The Bare Minimum

To help bring clarity to the requirements for compliance with brand standards, we have developed "The Bare Minimum" guidelines.

University Name: Minnesota State University, Mankato

In Print

The University’s full name must be used on first reference and the official shortened name, Minnesota State Mankato, or the University, on subsequent references.

Online

The University's full name must be used on first reference and the official shortened name, Minnesota State Mankato, or the University, on subsequent references (but if the University logo is used, this counts as first reference). The use of MNSU, MSU or any other abbreviation is not permitted with one exception: #MNSU can be used for the purpose of tagging social media conversations or keeping tweets within the character limit.

It is encouraged to include the full University name in your profile name if character limits allow. This helps searchability and counts as first reference. For help determining a handle or name for your social media pages, please contact lindsey.beyer@mnsu.edu.

On Branded Apparel

Either the full or shortened name can be used. If the University logo is used, then neither is necessary.

Not Permitted

Never use MSU, MNSU, MSUM or any other abbreviation.

University Logo

Always use the full University logo on the front of any print piece or the top of any website.

The two-color logo (with gold in the flame) can only be used on a white background.
The one-color gold logo should not be used on a black background.
The reversed white version of the logo should not be used on a purple background.

Always allow for protected space—half the height of the flame—around all sides of the logo.

Never break up, distort or otherwise change the logo.

University Flame Logo

The Flame can be used as a stand-alone element if the full University logo or name is also included somewhere on the piece.

Only use the two-color flame on a white background.
Never use a white flame on a purple background.

Always allow for protected space—half the height of the flame—on all sides.

University Colors: Purple and Gold

Always use the correct versions of the University’s purple and gold.

	Purple Pantone 269 C: 78, M: 100, Y: 0, K: 33 RGB: 63, 0, 88 Hex: #480059
	Gold Pantone 109 C: 0, M: 10, Y: 100, K: 0 RGB: 241, 228, 5 Hex: #F7E400

Always use both purple and gold on any print piece, unless it’s printed as a 1-color piece.

Always use both purple and gold on any online or digital piece.

Approved fabric colors for apparel are:

purple
gold
neutral colors:
- white
- off-white
- sand
- tan
- gray
- charcoal
- black
heather colors:
- heather purple
- light gray
- medium gray
- tweed/charcoal

Approved imprint colors for apparel are:

Purple and gold combined (preferred)
Purple
Gold (but not as the only color on black fabric)
White (but not as the only color on purple fabric)
Black (but not as the only color on gold fabric)

Required Statements

Always include the required Americans with Disabilities Act statements on print pieces at a minimum size of 6 point:

A member of the Minnesota State system and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling Accessibility Resources at 507-389-2825, (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY).

Event invitations and publications must use the following statement (which includes the second sentence from above):

A member of the Minnesota State system and an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity University. Individuals with a disability who need a reasonable accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Accessibility Resources at 507-389-2825, (V), 800-627-3529 or 711 (MRS/TTY). Appropriate advanced notification required for the event. This document is available in alternative format to individuals with disabilities by calling the above numbers.

System Affiliation Logos

Always include one of the system affiliation logos on any print piece, at a minimum size of 9 point.

CORRESPONDENCE

The business cards, letterhead and envelopes available from Creative Production are the only acceptable official print correspondence materials. All print correspondence from the University must be printed or copied onto official letterhead.

Letterhead that is photocopied or printed from an email template is not acceptable for any University correspondence.

The following are available from Creative Production:

customized University letterhead and envelopes
customized business cards
notecards and invitations
half-sheet memo pads

FOLDERS

All University employees are strongly encouraged to use the official Minnesota State Mankato folder, which was designed to work with all University publications, materials and presentations. Folders are available through Creative Production. Specific-use folders should include purple and gold as the dominant colors and one of the approved University logos on the cover.

FORMS

All forms must have the University's full logo or horizontal logo somewhere on the form.

CERTIFICATES

The University has an [JPG] offical certificate design (92 KiB) that should be used for all certificate needs. Blank certificates are available through Creative Production, which can also personalize the content.

BADGES

Plastic name badges can be purchased through the MavCARD office in Centennial Student Union, and peel-off name badges are available through University Stores.

PRESENTATIONS

All faculty and staff are urged to use a downloadable template for your PowerPoint presentations. This template captures the "look" that has been embedded in other forms of visual communication for the University.