Using the Brand

Each year, UAA produces hundreds of print and electronic publications for external distribution. For UAA to continue developing a highly visible, recognizable and cohesive brand, everyone at UAA must commit to applying all of the university’s graphic elements consistently and accurately. It is paramount to maintain a clear visual message throughout all communication materials across the whole university. By utilizing these guidelines as a framework, we can achieve strong brand recognition among our internal and external audiences. The consistent and repeated adherence to these standards will build a powerful identity for UAA that will serve every area of the university well.

University policies define some items in this guide and are must-do’s, while some are just guidelines for best practices. These guidelines apply to all colleges, departments, units and affiliated organizations of the university. For questions or assistance, contact University Marketing and Communications (UMAC).

If you are working with outside vendors, please ensure they adhere to UAA policies, guidelines and visual standards. If you need assistance communicating or understanding a vendor’s graphic requests, please contact UMAC; we have designers on staff who speak their language. 

Who do these rules apply to?

All academic, administrative and support units whose operational funding is administered by UAA are governed by these standards, except for student clubs/organizations and UAA’s community campuses. These image standards apply to all UAA materials, including those funded by sponsorships, grants, fees, partnerships or any other source.
Any information, whether in print or electronic form, published by any officially recognized unit is considered “official” and is subject to the requirements of these standards. Items published by student organizations or by individual faculty, staff members or students are considered “unofficial.” They may not carry or use any of the university logos unless authorization has been granted. 

Examples

How should the UAA brand be used? Here are a couple of examples of why these brand guidelines are an important tool. 

  • Example 1

    Say you are preparing a new brochure or flyer to promote events or opportunities at UAA; use this brand book as your guide for evaluating the design and content — does the brochure communicate that we are “curious and welcoming”? Does it promote UAA’s community-minded attitude? Does it provide the brand experience we want individuals to have with UAA? Does it have people in the photos who look genuine and excited to be at UAA? It should.

  • Example 2

    When speaking with a prospective or current student from rural Alaska, are you highlighting the welcoming and connected campus community? Are you talking about the unlimited possibilities for hands-on education and research? Are you talking about how their education can contribute to a career in rural Alaska? You should.

It is your job to evaluate opportunities and make decisions based on your understanding and ownership of our brand’s identity. We are committed to representing UAA as a “first choice” institution with valuable and amazing offerings and a growing campus community in a location that exemplifies the Alaska lifestyle. For UAA to continue developing a highly visible, recognizable and cohesive brand, everyone at UAA must commit to applying all of the university’s graphic elements consistently and accurately.

These design guidelines make up the framework for creating a unified and clear visual message throughout all communication materials. These are the key elements to building strong brand recognition among our internal and external audiences.