SDSU thrives on collaborative relationships, which may include but are not limited to those resulting from sponsorships, naming and collaborative projects. Successful co-branding of these relationships should always uphold the SDSU brand identity and recognize the external partners appropriately. Use these guidelines to co-brand your internal and external partnerships across different media and applications, including print, web, social media, and on apparel and promotional products.
Co-branding must be preapproved by the university president, following the process managed through University Marketing and Communications.
Internal Co-branding
When two or more SDSU units are working together, a multiunit logo lockup should be used. UMC reviews and creates approved multiunit logo lockups. Here are two examples:
External Co-branding
When SDSU entities partner with external companies, organizations, schools and programs, or when SDSU sponsors an external event, SDSU must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards and properly designate the source of the communication. This includes adherence to university Graphic Identity Standards, including:
- Minimum size and clear space
- Color
- Only the full-color institutional, unit or multiunit SD lockups may be used on cobranded printed, web and social materials.
- A one-color lockup may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color.
- Follow the design guidelines for cobranded materials
- Final use must be pre-approved by the university president, through the process managed by UMC.
Types of external co-branding partnerships
Understanding how to brand your partnership is key to clearly defining the relationship between SDSU and its partners. If you feel your partnership does not fall into one of these categories, please reach out to UMC.
When South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University is the lead partner:
- Follow all SDSU Brand Identity Standards.
- Use SDSU brand colors, fonts and graphics.
- Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials.
When all partners have an equal stake:
- Use SDSU brand colors, fonts and graphics OR use neutral colors to accommodate both parties.
- Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials.
- If partner creates the materials, final use must be pre-approved by the university president, through the process managed by UMC.
When SDSU or any of its programs are promoted or sponsored by an external party:
- Do not use SDSU brand colors and graphics. Marketing materials and communications should not be represented as official correspondences from the university.
- Include a line of text that the external partner supports SDSU or the program:
- For example: The [external partner name] supports the [school/college/department/program/activity] at South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University.
- Follow all identity guidelines pertaining to the use of a university, unit or multiunit SD lockup and the Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials.
- Final use must be pre-approved by the university president, through the process managed by UMC.
When South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University or a unit(s) is one of many sponsors, a university, unit or multiunit SD lockup may be used alongside other sponsor logos.
- Do not use the SDSU brand colors or graphics. Marketing materials should be created by the third-party and follow these guidelines:
- Minimum size, clear space and color standards must be followed for the logo.
- Language should be included to clearly indicate the relationship between the university and the external entity. Ex: In partnership with, Our Partners, Sponsored by, etc.
- Final use must be pre-approved by the university president, through the process managed by UMC.
SDSU Athletics media sponsorships and advertising are currently managed through Jackrabbit Sports Properties. Sponsors may only use the Jackrabbit logo only within (i) the state in which SDSU’s main physical campus is located and (ii) a 100-mile radius of the SDSU’s main physical campus, to the extent such radius crosses a state boundary. With respect to any digital benefits described herein, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise, the sponsor may use the Jackrabbit logo only on inventory purchased through JSPs and/or the sponsor’s owned channels and Sponsor may not use the designated SDSU mark in any way that conflicts with or impairs any relationship JSP or SDSU has with a third party, including, but not limited to, any other sponsor. For the avoidance of doubt, the sponsor, no other business entities with which the sponsor is affiliated, shall have the right to use the Jackrabbit logo as outlined above.
SDSU must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards. This includes adherence to Graphic Identity Standards, including:
- Minimum size and clear space
- Color
- Only the full-color Jackrabbit logo may be used on cobranded items.
- A one-color logo may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color.
To become a media sponsor, contact Jackrabbit Sports Properties. JSP charges for use of the Jackrabbit logo and use of a university-licensed vendor is required (vendor list will be provided).
For more information, call 605-321-0535.