Academic Mark

This is Our Academic Mark

The academic mark is the University of Notre Dame’s signature logo. It represents the strong academic and Catholic traditions that are central to our University mission.

The academic mark must be present on all academic and administrative University communications. It should be used as an endorsing element, rather than as a primary graphic element.

The academic mark may only be reproduced in the arrangement shown above. It must never be stacked, altered, or changed in any way. The shield may never be separated from the word mark.

Download the Academic Mark

Role

The academic mark should be present and unchanged on all communications.

Symbolism

The shield is the symbolic heart of both the visual identity and the seal because it contains a set of images that represent key elements of Notre Dame’s values, traditions, and aspirations.

Use

The University of Notre Dame academic mark is structured as shown above. Colors and acceptable iterations of the signature are described on subsequent pages. To ensure consistency, please use the art as it is supplied, and do not separate or alter the components. Always download original art from the resource download page.

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Color Guidelines for the Academic Mark

Notre Dame’s primary colors are blue and gold.

Strategic use of color creates powerful visual impact and is an immediate signal of quality. The academic mark comes in two color variations: one-color and two-color. Use the one-color version for all University communications.

In specific instances (e.g. stationery, business cards), the shield may be printed as a gold foil, but must remain in the same arrangement, and never separated from the words “University of Notre Dame.”

To ensure consistency, please use the art as it is supplied, and do not separate or alter the components. Always download original art from the resources download page.

Reproduction of the mark by screen process, enameling, etching, blind-embossing, foil stamping, etc., requires specialized treatment. Contact Marketing Communications at (574) 631-4636 for production advice.

Consider the Background

• When placing the academic mark on a light background color, the mark should be reproduced in blue.

• When the academic mark is placed on darker backgrounds, it may be reproduced in gold or reversed in white.

One-Color (Blue)

Using a one-color mark does not mean that the entire communication needs to be printed in one color. On the contrary, the simplification of the academic mark to one color creates contrast with the other, often more colorful, elements on the page.
 

Use the mark in Notre Dame blue when reproducing the mark on light backgrounds. Allow for enough contrast so that the mark stands out.

White Backgrounds

The blue mark may be printed on white.

Gold Backgrounds

The blue mark may be printed on large areas of the Notre Dame gold.

• Coated
  Pantone 289
  C99 M84 Y45 K51
• Uncoated
  Pantone 289
  C99 M84 Y45 K51
• Screen
  R12 G35 B64
  #0C2340

Photo Backgrounds

The blue mark may be placed on low-contrast, light areas of photographs. Avoid situations where the mark may lose visibility. Also be sure to place the mark allowing clear space away from other elements in the photograph.

One-Color (Gold)

Use the academic mark in Notre Dame gold when reproducing it on dark backgrounds. Allow for enough contrast so that the mark stands out. Do not reproduce the academic mark in Notre Dame gold on light backgrounds due to the lack of contrast.

• Coated
  Pantone 117
  C22 M39 Y100 K2
• Uncoated
  Pantone 117
  C22 M39 Y100 K2
• Screen
  R211 G159 B16
  #D39F10

Blue Backgrounds

The gold mark may be printed on large areas of the Notre Dame blue.

Secondary Color Backgrounds

The gold mark may be printed on large areas of the Notre Dame secondary colors. See the secondary palette in the color section.

Photo Backgrounds

The gold mark may be placed on low-contrast, dark areas of photographs. Avoid situations where the mark may lose visibility. Also be sure to place the mark to allow clear space away from other elements in the photograph.

Reversed

You may reverse the academic mark on dark backgrounds. Oftentimes this can be the best solution—even better than the Notre Dame gold, when there is a lot going on visually and you want the mark to pop off the page a little more.

Blue Backgrounds

The mark may be reversed out of large areas of the Notre Dame blue.

Secondary Color Backgrounds

The mark may be reversed out of large areas of the Notre Dame secondary colors. See the secondary palette in the color section.

Photo Backgrounds

The mark may be reversed out of low-contrast, dark areas of photographs. Avoid situations where the mark may lose visibility. Also be sure to place the mark to allow clear space away from other elements in the photograph.

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How to Use the Academic Mark

Size Restrictions

Clear Space

Clear space is the minimum “breathing room” that must be maintained around the mark. When using the mark in layout, placement text, photos, and other graphic elements must respect the clear space standard shown below. This also refers to the minimum distance from the edge of the page.

This includes placement in email and Web applications.

These principles also apply to the college, school, and departmental lockups described in a separate section on this website.

Preferred Distance

Shield

This is the preferred clear distance around the academic mark.

Use the Notre Dame shield to calculate this minimum distance.

Minimum Distance

This is the absolute minimum clear distance. No exceptions.

Use the M from the word DAME to calculate the absolute minimum distance.

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Layout

The primary mark should appear prominently on all University communications in a size appropriate to the overall piece. A good rule of thumb is to begin design by placement of the mark first.

The following examples are acceptable placements of the mark. The information here provides specific rules for each:

Corners

Margins & Spacing

Use the shield to create spacing increments. The mark should be placed near the corners using these margins.

Size

Because the mark is used as a signature, it should not be used any wider than 25% of the page width.

Centered

Margins & Spacing

The mark should be centered left to right and placed near the top and bottom using margins created by the shield spacing.

With Other Elements

Margins & Spacing

In certain circumstances, such as an annual report, the mark may be used near a cluster of elements or a headline as shown in the example.

Note: The mark should not be locked up with these other elements, but placed in proximity.

Size

Because the mark is used as a signature, it should not be used any wider than 25% of the page width.

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Consistency

• Do not: Rearrange or stack the academic mark

• Do not: Separate the shield and the word mark

• Do not: Separate the shield and the word mark

• Do not: Change the size and relationship of the elements

• Do not: Substitute the University name with the name of a department or unit

• Do not: Alter the colors or use an outline of the academic mark

• Do not: Apply effects, including drop shadows or glows

• Do not: Place the academic mark over areas in a photo that may obscure it

• Do not: Place the academic mark over a pattern

• Do not: Use this formerly acceptable version of the academic mark