Policies

Graphic Elements

Following is some information that will help you implement these elements in the most effective manner.

Brand Identity

As we continue to make great strides as a Tier One research university, we must continue to build a unified brand for the university. The UH community has embraced this university’s unique identity and has used its many strengths to achieve Tier One status, Princeton Review recognition, and a host of other local, regional, national and international accolades.

UH Brand and Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

The University of Houston name, logos, marks and other branding elements cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.

The University of Houston Logotype

The University of Houston logotype is the graphic depiction of the name “University of Houston” in a type format. It is a one-of-a-kind signature, which identifies our university and projects our unique identity. Spacing and size relationships between the logotype have been carefully established and calibrated so that university identity will remain consistent in all applications.

An important key to presenting a strong and consistent image is the correct use of the wordmark.

Colors

The official colors of the University of Houston are red, white, black, and silver. Colors should match one of the following color models.

Pantone Matching System

186 Red
Black
White
877 Silver

RGB

Red: R=204, G=0, B=0
Silver: R=153, R=153, R=153

CMYK

Red: C=0, M=100, Y=81, K=4
Silver: 60% black

HEX RGB

Red: #CC0000
Silver: #999999

The University of Houston logos should be displayed on a background of one of the official colors of the University of Houston that are noted above, particularly when presented in “reverse” or white color. Those colors are:

Red (see PMS, RGB, and HEX colors above)
Black
White
Silver/Gray (see PMS, RGB, and HEX colors above)

Minimum Logotype Size

The University of Houston primary logotype should be no less than 1.25 inches when measuring the width of the word “Houston” in the logotype. This measurement includes UH logotypes that include the names of colleges, departments, programs, business units and other university organizations.

The University of Houston secondary, tertiary, or one-line, logotypes should be no less than 2.25 inches when measuring the width of the words “University of Houston” in the logotype. This measurement includes UH logotypes that include the names of colleges, departments, programs, business units and other university organizations.

Exceptions may be granted in the case of special marketing gift items and social media advertising where space is strictly limited. If you need to request an exception to use a UH logotype in a size smaller than specified above, please consult the UH Ad Approval team.

Logotype Fonts

In the official logotype, the word "University" appears in ITC Avante Garde Gothic Book by BT type style all upper case, separated by the word “of” which is in Avante Garde Gothic Book all lower case and "Houston" in all upper case in the Avante Garde Gothic Demi by BT type style. Additionally the tagline can appear in ITC Avante Garde Gothic Demi by BT type style, all upper case condensed.

The logotype can be obtained through University Marketing in digital format. Please note, that as of 2012, all versions of logos with the "You Are The Pride" tagline and the Stacked Tertiary (a.k.a. Hybrid) are only available by request.

*The “You Are the Pride” or the “Carnegie-Designated Tier One…” tagline may or may not be used with the University of Houston logotype. You may choose whether to include one of them in your mark. Alternate taglines may not be substituted. Also, logos cannot be used as part of text, i.e. within the body of text, headline or caption in such a way as to be read as part of a sentence or phrase.

The logotype images are available in digital format on our photography Web Site. Log in using your Cougarnet credentials (cougarnet\username).

Various Logotypes Available

Primary logotype with sample tagline

Primary reversed with tagline

Primary without tagline

Primary reversed without tagline

UH Logotype Resersed Red without Tagline

Secondary logotype with tagline

Secondary logotype without tagline

UH Logotype with Carnegie Designation/Tier One Tagline

You may choose to use the University of Houston logotype with the Carnegie designation/Tier One tagline. This tagline is only available with the University of Houston logotype.

Carnegie Designation Tagline Logotype - UH Logotype only

College and/or Business Unit

Note: The Bauer College of Business logotype has been used as an example. Other college and/or business unit logotypes are available upon request. Department, program and business unit logos are also available upon request and can be created both with or without the name of the college or division included in the logo "stack" at your request.

College and/or business unit primary with tagline

UH College or Unit Primary Logotype Red with Tagline

College or Unit Primary Logotype Black with Tagline

College and/or business unit secondary without tagline

College and/or business unit tertiary without tagline

College and/or business unit stacked tertiary (hybrid) without tagline

Note: As of 2012, all versions of logos with the "You Are The Pride" tagline and the Stacked Tertiary (a.k.a. Hybrid) are only available by request.

