The Youngstown State University Wordmark

The YSU wordmark is the offical identifier and may be used only for purposes that will promote the goals of the University. It must appear on all University visual communication intended for an external audience. It is required that it appear on either the front panel or rear panel (or both) of all printed materials. It is not to be used as the first line in a return address on a printed mailer; the name of the University in that case should be spelled out in the same type as the return address.

The wordmark must be used as it appears below. Its elements may not be rearranged, distorted¹, or combined with any other graphic elements.

The wordmark must be surrounded on all sides by a clear area no smaller than the height of the Y in Youngstown. No type or other copy may appear in this space. If the wordmark is to be reversed out of a photograph, it must be clearly visible and appear in an uncluttered part of the image for optimum visibility.

¹ When changing the overall size of the wordmark on your computer, be sure to keep the proportion the same as in the original.
Do not elongate or condense the graphic.

Uses of the Wordmark in Publications
Publications that meet the criteria above (What is Subject to These Standards?) must undergo a review process to insure consistent and proper use of the University marks. When publications are designed by either Media and Academic Computing, the Graphic Center, or the Marketing and Communications office, the production coordinator in each shop will be responsible for making sure that the YSU wordmark appears in an appropriate place and in accordance with the Graphic Identity Standards. If the wordmark is not used appropriately, the production coordinator will work with the client to correct the problem. Any disputes over wordmark placement or appearance will be taken first to the Office of Marketing and Communications and, second, to the Graphic Identity Standards Committee.

Where should the wordmark appear?
Every external publication must bear the YSU wordmark. Preferably, it will appear on the front of the item, in the lower righthand corner in a size proportional to the cover design. If that placement is not possible, the words “Youngstown State University” must appear on the front in a typeface that is compatible with the overall design. When the wordmark itself does not appear on the front cover, it must appear on the back or back cover of the publication. It may appear on both the front and the back. However, the wordmark is not to be used as the first line in a return address on a printed mailer; the name of the University in that case should be spelled out in the same type as the return address.