University Identity
Official Name
The university's official name is California State University, Fresno. This is the university's full formal name and should be used on first reference to the university in all cases in printed pieces. This first-reference requirement may be satisfied if the full formal name or official university logo is visible and evident prior to subsequent text entries. For example, if there is a logo on the front panel of a university brochure, then the first text reference may be the less formal second reference "Fresno State."
DO NOT USE:
- CSU Fresno
- CSUF
- Cal State Fresno
- Fresno State University
- FSU
- Any name other than the full formal name on first reference or the informal Fresno State on second and subsequent references. The first time the name appears in written text, the full, formal name should be used. Expressions such as "the university" and "Fresno State" may appear in subsequent references.
Appropriate Usage
Print, electronic, broadcast or other media pieces should prominently identify the source of the piece as California State University, Fresno. Generally, this is accomplished by spelling out the full name of the university in prominent, bold text or by the use of either the bronze medallion or sunburst logo.
Can the logo be changed, altered or redesigned?
University logos cannot be changed without written permission by the director of university Web communications and publications or vice president for university advancement. To preserve its integrity, the logo may not be altered or distorted in any way. It must not be scanned, traced or redrawn.
Camera-ready art is available from the Office of University Communications at 278.8595. The logo should not be reproduced in a size smaller than one inch wide (embroidered uses such as that on shirts should not be reproduced smaller than two inches wide). Do not crowd other graphic elements, such as type, near the logo. Photocopies or images of the logo scanned or clipped from existing publications should not be used.
Can logos separate from the university's official logos be created?
The university encourages schools, departments and programs to use the sunburst logo or the bronze medallion logo for promotional purposes. Individual department or program emblems or logos are prohibited by university policy. Named, endowed schools or colleges may develop and use their own logos or emblems; however, the logos must contain in near proximity the full name "California State University, Fresno." The only current named, endowed schools and colleges permitted to use separate logos, identities or emblems are the Lyles College of Engineering, the Craig School of Business, the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and the Kremen School of Education and Human Development.
Permission to use separate logos, emblems or identities does not apply to departments, programs or other entities within those four schools or colleges; they must use the approved school or college logo.
What are the official Fresno State colors?
Cardinal red and blue are the traditional colors for California State University, Fresno. We also use bronze to coincide with our less formal medallion logo.
Use of university colors in text
Text should not be printed in university colors except in special circumstances. Red is not a good ink color for body type or for repetitive headlines. Blue can be a problem, as well, if it’s too light. Black is never out of style or inappropriate for body type and headlines in your publications. Reserve the Fresno State colors for graphics and other print accents.
Use of university colors in photos
Likewise, consideration should be given to photo reproduction when printing materials such as brochures and fliers using traditional Fresno State colors. If your photos contain people, you always will be safe with black ink, if that is one of the colors available to you. Some of the darker blue inks also may reproduce photos well, but reds, bright blues and lighter colors often will produce undesirable results.
Suggested Typeface
Garamond is the serif typeface used in the logo, around the seal and on the new letterhead. Publications that utilize the Garamond type family will be unified with university graphics.