The university does not have a site agreement with Adobe to place these fonts on every printer and computer on campus; if you would like to purchase these fonts for your own use please see UH Fonts below for instructions.

All UH faculty and staff may use the university logos without completing a request form for use on reports, research grant proposals, or other business-use documents. However, an Intellectual Property Use Permission form (PDF) must be completed for logos used on T-shirts, pens, mugs and other promotional items. UH Faculty and staff are required to submit art for all advertising and promotional items, especially those bearing any UH logo, for Ad Approval. Students must request permission to use the UH logo on anything outside of routine school work. Even if they have permission, they are also required to submit art for all advertising and promotional items bearing any UH logo for Ad Approval.

Anyone outside the university who would like to use UH logos, logotypes or other marks for non-commercial purposes should also complete the Intellectual Property Use Permission form (PDF). This permission exempts them from paying a licensing fee or being fined for license/trademark infringement. The form should be submitted to the AVC/AVP of Marketing & Communication Office at University of Houston, 125 E. Cullen, Houston, Texas 77204-2046 (UH mailcode 2046) or fax 713-743-8185 or scanned and emailed to adapproval@uh.edu.

A PDF of the Intellectual Property Use Permission Form can be downloaded here.

Anyone who is not employed by the university or who does not have permission and wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676. For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site at http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html or see the UH Graphic Standards FAQ's about Licensing at http://www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#licensing.

UH Athletics Logos and Logotypes

These are stylized "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotypes that are official Athletics marks.

UH Athletics logo logotype script houston cougars UH Atletics Cougars Script Logotype

(Samples only.)

Here are some guidelines for using the athletic logos:

As an official symbol of the university, the "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotypes cannot be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. It may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo.
The red version of this logo is the preferred version. The white (reverse) version can only be used on a red background.
The "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotypes cannot be used in lieu of the official University of Houston logotype on non-athletic pieces of communication, marketing, promotion and signage.
The "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotypes should not be produced smaller than 2.5 inches to maintain the integrity of the logo.
Use the "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotype for sporting events, and athletics-related projects intended to build UH school spirit. The Office of UH Marketing & Communication and UH Athletics Marketing, Promotions and Sales reserve the right to determine whether a logo is being used for an athletic or academic purpose.
Please see the chart under Athletic Interlocking UH (link) for additional information about the difference between Athletic and Academic logos.
University of Houston logos, including the "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotype and other branding elements, cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
The "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotype is available in digital format from the Office of UH Marketing & Communication and can be obtained at adapproval@uh.edu. Office of UH Marketing & Communication reserves the right to review and approve any and all uses of UH logos. Please submit all advertising, communications and promotional pieces to the Ad Approval Process by emailing adapproval@uh.edu.
If you have questions about this logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu

The Interlocking UH Mark

Collegiate logos are a long-standing and well-respected tradition in higher education. Alumni, students, faculty, and staff instantly recognize their university by its logo and often wear it with great pride. The Interlocking UH will most often be seen as a mark among the “Cougar Family” and supports school spirit in current students, alumni, and sports.

There are multiple versions of the interlocking UH available. Some are considered academic symbols and some are considered athletic symbols.

Academic Interlocking UH:

reverse interlocking UH on red background

Classic Interlocking UH and the Beveled Interlocking UH (Samples only.)

Here are some guidelines for using the academic interlocking UH logos:

