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Web Templates: Template Header
Includes required elements
Please note: The template header is the section of all Web pages that brands sites as belonging to the University of Minnesota. This is the single most important section of the templates and must be used as described—with the M, wordmark, maroon background, and global links. For more information, see Graphic Standards.
Template header and Driven to Discover
The addition of Driven to Discover below the wordmark with a link to the Driven to Discover site is the preferred use for any University site. All new sites going forward should use this header; currents sites may be updated with this header as time and resources allow.
Template header with Driven to Discover:
Template header without Driven to Discover:
The template header comprises four elements—the block M, wordmark, Driven to Discover, and template header links. The graphic elements are included in the Template Downloads. Do not attempt to recreate them.
Block M
The flat, gold block M on the maroon background is a visual reinforcement that visitors are on a University of Minnesota Web site.
See Accessibility for and explanation of the "skip to main content" link associated with the block M.
Wordmark
The white University wordmark on the maroon background quickly and effectively identifies sites as part of the University of Minnesota. The graphic also serves as a link back to the University home page.
See the Graphic Standards for information about proper use of the wordmark.
Driven to Discover
The use of Driven to Discover in the template template header helps the University community and the public to understand and embrace our strategic goal of becoming one of the top three public research universities in the world.
There are two versions—one using the a small block M and one with a larger block M. Units are encouraged to use one of these versions, but may use the template header without Driven to Discover if needed.
Template header links
The links in the template header represent heavily trafficked sites at the University and, to ensure consistency throughout the University, should not be changed. The background for the right side of the template header should be the University's maroon, #7A0019. The solid maroon replaces the mottled gray background used in the original templates.
A link to MyU has been added to the template header. All units should add this link to the template headers on their existing sites.
Unit names or logos and the wordmark
The template header in the University Web templates is not designed to incorporate a unit name or logo. The template header should always be used 'as is.' Units should design sites so that their unit logo is positioned within the headers graphics of the pages or at the bottom of the "What's Inside" links in the left navigation [see unit logos for more information].
