Introduction
Welcome to the Cornell University Visual Identity Web Site. Here you will find everything you need to correctly use the Cornell University logo. Use of the Cornell University logo or insignia for any purposes (business cards, stationery, publications, exhibits, signs, merchandise, videos, web sites, etc.) by persons, colleges, schools, departments, or units officially related to the university must adhere to the guidelines presented on this site.
For more information about use of the Cornell University logo and insignia, please refer to the FAQ below or contact us.
Cornell University's Visual Identity: The Reasons Why
Why Does Cornell Need a Logo--and Style Guidelines?
Every day, thousands of people see communication materials from Cornell University: correspondence, brochures, reports, magazines, books, web sites, slide shows, exhibits, event invitations, posters, forms and applications, building and vehicle signs, apparel, gift items, and other memorabilia. Each and every one of these materials represents the university. The logo and style guidelines unify our communications and help them make a clear and strong impression.
What's Your Part in the Visual Identity?
Communication materials come from many parts and every corner of the university--from the president's office, the dean's office, and your office. Each communication, through its content and presentation, provides information about the university and its programs. Direct information is given through what is stated; indirect information is given through the clarity, tone, style, and professionalism with which the information is presented. As a result of how the information is perceived, each communication either strengthens or weakens Cornell's public image. It's up to everyone.
Why Be Concerned about People's Impressions?
Whenever a Cornell unit communicates with its many audiences, it's an opportunity to make a good impression. First impressions often are the basis for people's long-lasting attitudes and opinions. Those opinions influence action--whether an excellent high school student chooses Cornell, whether a world-class scholar decides to join the faculty, whether a foundation awards a major grant, or whether an alumna endows a scholarship program.
What's Needed to Build a Strong Public Image?
Clear and consistent communications! If they are united visually, Cornell's communications can present the many parts of our institution as one strong whole, one united team--one vast, resourceful, and diverse university.
Do Other Universities Use Style Guidelines?
Yes--and so do many companies and organizations around the world. Academics, commerce, healthcare, science, entertainment, food, sports--whatever activity people are engaged in, their communications should reflect who they are. Cornell's new logo--and the style guidelines for its use--will help the university present its messages in a clear, strong, and consistent manner, one that people will both respect and remember.
How Does the Logo Help Each Unit?
If everyone at Cornell does the job of communicating well--with clear content and presentation--the reputation and visibility of the university will become stronger. This positive public image will extend to each of the programs associated with the university. All of the Cornell community will benefit.
How Do I Keep Up with Changes to the Logo System?
Updates about the visual identity are distributed to campus via the e-mail list cu-visual-identity-l.
This list is not a discussion list. If you have questions or comments about the logo, you should address them to identity@cornell.edu.
Subscription to the list is not mandatory.
To join the list, send an e-mail message to lyris@cornell.edu containing (in the body of the message, not in the subject line) this command:
join cu-visual-identity-l "your-first-name your-last-name"
To stop receiving messages from the list, send a second e-mail message to lyris@cornell.edu containing this command:
leave cu-visual-identity-l
(For more about e-mail lists and how to use them, see CIT's web pages on Using E-Lists at Cornell.)