As an official symbol of the university, the academic interlocking UH should not be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. It may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo.
Use the academic interlocking UH for internal audience (students, faculty, staff, alumni) purposes and projects that are not related to sports. The Office of University Marketing & Communication and UH Athletics Marketing, Promotions and Sales reserve the right to determine whether a logo is being used for an academic or athletic purpose.
University of Houston logos, including the Interlocking UH and other branding elements, cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
The academic interlocking UH is available in digital format from UH Marketing & Communication and can be obtained at adapproval@uh.edu. UH Marketing & Communication reserves the right to review and approve any and all uses of UH logos. Please submit all advertising, communications and promotional pieces to the UH Ad Approval Process by emailing adapproval@uh.edu.
Both the Beveled and the Classic Interlocking UH logos should be no less than .5 inches when measuring across the widest part of the logo (from side to side). Exceptions may be granted to use the Classic, or flat, Interlocking UH in the case of special marketing gift items and social media advertising where space is strictly limited. If you need to request an exception to use an Interlocking UH logo in a size smaller than specified above, please consult the UH Ad Approval team. Please do not use the Beveled Interlocking UH in sizes smaller than .5 inches in width as the graphics and colors that describe the beveling are likely to become blurry.
Anyone who is not employed by the university or who does not have permission and wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676. For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site at http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html or see the UH Graphic Standards FAQ's about Licensing at http://www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#licensing.
If you have questions about this logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu.

Athletic Interlocking UH:

Official Athletics Interlocking UH logos (Samples only.)Here are some guidelines for using the athletic interlocking UH logos:

As an official symbol of the university, the athletic interlocking UH should not be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. It may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo.
Use the athletic interlocking UH for sporting events, and athletics-related projects intended to build UH school spirit. However, sports clubs and intramural teams cannot use UH Athletics logos as they may be confused with official UH Athletics teams. Please use academic logos.The Office of UH Marketing & Communication and UH Athletics Marketing, Promotions and Sales reserve the right to determine whether a logo is being used for an athletic or academic purpose.
The Athletic Interlocking UH should not be produced smaller than 1.25 inches to maintain the integrity of the logo. Flat versions of the Official Athletics Interlocking UH are available for smaller sizes and other special considerations. To request them, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at ad adapproval@uh.edu.
The Official Athletics Interlocking UH logos should always be presented in their original red or white color schemes. This means that the logos should not be used in a “transparent” way in which background colors show through as the color of the logo or part of the logo. For example, an Athletics Interlocking UH logo on a green background should still be printed as white or red. The green background should not show through as the color of the logo or any part of the logo (such as the white outline or any portion of the bevels).
University of Houston logos, including the Athletics Interlocking UH and other branding elements, cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
The Athletic Interlocking UH is available in digital format from the Office of UH Marketing & Communication and can be obtained at adapproval@uh.edu. UH Marketing & Communication reserves the right to review and approve any and all uses of UH logos. Please submit all advertising, communications and promotional pieces to the Ad Approval Process by emailing adapproval@uh.edu.
Anyone who is not employed by the university or who does not have permission and wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676. For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site at http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html or see the UH Graphic Standards FAQ's about Licensing at http://www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#licensing.
If you have questions about this logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu.

To help determine which version of the Interlocking UH logo to use for a project, here is a general guide

Audience	Academic Uses	Athletic Uses
UH Students	Class Projects & Research (please use UH logotype)  Recommended for Campus Student Groups, sports clubs and intramural teams.	Recommended for Sports-related , UH & Cougar Spirit,  Campus Life (non-academic) Not recommended for Class Projects & Research. Special requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Sports clubs and intramural teams cannot use UH Athletics logos to avoid confusion with official UH Athletics teams. Please use academic logos.
UH Faculty/Staff	Academic Interlocking UH is available for most internal uses. Use the UH logotype for official academic and business marketing and communications.	Projects specifically pertaining to Athletics and Athletics events.
UH Alumni	Academic Interlocking UH is available for most uses with proper approval. Use the UH logotype for official academic and business marketing and communications Opt to use UHAA logo where appropriate.	Projects specifically pertaining to Athletics and Athletics events.
Donors, Business Partners, Friends of the University	Academic Interlocking UH and UH logotype (preferred) are available for most uses with proper approval.	Projects specifically pertaining to Athletics and Athletics events, with approval by UH Athletics Marketing.

Note: This guide is for information purposes only and does not necessarily cover all situations and considerations.

Official UH E-mail Signature

As one of the most frequently used forms of communication, e-mail messages should serve as a reflection of the institution. Because of the wide variety of formats used by faculty and staff, the university has adopted a standardized signature format to help e-mail signatures reinforce the university’s brand identity, as well as convey important contact information.

University of Houston e-mail signatures should include your name, job title, department name, the name of the university in red, your phone number and e-mail address. This information should be in the font is Century Gothic, 10 point, black type except the name of the university which should be in red. The signature also should contain specific text recognizing the university’s Carnegie designation.

