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
Student organizations may not use UWM’s or Milwaukee Athletics’ primary, official logos.
Secondary Marks
Student organizations may use UWM’s secondary marks.
Union Marketing has created additional secondary marks and type treatments for club sports and student organizations.
Student organizations can create a type treatment or other graphic element to represent their organization. These designs must be approved by the following offices before they are used:
- All Groups – Office of Trademark Licensing (if being used on merchandise or other consumer goods)
- Club Sports – University Recreation
- Other Student Organizations – Office of Student Involvement
Note: Student organizations with a direct affiliation to an academic department may be able to obtain permission to use the department logo from the logo liaison within their school/college. They may also be able to obtain permission to created a related logo. A list of logo liaisons can be found here.
Name Usage
The use of the university’s name and nickname by student organizations is acceptable when it follows 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
Many clubs choose to brand themselves as “Milwaukee” – ex. Milwaukee Bowling or Milwaukee Soccer Club.
Note: Student organizations unconnected to sports may be allowed to use the word Panthers in their name. The name should also then include the word “club.” Permission is required for this name usage and that permission does not include usage of the official athletics logo.
Club Sports
In addition to following the guidelines listed above, club sports must also consider whether 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 may use the unique marks shown above, with a variety of styles and backgrounds available.
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 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 branding.
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 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 supporting 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.
Resources
The Office of Trademark Licensing 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.