensing and Product Development
- Club Sports – University Recreation
- Other Student Organizations – Office of Student Involvement
Name Usage
The use of the university’s name and nickname by student organizations is acceptable when following specific guidelines. In general, the university name must come after the club name.
Acceptable Examples
- Student Org/Club at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Student Org/Club at UW-Milwaukee
- Student Org/Club at UWM
Unacceptable Examples
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Student Org
- UW-Milwaukee Student Org
- UWM Student Org
Additional Acceptable Names and References
- Milwaukee
- MKE
- Pounce
Club Sports
In addition to following the guidelines listed above, club sports must also consider whether or not their sport is also sponsored at the Division I level by UWM’s Department of Athletics.
For sports sponsored at the Division I level, clubs must use the word “Club” in all branding.
For sports not sponsored at the Division I level, clubs are not required to use the word “Club” in their branding.
Clubs are not permitted to use official primary university logos as described above. The lone exception to this is the presence of the official Panther head within the Milwaukee Sport Clubs logo.
Club sports use the unique marks shown above, with a variety of styles and backgrounds available.
Clubs also must follow the naming guidelines. Many clubs choose to brand themselves as “Milwaukee” – ex. Milwaukee Bowling or Milwaukee Soccer Club.
Affiliates of National Organizations
Student organizations affiliated with a national organization can attach one of the lines below to the national organization’s name
- At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- At UWM
- At UW-Milwaukee
Some national organizations may have brand standards that are in conflict with the university’s brand standards. This is most often seen in color choices and usage. Please consult the Office of Licensing and Product Development for assistance if your national organization requires colors or other designs that may conflict with university requirements.
Brand Standards
Any group affiliated with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee is expected to comply with the university’s general branding standards. This includes the use of the university’s official colors. The use of colors outside of the university’s official colors is subject to review and is strictly limited.
Branded Merchandise and Licensed Vendors
All branded merchandise and promotional products (including uniforms and work/office wear) must be produced by vendors licensed by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Merchandise for sale or for giveaway is also subject to royalty fees, with royalty revenues directed toward student scholarships. The Office of Licensing and Product Development maintains a current list of licensed vendors and must approve the production of all branded merchandise in advance of production.
Washington County and Waukesha Students
Student organizations at UWM-Washington County and UWM-Waukesha are required to follow the same guidelines listed above. Student orgs on those campuses can include their campus location in the name (ex. Student Org at UW-Milwaukee-Washington County; Student Org at UWM-Waukesha)
Resources
The Office of Licensing and Product Development can provide university branding guidance and approvals for all student organizations.
Union Marketing can provide design, marketing and printing services for all student organizations. Union Marketing can also assist in locating licensed vendors for merchandise and promotional product projects.