The University Seal
What it symbolizes
The official seal symbolizes formal authority vested in the university. The seal is a mark of authentication and institutional sanction. The official seal was designed by artist and Fresno State Professor Emeritus Darwin Musselman.
It includes the "lamp of learning" and the "book of knowledge."
The Latin inscription "Lvcem Accipe Vt Reddas" translates as "Receive the light that you may give it forth." The university’s official name, California State University, Fresno, encircles the seal. The date 1911 refers to the founding year of the university.
Usage guidelines
The seal signifies the academic character of the university and is appropriately used in support of official university policies, decisions, ceremonies or other formal actions of the university as an academic institution. In order to maintain its integrity and effectiveness, the seal may not be used for relatively informal, routine or promotional materials or for materials not directly related to academic purposes without written permission by the vice president for University Advancement or the director of university Web communications and publications. A graphic representation of the seal is appropriate on such printed materials as the following:
- Academic certificates and awards
- Diplomas
- Commencement programs
- General Catalog
- Schedule of Courses
- University reports
- Policy manuals
- Formal job announcements
- Formal invitations
- Official stationery and business cards
The graphic seal is used primarily as a signal of authentication. Within a publication, it typically will appear on the inside front or inside back cover, or on the first or last page — whichever is appropriate.
Can Auxiliary corporations use the seal?
Auxiliary corporations are separate and distinct legal corporations, which should maintain their own identity and may not, therefore, use the university seal. It is appropriate and desirable, however, for these corporations to use the sunburst or bronze medallion logos for promotional and merchandising programs.
Can the seal be changed, altered or redesigned?
The seal is designed as a single unit and must not be changed, altered or distorted in any way.
There are two ways the seal may be reproduced in print — in full process color or as line art rendered in a single color. In the latter case, the single ink color should be black or blue. Seals printed in other colors are not permitted.
Because the seal tends to blur and become indistinct when made too small, it is recommended that the seal should not be reproduced in a size smaller than one inch in diameter.
Do not crowd other graphic elements, such as type, near the seal. Photocopies of the seal scanned or clipped from existing publications may not be used.