Recognized Student Organizations and Club Sports
Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) and club sports are an important and valued part of the MSU community. It is important that student groups have the freedom to express themselves, but it is also important that they represent the University brand in an appropriate manner by observing the following guidelines.
MSU Brand Style GuideNaming
- Use of Mavs or Mavericks requires approval from Athletics; if either is used, the official name must clearly designate the group as a club or student group, to avoid confusion with intercollegiate athletic teams.
- If the University name is included, it must be one of the official versions of the name; MSU is acceptable.
- Names cannot include derogatory, profane or otherwise inappropriate language.
Logos
- RSOs wishing to create a logo may do so themselves or with the help of the Creative Production design team.
- The University name and/or logo are not required as part of an RSO or club sport logo; if either is used, all standards must be followed.
- Use of the Maverick icon logo requires approval from Athletics; if it is used, the group, team or club must be fully identified to avoid confusion with intercollegiate athletic teams.
Materials
- All materials, including posters, flyers, promotional items and other materials, must include the full University name (set in an approved font) or an approved University logo.
- All brand standards apply to RSO materials.
- Templates for posters, table tents and flyers are available.
Poster Policies
- Posters must be approved and stamped by the CSU Administrative Office (CSU 220) before they can be posted on bulletin boards in the CSU or any academic buildings.
- To be approved, posters must include the name and contact information of the RSO, club or department; they must also have the date, time and location of the event being promoted and meet University brand standards, including the system affiliation logo and accessibility statement.
Apparel
- Apparel color can be purple, gold, white, black or a neutral color.
- All apparel must include the full University name or logo in a visible, appropriate location.
- The University name or logo must be set in purple, black, gold or white.
- There are no limitations on using additional imprint colors on apparel.
- All other brand standards apply.
- Apparel can be ordered through Creative Production on campus or through a Minnesota State University, Mankato licensed vendor.
Table Coverings
- The colors for table coverings are limited to purple, black and white; imprints are not limited for RSOs, clubs and other student groups.
- The University name must be included on the table covering and must be set in purple, black, gold or white.
National Affiliations
- Groups with a national affiliation, such as fraternities and sororities, may choose to use the colors and brands associated with their affiliation on apparel.
- University brand standards do not apply unless one of the University marks or identifiers is used.
- If such groups want to create co-branded apparel that includes both the affiliate and the University, they should work with University Marketing and Communication to ensure that standards for both parties are observed.
