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Global Brand
Communications and Admissions
We are all in this together, and we will find the best path to maintainingthe Gallaudet University brand. We are a world-class university with a rich history of transformation and impact; for more than 150 years, Gallaudet has been the political, social, and economic engine of our signing community. Equally important to us is that our community members feel right at home as they contribute to the many perspectives that make up the Gallaudet community.
This brand book contains all the tools you will need to create messages that will strengthen and resonate with the Gallaudet University brand.
Guidelines
Brand Messaging
If our brand were a person, this is what they would sound like
Logos and Sub-Brand Logos
The common thread throughout our communications
Design
Communication Assets
Putting the brand into everyday life
Alignment with the Gallaudet mission is critical if we want to build and maintain a positive association with the products and services provided by our university. Our work here impacts not only us here at home, but people in all corners of the globe.
The competitive, relevant, and differentiating place the brand occupies in its defined market.
Gallaudet University is the only university that welcomes deaf and hard of hearing students into a diverse and multicultural bilingual community to develop the leaders, innovators, and changemakers of tomorrow.
The human characteristics that set our brand apart.
We are committed to creating and sharing our knowledge, experience and research. If you meet someone from Gallaudet, these are the words you would use to describe them:
Our core in one expression—becoming.
Taken directly from President Cordano’s State of the University Address in 2020: The sign for becoming starts with the “past” moving “forward.” This is not new. We have been “becoming” for 150+ years — since Gallaudet was founded. This is our story. This is who we are. Becoming is hard work. It has challenges. It is not perfect. Yet, our history is a story of much success. We are resilient as deaf people. We are becoming.
Our distinct way of signing, speaking, andcommunicating to ensure we are recognizedand remembered.
The logo system is the common thread throughout our communications. Consistent, thoughtful usage builds our University’s name and reputation. Our logo may not be manipulated in any way. Third parties — agencies, suppliers, vendors, etc. — may not use our logo in their promotional materials (though they may list our name), to avoid implying endorsement or affiliation. University groups may not include “Gallaudet University” or “GU” as part of their official name because it results in awkward redundancy when paired with the sub-brand. We all share a stake in safeguarding the placement and integrity of our University’s logo system.
The sub-brand logotype is used to identify individual schools, colleges, or other entities. It must be used in combination with the University plate on internal communications that require a more formal approach.
Observe the same rules and guidelines when using sub-brand logos as for the main Gallaudet logo(s).
To request the creation of a specific sub-brand logo, please submit a request. Do not create (or hire anyone to create) a unique logo for your sub-brand.
Use the templates available for download here to create branded, professional documents and materials that represent your department.
Contact University Communications departments if you have speciific branding-related requirements.
This includes, but is not limited to, publications, advertising, websites, multimedia presentations, stationery, business forms, and signage.
When used as predominant graphic design and communications elements, the University’s primary colors not only create a vibrant and distinctive impression, but they also communicate collegiate pride, tradition, and strength.
Color is an essential element of the University’s identity and must be used consistently in key applications, including graphic communications.
Secondary palette colors may be used as accents; as backgrounds to headlines, body copy, hyperlinks, and other content; and to help distinguish one Gallaudet publication from another, all without sacrificing a strong, clear brand, “family resemblance”, and continuity. Use of screen tints (percentage values) of University colors is permissible, especially in the interest of legibility. The logo colors cannot be changed, lightened, or tinted.
Our typography provides additional style and consistency to the university’s brand. Gallaudet University uses two primary typefaces to help bring character and personality to every word we choose: Proxima Nova and Minion Pro. The geometric sans serif typeface Proxima Nova and wedge serif typeface Minion Pro complement one another when paired together.
Proxima Nova
Gallaudet University provides a lifetime of opportunity to connect, discover, and influence.
Minion Pro
Textural
Patterns
How do you produce engaging communications that feel unique to our individual groups, schools, and colleges, yet ladder up to a singular GU brand? These guidelines will provide direction as you create your communications materials. Your work represents the voice of the entire University, which makes cohesion all the more important.
Every communication conveys information. But more than that, it leaves an impression of us.
We’ve created electronic letterhead templates in MS Word and Google Doc that you can use for digital communications.
Giving a presentation? Put the power of the University behind it.
We’ve created PowerPoint templates to help you create branded presentations.
8.5×11″ poster templates with University plate and message area.
Explore our 8.5″ x 11″ bi-fold and tri-fold brochure templates, each featuring various layout designs tailored to meet your specific needs.
Fun Zoom background templates for you to add a playful touch to online classes and meetings!
A powerful, recognizable, consistent brand benefits everyone at Gallaudet University. If you need help sorting all this out, attend a workshop or ask a question. Marketing & Communications can also help you with everything from marketing research and strategy, to writing and design, to websites and social media.
Welcome to our service creative agency, part of the Office of Communications and Admissions at Gallaudet University.
We bring together a team of designers, editors, photographers, production specialists, videographers, and writers. Beyond our diverse skill set, we pride ourselves on being Gallaudet brand experts. Collaborating with us ensures your project leaves a unique impression while authentically representing Gallaudet.
What sets us apart? Our services are fully funded by the university, meaning Gallaudet departments can access the talents and expertise of our staff at no cost— you only cover printing and mailing expenses.
If we have to decline your job because of limited resources or because the job does not fit within the scope of our office’s mission, we’ll communicate with you promptly so that you have time to think about next steps. We can also provide you with a list of alternative resources to explore.
Publications—Newsletters, annual reports, magazines, and other short and long format pieces
Advertising—Print ads, billboards, posters, social media ads, commercials, and other media
Websites—New websites and marketing landing pages
Marketing—Program flyers, brochures, postcards, emails, and other recruitment or promotional materials
To request a review of your product, submit a request to gu.live/request. Please allow a minimum of three business days for us to review and provide feedback for graphics, posters, and ads. Allow at least five business days for the review of publications and multi-part or page projects.
The full policy is available on the university’s brand guidelines.
Still have questions? Contact us at university.communications@gallaudet.edu.
Project Request Form
Discovery Meeting
Intake Meeting
Create
Client Review
Publish
The Creative Services project request form is the best way to request a new project. Please provide as much detail as possible about your project, including the audience, your goals with the piece, time or budget constraints, and other key considerations. Complete and submit the form, and you will receive a confirmation email that your form was received. The Creative Services team will review your request, and one of our production staff will be in touch with next steps within three business days.
Unfortunately, demand for our services often exceeds our capacity, and we are unable to assist with every job. If we cannot take on your request, we can help connect you with freelancers and consultants.
Key stakeholders from your team will be invited to discuss your project request with our team. This meeting is your opportunity to share more information about your job request, as well as a chance for creative brainstorming and collaboration.
A typical meeting will touch on:
You do not need to have your content ready at the time of the meeting, but if you have a draft, samples, or examples, you are encouraged to share in advance of the meeting by emailing your materials to university.communications@gallaudet.edu.
Once you have your content together (copy, images, etc.), please email university.communications@gallaudet.edu and attach your text and images. Have large files? Let us know, and we can provide you with a file transfer link.
Content submitted to us should be:
For larger projects, we will schedule an intake meeting with you a few days after you’ve sent us your content. At the meeting, members of our team will review your submitted content as a group with members of your team.
Once you submit your content, we will officially open your job. Our production team will provide you with a detailed schedule that includes milestone dates for each step of the production process, as well as time for you to review or make changes.
Why do things always look different in layout?
We understand you may need to make tweaks once you see your project designed. Please keep in mind that to best serve our campus community:
Despite our best efforts, projects don’t always stay on schedule. Please let us know as soon as possible if you anticipate missing a deadline, and we will do the same. Revised schedules will be dependent on the other jobs in the queue, and your final project delivery dates may be impacted.
Creative Services supports multiple distribution options:
These professionals have a track record of successful projects with the university, are registered with the Office of Communications and Admissions, and are well-acquainted with the Gallaudet brand. It is important to note that the cost of engaging these consultants is not covered by Creative Services, and we cannot guarantee the outcomes of their work.
Please reach out to university.communications@gallaudet.edu. We are here to facilitate connections and help you find the right external support for your creative needs.