Example:

Jane Doe, Department Manager
Department Name
University of Houston
A Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university
713-743-0000
janedoe@central.uh.edu

Reply signatures and those used on smart phone and tablets should be an abbreviated version of the above.

Jane Doe, Department Manager
713-743-0000
janedoe@central.uh.edu

We encourage UH faculty and staff to use one of these options. These e-mail signatures reflect our status as a Tier One institution in all of our e-mail communications, which helps promote the university’s reputation to people off campus.

Best Practices when creating an E-mail Signature:

Mailing Address & Mail Codes - It’s not considered best practice any longer to include a postal address as part of an email signature, but if you wish to, it should go below the email address. You may also list your mail code in this space if you wish.
Listing the web site - Most (if not all) people recognize the email domain on your e-mail address contains your web address. Since some of our email addresses have ‘central.uh.edu’ it is recommended to list the UH web site.
Quotes - Quotes should not be used in a university e-mail signature.
Fax numbers - Industry trends indicate that fax is slipping in popularity as a mean of communication, so it’s no longer necessary to list it.
Signature on every reply & forward - When continuing a conversation via email, there’s no need to include the signature in every response.
Include faculty’s private practice – Please refrain from promoting a faculty or staff member’s other employment in your email signature. State rules preclude university employees from using public resources to promote private entities.
Font size and type - We recommend Century Gothic, 10 point, black type except the name of the university which should be in red.
Back-ground Color – Please refrain from using watermarked, colored, or photographic backgrounds in your emails. Those backgrounds often make your correspondence difficult to read and do not render appropriately in every email program. White is the only admissible background color for University of Houston emails.
Professional licenses or certifications - Feel free to add professional designations or certification directly after your name. For example: John Doe, FAIA or Jane Doe, MBA. Alumni – UH is proud of its alumni, so graduates are welcome to add their grad year directly after their names in the email signature. Please omit the college name or degree as the degree is from the University of Houston.
Committees - While these are very important, the email signature is not the best location to communicate that information.
Confidentiality Clause - If it is a necessary part of your business operations to work with confidential information, the confidentiality clause can be included at the bottom of the signature.
Social Media - If you would like to include social media links, it shouldn’t be more than two. Usually it’s Facebook and Twitter. Do not include images, only the links.

UH Logo Use Policy for Student Organizations

UH student organizations and intramural sports teams/clubs (regardless of status) are a vital part of the UH campus community. They serve as bridges that connect students to national organizations outside of UH. It is important that both the national organizations and UH community identities are represented as distinct and equal. An example: If a student organization is a chapter of a national professional organization then both the identities of UH and the professional organization needs to be recognizable within the context of that student organization’s materials.

These guidelines will help student organizations display the UH brand separately from that of their national organizations. All UH student organizations are required to follow these Graphic Standards when using UH logos, symbols, branding and intellectual property.

UH student groups are required to follow all UH Graphic Standards that apply to UH students, whether specifically or implicitly. It is important to remember that the UH name, logos and other elements of the UH brand are registered and trademarked property of the University of Houston that are made available to students to use, just as library books and other resources can be borrowed or rented to help students achieve their goals. Upholding the policies stated in the UH Graphic Standards help insure that these resources maintain their integrity over time.
UH student groups should follow UH Graphic Standards that guide the use, placement and appearance of the University of Houston name, logos, symbols, and other intellectual property.
Intramural and Club Sports teams (non-UH Athletics Programs teams) should use on the Academic UH marks and logos. Please do not use official UH Athletics marks and logos because those should only be used on the uniforms, equipment and paraphernalia of official UH Athletic Program and Big East Conference teams.
As with any other group or individual using UH logos, UH student groups should refrain from integrating, attaching or combining the University of Houston name or logo with their organizations’ logo, initials, or other symbols. An organization’s logos, initials and symbols may include, but not be limited to, Greek letters, crests, mascots, etc. Each logo can appear separately on a single communication, marketing, or promotional piece.
One of the more perplexing ideas in marketing and branding is the difference between a logo and a design or artwork that may be used on a marketing piece (such as a brochure or postcard) or promotional item (such as a t-shirt or stadium cup). For more information on the differences between logos and artwork, please visit www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#unit, and see "What is the difference between a logo and a graphic or an image?"
When using the University of Houston name, logos, symbols, and other intellectual property, UH student groups are required to use licensed vendors to print and produce items bearing UH logos. You can find a list of vendors licensed with LRG by visiting the "vendor-list" page on the LRG website (http://lrgusa.com/licensing/vendor-list/) and searching for "Houston".
To receive the appropriate logo files for projects that don’t require a vendor, UH student groups should request them from Lawrence Daniel (lrdaniel@uh.edu). In some cases, the student organization may need Mr. Daniel to help them submit an Intellectual Property Use Permission form (PDF) to request use of UH logos.
When using the University of Houston name, logos, symbols, and other intellectual property, UH student groups are required to submit final proofs, preferably in PDF format, to adapproval@uh.edu as part of the UH Ad Approval Process.

The UH Color Palette

University of Houston’s primary color is red, PMS 186, sometimes known as “Cougar Red”. Secondary colors are black, white and silver/grey. These colors should comprise the UH Brand Color Palette. As with all graphic elements, these school colors have a rich historical tradition and are immediately identifiable amongst internal and external audiences.

The Pantone PMS (Pantone Matching System) numbers are:

186 red, black and white
Red RGB colors:
- 204 (red)
- 0 (green)
- 0 (blue)
Silver RGB colors:
- 153 (red)
- 153 (green)
- 153 (blue)
To provide greater flexibility in designing materials the PMS color 877 silver has also been added.
Silver is 60% of black
Red CMYK Formula: C=0, M=100, Y=81, K=4

The RGB color combinations are:

Red HEX color #CC0000
Silver HEX color #999999

UH Fonts

The official University of Houston logotype is based on ITC Avant Garde Gothic. We do not have a license for the whole university to use them, but we do have a special agreement to use them only in logos. Recommendations for headlines and body copy are based on what looks best with ITC Avant Guard logos, is most easily readable and helps project the UH brand. For Sans Serif font, the Helvetica font family is recommended. For Serifed fonts, Times New Roman, the Berkeley font family (more serifed) and the Trajan Pro font family (a slightly less serifed, capital letter font that is more formal that is nice on invitations) seem to work the best.

If your department is interested in purchasing a font, there are companies selling them online. Here are links to purchase some of the fonts that Marketing & Communication commonly uses in marketing pieces.

The Cougar Image & Logos

There are multiple official UH Cougar images available. Some are considered academic symbols and some are considered athletic symbols.

Academic Cougar Image

(Sample only.)

The official UH cougar mascot photograph was taken by photographer Pam Francis. It is not a logo, but a copyrighted graphic element that may be used.

The Cougar image is not excluded from the current UH brand or from the pantheon of UH symbols. The Cougar will not be used in academic or institutional marketing as often as before as focus is shifted to represent our students, faculty and alumni.

Here are some guidelines for using the Cougar image with the new brand:

This fine photograph projects the overall strength of the university and when used consistently and correctly unifies the many different programs on campus. Therefore, other photographs of cougars should not be substituted.
This photo cannot be used in lieu of the official University of Houston logotype.
As an official symbol of the university, the cougar image should not be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. It may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo.
When using the Cougar image in marketing and informational pieces, remember that University of Houston is host to many international students. Many cultures do not have mascots associated with schools and universities. The idea of having a Cougar for a mascot may be new to some members of international audiences and they may not understand why the image of a Cougar appears in UH materials. Carefully consider your audience before deciding to incorporate the Cougar image into your marketing and information pieces.
University of Houston logos, including the Cougar Image and other branding elements, cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
The Cougar image is available in digital format from the Office of UH Marketing & Communication and can be obtained at adapproval@uh.edu. UH Marketing & Communication reserves the right to review and approve any and all uses of UH logos. Please submit all advertising, communications and promotional pieces to the UH Ad Approval Process by emailing adapproval@uh.edu.
The UH Cougar Image should be no less than .75 inches when measuring across the widest part of the photo (from side to side).
Anyone who is not employed by the university or who does not have permission and wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676. For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site at http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html or see the UH Graphic Standards FAQ's about Licensing at http://www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#licensing.
If you have questions about this logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu.

Athletics Cougar Logo

athletics cougar red background athletics cougar head white background

Official Athletics Cougar logos (Samples only.)

Here are some guidelines for using the Athletics Cougar logos:As an official symbol of the university, the athletic cougar logo should not be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. It may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo. Please see the chart under athletic Interlocking UH (link) for additional information about the difference between Athletic and Academic logos.
Use the Athletics Cougar logos for sporting events, and athletics-related projects intended to build UH school spirit. The Office of UH Marketing & Communication and UH Athletics Marketing, Promotions and Sales reserve the right to determine whether a logo is being used for an athletic or academic purpose.
The Athletic cougar should not be produced smaller than 2 inches to maintain the integrity of the logo.
University of Houston logos, including the Athletics Cougar logos and other branding elements, cannot be used in the promotion of tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers. Communications, marketing and promotional items containing references to tobacco products, alcoholic beverages, or firearms/firecrackers will not be approved. All other products will be considered by the University to ensure high quality and a positive representation of the University.
The "Houston Cougar" Athletics logotype is available in digital format from the Office of UH Marketing & Communication and can be obtained at adapproval@uh.edu. UH Marketing & Communication reserves the right to review and approve any and all uses of UH logos. Please submit all advertising, communications and promotional pieces to the UH Ad Approval Process by emailing adapproval@uh.edu.
Anyone who is not employed by the university or who does not have permission and wishes to use any University of Houston logo or mark on items they plan to sell should contact Licensing Resource Group, LLC (LRG) 616-395-0676. For more information about licensing, please see the UH Athletics Licensing Site at http://www.uhcougars.com/licensing/info.html or see the UH Graphic Standards FAQ's about Licensing at http://www.uh.edu/policies/graphicstandards/gs-faq/index.php#licensing.
If you have questions about this logo, please contact the Office of UH Marketing & Communication at adapproval@uh.edu

The University of Houston Seal

(Samples only.)

According to historical accounts, the UH seal is the coat of arms of General Sam Houston. The seal was adopted for use by the university in 1938 in conjunction with construction of the new UH campus.

The seal is an official, trademarked academic symbol of the University of Houston. It is not to be used interchangeably with the UH logotype.
The seal is reserved for academic use only by the Office of the President and the Provost's Office. Other uses must be approved by the Associate Vice President for Marketing & Communication.
No graphic element may be placed next to the University of Houston Seal. On most print pieces, a distance of at least a half-inch gives the appropriate amount of separation between the UH Seal and all other text and images on the piece. Please keep in mind that the amount of space needed between the seal and other elements may vary according to the size of the piece and elements contained in it.
The UH Seal should be no less than 1 inch in diameter. Using the UH Seal in sizes less than 1 inch in diameter is may be difficult to read as the text, graphics and colors are likely to become blurred. Only limited exceptions may be granted to use the unfilled (open circle) version of the UH System Seal in the case of business cards or other special needs where space is strictly limited. If you need to request an exception to use a UH System Seal in a size smaller than specified above, please consult the UH Ad Approval team.
If you have questions regarding the proper use of the seal, please contact University Marketing & Communication (713-743-8863)

UHAA (UH Alumni Association) Logos

UHAA Logo

(Sample only.)

Use of the UHAA Logos are guided by the UHAA Brand Guidelines, which can be viewer here. All uses of UHAA logos are subject to the UH Ad Approval Process.

Older Logos – Academic & Athletic

After many years of University of Houston history, logos and various marketing campaigns, there is an abundance of older logos from past versions of the UH brand. Although past logos are treasured reminders of our rich heritage, they should not be used any longer. As legally protected marks of the university, older UH logos should not be manipulated, modified or appended in any way. They may NOT be placed next to or combined with any other text, image, UH Logo or any other organization’s logo.

It is important to only use the current UH brand and approved logos so we can continue to build a unified brand for the university and solidify its image as a Tier One university.

Exceptions may be granted in a limited number of situations where use of a “throwback” or older logo is deemed appropriate. Use of older logos need to be approved by the Office of UH Marketing & Communications through the UH Ad Approval Process . Please contact adapproval@uh.edu with information about your project and why it may be an exceptional use of an older logo.

