RSOs should follow guidelines when connecting to the Illinois brand.
The University of Illinois brand includes names, wordmarks, logos and images that are valuable, legally protected assets. The standards set by Strategic Communications and Marketing and supported by the Student Code and Campus Administrative Manual are your guide to being proud brand ambassadors. Student organizations, including fraternities and sororities, have a responsibility to follow the Illinois brand guidelines to ensure a clear understanding of their relationship to the university.
Student organizations that are registered with the Department of Student Engagement are independent, autonomous and cannot represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the university, and RSOs should not imply that their organization is an official unit of the university.
Organization Names
RSO names must not be preceded by “University of Illinois,” “Illinois,” or any abbreviation of either. However, the descriptor “at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign,” “at Illinois,” or similar, may follow the organization’s name. In addition, “Illini” may be used in the name and the word “Illinois” may be used only if it refers to the state of Illinois, not the university.
Examples:
- “Chemistry Club at Illinois” is acceptable.
- “Illini Chemistry Club” is acceptable.
- “University of Illinois Chemistry Club” is not acceptable.
Typesetting Illinois
When used as part of a logo, the student group name must avoid resembling an official University wordmark or using the ILLINOIS typeset.
Organization Logos
RSOs may:
- Use Illini orange and Illini blue.
- Design their own logo as long as it does not include any Illinois registered trademarks.
RSOs may not:
- Use the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign logo.
- Use the Block I as part of their logo.
- Use a Block I as a standalone letter.
- Use Illini Athletics’ Victory Shield badge.
Artwork
Organizations can create their own artwork if it does not replicate or resemble protected university marks. Groups can also create and use illustrations and drawings of campus buildings and landmarks (e.g., the Alma Mater). However, groups are not allowed to use artwork featuring or portraying U. of I. people (e.g., alumni, faculty, etc.) or any copyrighted materials or objects on campus (e.g., artwork on display at the Krannert Art Museum).
Apparel and Merchandise
Student organizations are allowed to create apparel and merchandise for their members.
However, these items:
- Must use their organization names as indicated in the organization names section above.
- Must be sourced from approved vendors.
- Cannot appear to represent the University of Illinois or its units without including your RSO name.
- Cannot use official university logos and wordmarks.
Because RSOs are not permitted to use protected trademarks, a license agreement and associated royalties are not required for the sale of RSO-related items.
Student organizations are encouraged to strengthen their connection to the university by using university colors when sourcing apparel and merchandise.
Please contact the Licensing and Trademark Office at licensing@illinois.edu and Strategic Marketing and Communications at branding@illinois.edu if you have questions about creating artwork or apparel.