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Washington and Lee University

Washington and Lee University
Washington and Lee University Campus Image

Graphic Standards Manual

INTRODUCTION

Washington and Lee University strives to maintain a consistent visual, or graphic, identity as a major component in communicating the message that W&L is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. This unified approach to a graphic representation of the University establishes a clear, consistent institutional image that permits immediate identification.

A graphic identity working group comprising faculty, staff, and students spent the 2008-2009 academic year exploring the University's current graphic standards and exploring potential new directions. A memo from that committee is included on this site. The committee examined numerous alternative approaches and settled on a series of identifying systems. These approaches were shared with focus groups of students and of faculty and staff to obtain feedback from the community. Throughout the process, the basic aim has been to develop a graphic symbol that can be effectively used on everything from business cards to campus signage and vehicles.

The committee's work has led to the adoption of the new Wordmark as the central feature of the graphic identity system, which are shown in this Graphic Standards Manual along with the proper use of the symbols. In creating projects where the University's symbols will be used, we invite you to consult first with the Office of Publications both for assistance in the design of your print project and for guidance on acceptable usage.

  • The Wordmark
    The Wordmark is the University's primary graphic symbol.
  • W&L Symbol
    The W&L Symbol can be used in more informal usages when a logo may be appropriate as a design element.
  • Coat of Arms
    The coat of arms (commonly called the crest) is used for more formal use, including invitations and internal decorative applications.
  • The Seal
    The Seal's use is reserved for diplomas and other such official documents.
  • The Trident
    The Trident is the primary athletic symbol. It is also used occasionally by the Alumni Association.
  • Complementary Typeface and Color
    Palatino is the complimentary typeface, and the University has a specific color blue for use on its print materials.
  • Stationery
    The stationery design has been created to allow for both consistency and for easy recognition of the University on all correspondence.
  • Business Cards
    The format for business cards has been developed to provide the maximum information necessary while retaining a consistent, clean look.
  • Brochures
    In the preparation of collateral materials such as brochures, the University's Wordmark should be viewed as a signature rather than a headline.
  • Name Tags
    Using approved graphics, a name tag has been designed for University use.
  • Other Materials
    The University's Graphic Identity should extend to everything from stick notes to T-shirts.
  • Online Ordering
    An online ordering system is available for print materials.
  • Email Signature Graphics
    Washington and Lee approved graphics are available for us in email signatures. Please see directions for setting the graphic in Outlook email.
  • Downloadable Graphic Elements
    The Wordmark and W&L Symbol are available for download in a high resolution format.
  • Powerpoint Templates
    Several templates have been created for use with University Powerpoint presentations.
  • Letterhead Templates
    Templates of the official University letterhead have been created for individual departments in Microsoft Word. These templates are available in both black and blue.
  • From the Graphic Identity Working Group
    A message from the Graphic Identity Working Group