Branding | University of Missouri

You are Mizzou

Question: What do these have in common?
Web site Marketing brochure Press release Letter Research poster Media interview Newsletter Alumni magazine

Answer: They are all forms of communication on behalf of the

university. And they all have the potential to enhance or weaken the University of Missouri brand.

Because our brand is how our consumers perceive us, it can take years to build a strong brand, but only minutes to destroy one. When you answer the phone, write a letter or design a brochure, you are Mizzou.
Helpful resources
MU Publications: Angela Dahman, 882-5871 MU Web Communications: Lori Croy, 884-8075 MU Licensing and Trademarks: Linda Gilbert or Traci Blackwell, 882-7256 MU News Bureau: Mary Jo Banken, 882-6212, or Christian Basi, 882-4430 MU Printing Services: Marcia Doll, 882-7807

Ten things
you need to know before communicating on behalf of MU
1) We are stronger when we speak as one. The stacked MU is the 6) Collaborate with experts. The
universitys only institutional logo and should be used by all campus groups schools, colleges, offices, programs, institutes, centers with an academic, research or health care focus. university hires talented writers, designers, Web developers and photographers so you dont have to. Find out how we can help each other. Call 882-7357 (print) or 884-8075 (Web).

2) Take advantage of the MU logo.

Using it lets your audience know you are a credible representative of the University of Missouri. On university Web sites, it is also a crucial part of the navigational structure because it always links to the MU home page.

7) You know youre in Missouri when Constituents consistently

say, Dont tell me. Show me. A good design rule: Body copy should consume no more than half your page.

8) Use only licensed vendors. The

3) Dont make your audience think too hard. If your reader or viewer cant
tell who you are within three seconds, theyll go somewhere else. Dont use more than one logo: multiple logos confuse your audience.

university requires all organizations and departments to obtain approval before producing any product that will display MU Indicia, regardless of the method of distribution (i.e. resale, giveaway). Visit licensing.missouri.edu for more information and a list of officially licensed vendors (licensees).

4) When in doubt, add MU.

Whether in print or spoken word, adding MU in front of your units name is a quick and easy way to make sure your audience knows who you are.

9) Follow policies and guidelines.

5) University identification matters.

When referring to the university for public relations or marketing purposes, use University of Missouri, MU or Mizzou. Do not use UM, UMC or University of MissouriColumbia.

MU Business Policy and Procedure Manual: bppm.missouri.edu MU Style Guide and Graphic Identity Standards: publications.missouri.edu MU Web Policies and Guidelines: webcom.missouri.edu

10) There are no stupid questions.

Dont waste time wondering. Just ask!