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The University Web templates incorporate all graphic elements required by policy and follow all online standards.
The University wordmark is the official logo and must appear on all electronic University publications. Because it is incorporated in the Web template header, using the template takes care of this requirement and the wordmark should not* appear anywhere else on a site [see unit logos for more information].
* Note: The wordmark may be used within a Web page when combined with the Driven to Discover campaign. See the question and answer templates on the Brand Guidelines site for more information.
The Web templates incorporate the wordmark at its minimum size for use on electronic publications—220 pixels wide. Standard buffer space requirements around the wordmark have been adjusted for Web template use.
University Web sites must have the wordmark at the top of their pages to comply with University policy and maintain consistency and recognition as a University site. Placement of the wordmark at the bottom of a Web page instead of the top is a violation of University Web publishing policy.
Use of the templates ensures proper placement of the wordmark and promotes a consistency throughout University sites that helps visitors be sure they are still on a U of M site as they move about our Web space.
For Web, always use the wordmark included with the template downloads—a white wordmark on maroon background. Never change the color of the wordmark, the background color, or create alternate versions of the template header.
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The block M graphic has been updated since the last release of the Web templates. The M is a solid, flat gold (vs the "extruded M" from past templates), and the maroon background has been changed to #7A0019 (the maroon background for the wordmark has also changed to this color). The size and file name of the M graphic have not changed, making it easier to update any current sites with the new graphic.
Use the block M in addition to the wordmark, not as a substitute for it (this excludes student organizations, which may not use the wordmark).
Use of the block M in other locations on Web pages should follow the guidelines below.
The Web templates incorporate the block M at its minimum size for use in electronic publications—37 pixels wide. Standard buffer space requirements around the block M have been adjusted for Web template use.
In the Web templates, the block M must be on the left side of the wordmark. See Accessibility for an explanation of the "skip to main content" link associated with the block M.
For Web, always use the block M included with the template downloads—a gold M on maroon background. Never change the color of the M, the background color, or create alternate versions of the template header.
University Relations must approve any electronic design that uses the block M as a graphic design element on a Web page. This includes designs that:
Use the block M in a pattern.
Crop, screen or otherwise alter the logo. ![]()
A new feature in the Web template header, Driven to Discover has been added to reinforce the University's initiative to convey the benefits of a public research university to the state and help the U reach its goal of becoming one of the top three public research universities in the world. The graphic should be used 'as is' in the template header. The graphic size, position, and use of the service mark (SM) have all been balanced for use according to University graphic standards.
Driven to Discover must always be combined with the wordmark. Use for electronic publications other than Web should follow the guidelines on the Brand Guidelines site. Driven to Discover and wordmark combinations are available on the Images Library.
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Placement of a unit logo on a Web site will depend on the design, but should follow these rules based on use of the templates:
Unit
logos that have been designed to incorporate the wordmark should
have the wordmark removed from their unit logo/wordmark combination
for online use. The wordmark should appear in the template header
only—do not repeat the wordmark.
Unit
logos may not be incorporated into the template header.
Unit
logos may be incorporated into the graphic header or serve as a
graphic link back to your home page and be positioned
where your unit home link would typically go in the left
navigation. See these examples: