Brand and Visual Standards

The Kennesaw State University brand reflects excellence and unity across all communications. Consistent use of the KSU visual identity ensures that every college, department, and office speaks with one clear voice and tone. This guide establishes consistent visual usage of the official University logo and brand. The logos and official University names have registered trademark protection, and any use of the logos or official University names other than those identified in this guide is prohibited. 

Our visual identity programs define the official design standards for all University materials, including publications, stationery, signage and other applications, including the web.   

This visual identity style guide outlines specific rules and standards to be followed by authors and editors. Adhering to these standards will help ensure that communications from every college, department and office speak with a clear and uniform voice that best represents the image and brand of Kennesaw State University.   

The proper use of the KSU brand logos and University name must be used consistently across campus including signage, presentation, and electronic media.   

This section outlines brand usage for:

Publication, Print Media and Web Use

Use of the University brand—including the University logo, name, and other brand identifiers—requires review and approval from the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. Consistent application of the KSU brand in print and digital materials helps maintain a unified, professional image across the University. Please submit artwork or materials requests for review through the Marketing Project Request.

Web Usage

University names, the official logo and University trademarks are reserved for official University use only. Personal webpages are not permitted to display the official logo nor use the University trademarks. Personal webpages should not use the University name in a manner that would lead the web reader to believe that the webpage is an official University page.

Resale and Other Commercial Use of University Logos

Kennesaw State’s name and trademarks may be used solely with the permission of Kennesaw State. Items offered for sale to the public bearing the University name and trademarks must be licensed.  

Items manufactured for internal use (by students, staff, or affiliates) must be approved and must be manufactured by an officially licensed vendor. Orders placed with unlicensed vendors may not qualify for University funding. 

A list of licensed vendors is available at Licensed Vendors.

Official student organizations must use a licensee to produce any merchandise or apparel featuring the Kennesaw State name and/or trademarks. Student organizations must first request and obtain approval to use the University names, logos or symbols on commercial goods and specialty items. This includes merchandise used within the organization (staff shirts, pens, etc.), items given as gifts, or sold to others.

Registered student organizations may represent themselves as agents of the University and use names, official logos or symbols of the University with the written consent of the Office of Communications and Marketing. Submit all requests and artwork for review and approval to the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing’s Marketing Project Request.

For information on obtaining a Kennesaw State license, please contact CLC.

Student Organizations & Individual Students

Registered Student Organizations (RSO): may represent themselves as agents of the University and use official affiliate level, logos or symbols of the University with the written consent of Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. Requests and artwork must be submitted for approval to Office of Communications and Marketing at Marketing Project Request.  

Approval must be received prior to printing, manufacturing and distributing materials.   

To assist in the approval process:

  • RSO’s must submit a copy of its current logo at the time it applies for registration or renewal.
    • Requests or artwork that do not reflect the logo on file will not be approved.   
    • Student organizations are not permitted to use the University official seal or KS monogram that does not include institutional name lock-up.

Student organizations may not alter the spirit marks without permission from Trademark Licensing Program. All student organization logos must include one of the following identifiers in the logo design:

  • Student Organization 
  • Student Club 
  • Student Chapter

Student Organizations are not permitted to use the Athletic monogram, which is reserved exclusively for the Athletic Association and NCAA sports.  Any use of logos, seals, names or other University marks must be aligned with policies established by the University. The official logo or seal is not permitted for personal use, e.g., graduation invitations, personal business cards, etc.

Students representing themselves are not permitted to use the University official logo or other University trademarks. Limited exceptions may be granted for special situations. For example, the official logo may be used for class projects and for University-approved conference and presentation materials. To be considered for such an exception, submit a request to logos@kennesaw.edu for review. If permission is granted, submit all materials utilizing the logos, names or other University marks to Marketing Project Request prior to use.   

Any use of logos, seals, names or other University marks must be in accordance with policies established by the University. The logo or seal may not be used for personal use, e.g., graduation invitations, personal business cards, etc. 

Environmental Design

Participating in conferences, trade shows, college fairs and other public events is a prime opportunity to showcase the Kennesaw State University visual identity. Display the KSU logo and all visual identities prominently across all materials. Submit artwork for review and approval through the online Marketing Project Request.

Event Marketing, Exhibits and Display

Use the University brand consistently on exhibit and display materials such as tabletop displays, stand banners, pull-up banners, and booth setups. When possible, position the official KSU logo on the top or lead panel.  

  • Campus Promotions and Exhibits: For campus events or curated exhibits (spaces carefully selected, organized, and presented with a specific vision or theme), align design themes with the event while incorporating University identity. When promoting an event, reserve space for the logo or a footer using KSU’s primary colors.
  • Permanent Displays: Ensure permanent displays reflect a connection to the KSU brand through the logo, primary colors, or brand-inspired graphic elements—at least on the first panel. Not all displays will connect with a black and gold palette; a one-color logo or other approved brand elements are acceptable. However, larger overall Environmental Graphic Design (EGD) installations should consider the space and prioritize harmonizing with the surroundings over strict adherence to the brand guidelines for print and web applications.
    • When designing larger installations, the logo does not need to be used in Environmental Graphic Design applications, and colors may vary from the primary black and gold. Please see the images below for approved environmental graphic applications on campus. If you have questions, please contact the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing and/or the Office of Facilities.  

Podium Signage

Display the Kennesaw State University master brand prominently on podiums used for major events such as press conferences, convocations, symposiums and presentations held on campus. Podium signage featuring the official University seal is reserved exclusively for the Office of the President and should not be used for any other event purpose.  

For design approval or guidance, contact the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing. 

Exemptions For Brand Approval

Design approval is not required for academic materials produced for scholarly presentation (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, poster presentations, oral presentations, PowerPoint presentations, etc.).  

For publications and materials of this nature that use the University logo, authors and presenters are required to follow the University visual identity standards by the Official Logo Policy. Any materials outside of this academic/scholarly work exemption must be submitted to as a Marketing Project Request.