The Sunburst Logo
What it symbolizes
The sunburst logo is the university's promotional mark. It is a central component of the university’s distinctive, visual identity program, both on and off campus.
The logo provides quick, bold identification and graphic appeal and serves as an expression of individuality. It distinguishes our university from others in the system and across the country. The logo capitalizes upon the "Fresno State" nickname, by which we are commonly known, while also containing the full, formal name of the university.
Usage guidelines
It may be used in a wide variety of circumstances and media. In most cases where it is appropriate to use an informal symbol or name to identify or promote the university, the logo should be used. The logo is appropriately used on such materials as the following:
- Promotional fliers, posters and brochures
- Advertisements in the mass media
- Name tags and placards
- Signs and banners
- Public service messages
- News releases
- Notebook and folder covers
- Informal invitations
The logo reproduces well in a wide range of media, including screen printing, video display, Web sites or print. By special permission, the logo may be adapted to a particular use, but the colors may not be changed except under extraordinary conditions and with prior written approval by the director of University Web Communications and Publications at 278.8595 or vice president for University Advancement at 278.6050.
Are both the seal and logo appropriate in some cases?
The official seal and the sunburst logo should never appear together (e.g., on the same page or same banner). However, there are circumstances in which either the seal or logo may be selected, depending on preference.
The seal may be preferred when printed materials are routine or promotional in nature but are also from an academic department, and formality is appropriate or consistency with university stationery is strongly desired. Academic departments may select either the seal or logo as the graphic symbol on such materials as the following:
- Employment recruiting brochures
- FAX cover sheets
- Mailing labels
- Student advising sheets
- Posted faculty schedules
What ink colors are used for imprinting the logo?
When rendered in two colors, the sun is printed in red; Fresno State, the horizontal rule and California State University, Fresno are blue.
Coated Stock
Red - Pantone 485
Blue - Pantone 288Uncoated Stock
Red - Pantone Red 032
Blue - Pantone 287
When not used in multiple colors, the logo should be printed in solid black or Pantone 287 or 288.
Can the logo be changed, altered or redesigned?
The logo 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.
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.