Here are just a few examples of old logos that are no longer available for use or supported. This is not an exhaustive list.

OLD red UH Seal DO NOT USE old athletics cougar triangle swoosh DO NOT USE old athletics interlocking uh logo DO NOT USE old athletics cougar logo head tricangle swoosh DO NOT USE old athletics cougar logo houston DO NOT USE

(Samples only.)

Social Media Icons

Many UH colleges, programs, departments and business units use official UH social media icons in their social media accounts to express their connection to UH and to differentiate them from competing accounts. These icons are included among UH symbols and branding, and they should be protected as such. However, the social media icons are only available for use in social media and do not replace other official UH logos or marks.

(samples only)

Here are some guidelines for using the social media icons:

The social media icons can on be used in social media outlets and as an image in related materials (such as fliers or postcards encouraging audiences to visit a UH social media site) to indicate the availability of social media.
The social media icons cannot be used in lieu of the official University of Houston logotype or the interlocking UH.
As an official UH symbol, the social media icons cannot be manipulated in any way.
The social media icons may not be appended or integrated into or combined with any other image, photo or text.
Digital copies of the social media icons are available from Marketing & Communication (713-743-8863).

The Chancellor & President's Image & Signature

Any time that the image, likeness, or signature of the University of Houston System Chancellor and University of Houston President is used in any printed (brochure, magazine advertisement, poster, etc.) or electronic (e-mail, web ad, etc.) promotional piece, the final mock-up of that piece must be approved by the Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communication or his/her designee.

Any promotional piece bearing the University of Houston System Chancellor and University of Houston President’s image (photos, drawings, etc.) requires prior approval.
Any promotional item bearing the University of Houston System Chancellor and University of Houston President’s signature (copied or otherwise) requires the Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communication approval. The Chancellor/President's signature may not be used in electronic advertising, marketing or communications. This includes (but is not limited to) e-mail, web, and online ads.
This policy includes printed pieces as well as electronic promotions (mass e-mails, web ads, etc.)
Sent final PDF’s or mock ups to adapproval@uh.edu and state in your email subject line that you will need approval of the Chancellor & President’s image and/or signature.
If you need to mail a printed mock up, please send it to Dianah Hobbs at interoffice mail code 2021. Include a memo stating that approval of the President’s image and/or signature is needed.
Please send pieces in for approval at least 6 business days in advance of when you need them approved.
Marketing & Communication and the UH Chancellor & President’s Office are not responsible for costs incurred from having to make changes to the piece.
If you submit a piece for Ad Approval, please do not assume that the piece has also been approved for use of the Chancellor & President’s image and/or signature.

UH Entities that may be Exceptions for Regular UH Branding Standards

Exceptions to the regular UH Branding and Graphic Standards must be approved by Marketing & Communication and are available only to non-academic, public-facing entities. Exceptions are not available to a college, a degree program, an official business department, or any other established unit of the University of Houston or University of Houston System. Outside funds can come from other public organizations, private organizations, private individuals, or from services rendered.

Specifically, entities eligible for exceptions must be one of the following:

Funded 51% or more by entities outside of the University of Houston or University of Houston System
Registered as 501c3/Nonprofits
Public-facing units with a transactional relationship to the community that have a non-academic operational structure
Not a college, degree program, official business department, or any other established unit of University of Houston or University of Houston System
Approved as exceptions by Marketing & Communication - please contact Vanessa Colchado to inquire.

What it means to be an exception

Being an exception entity does not mean the UH branding and graphic standards are eliminated entirely, it means:

UH Graphic Standards may be adjusted slightly to allow for the inclusion of the other funding source's branding and logos.
An official University of Houston logo must appear on the piece.
Any advertising pieces produced for, by or about the entity are subject to UH ad approval guidelines
Any logos used on behalf of the exempt entity must be approved by the Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communication or his/her designee (see ad approval in the graphic standards)
It is preferred that UH approved fonts, colors and branding be used as much as possible in promotional materials.
Any UH logos, fonts and branding used in said materials will be subject to UH graphic standards.

If you have questions, please contact Vanessa Colchado.