The Brand Standards Guidelines detail the proper use of Mount St. Mary's University's visual identity, including the logos, colors and fonts for all subsidiaries, as well as the writing style guide and proper use of our name and other trademarked assets.
The Mount St. Mary’s University logo represents the university wherever it appears as a unique symbol of identity for our institution, and it is important that the established guidelines for its use are followed. It is to be used as the main identifier of the university and should be used in any publication that leaves campus.
If the Office of University Marketing & Communications is not producing your publication, logo files are available for download on the Mount's SharePoint Team Site.
(MSMU login required)
Brand assets are available for download through the MSMU SharePoint Teamsite. (MSMU login required.)
Download logos and fontsThe logo is the single, strongest visual representation of the University. It is how the world sees and recognizes us. The official Mount St. Mary’s University logo is a combination mark consisting of a graphic symbol with accompanying customized typography in a “stacked” format.
It should be used in all external communications—print, web or electronic materials—and on items such as signage, clothing, accessories, promotional items, etc.
Using the University logo properly and consistently is critical to creating a strong brand presence. Please review the information below, along with the Brand Standards Guidelines, for proper use.
For situations where the primary, stacked version of the logo will not suit the application, it is acceptable to use the alternate, horizontal logo.
Respecting the logo is also respecting ourselves. Using it improperly will diminish our ability to solidly establish our visual identity and maximize our brand’s effectiveness and recognition. Keep these tips top of mind and always refer to the official Brand Standards (.pdf) document for proper use.
(MSMU login required)
The logo with a secondary level is available in two orientations: stacked and horizontal. Each office, department, school or sub-brand should use only the approved and supplied versions of its logo lockup. In no case should the logos be altered, redrawn, distorted or recreated. An independently designed secondary graphic mark for an office, department, school or sub-brand is not permitted.
For the university brand to “speak with one voice,” the Mount St. Mary's brand identity extends into internal campus logos in very limited use cases. While sharing the same mission yet having individual personalities, the internal campus logos are prominently linked to the university’s core brand while requiring differentiation as they provide distinctive applications for their specific areas of influence.The Office of University Marketing & Communications maintains marketing and advertising guidelines, as well as regulates the use of all subsets and logos. Contact the Office of University Marketing & Communications for assistance with any logo not posted.
The university seal is to be used on formal and official documents only. For publications and other applications not supervised by the Office of University Marketing & Communications or the Office of the President, permission is required for use of the seal.
Mount St. Mary's University has a distinct logo for use with Division I Athletics. "The Mount" logo, with the mountain included in the graphic mark, is used to exclusively represent Division I Athletic teams.
Mount St. Mary's Seminary has a distinct logo and seal. Learn about the logo, seal and other branding considerations through the Seminary Brand Standards Guide.
The National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is owned and operated by Mount St. Mary's University. The National Shrine Grotto logo is part of the suite of logos currently in development.
For assistance with print and digital design projects, please submit a creative request and a member of our graphic design team will contact you.
University news may be submitted for potential use on the website or the Mount's social media accounts.
Submit NewsThe website guidelines define the resources (both technical and human), policies, and procedures to manage and maintain Mount St. Mary's University’s web presence.
The Mount has a variety of websites that reach the public and many of these sites are managed by the Office of University Marketing and Communication. Individuals across campus may:
* When requesting an edit to the website please note that your request will be placed in the queue on a first-come first-served basis and may take up to a week to be completed.
**To become a content editor we require you to sign a commitment of responsibility and to attend a series of periodic web and marketing training sessions that may last up to an hour or more each.
Photos and videos to the website must be professional quality, and high resolution in specific web-optimized file sizes. Images ripped from the internet or taken from a source outside of the Mount must have written consent to be posted and meet quality standards. Any submitted image that is considered of poor quality may be rejected.The same quality rules apply for video used on the website. YouTube is the standard player option for videos and, where appropriate, can be embedded on a webpage rather than linked within the text. Contact webmaster@msmary.edu for questions regarding photos and video on the website.
As a rule navigation items must be permanent links to sections on the site that are considered evergreen content (not time sensitive). Additionally all items in the navigation must be strategic and tie into the overarching website strategy. If a "landing page" is created for a time sensitive campaign it will be given a vanity URL to direct users to. Some content, such as an event or testimonial that lives in a designated content repository, may be given a special call out on a page and may not require an entire landing page. All navigation decisions are made and completed by the Office of University Marketing and Communications. Please contact webmaster@msmary.edu for questions or requests.
Notice something that needs to be updated on the website? Suggest a change or have content revised by Web Services.
Submit Web RequestThe Office of University Marketing & Communications does not have a fulltime on-staff photographer. While we occasionally take photos for some campus events and marketing use with our own equipment, the staff simply cannot commit to taking event photography or headshots for all events and activities on campus. See our recommendations for who to hire in the event that you need support in this area.
We recommend the following photographers/Videographers if you are looking to hire someone. The Office of University Marketing and Communications has personally worked with these individuals and can provide more detail or recommendations as needed.
If you do not plan to include the Mount as a feature in your film, or use any form of our logo or trademark, then you should be in the clear with the university with regard to brand use and trademark. If you do wish to feature the Mount or it's likeness in your film, then please contact the Office of University Marketing & Communications with a description of your project including names of individuals on the production team, anticipated filming dates, and expected distribution form and location of the final product.
Filming independently on campus is generally acceptable as long as your production, including cast and crew, includes less than 3 people and does not require a permit. If you have a larger crew or more advanced production you will need written permission from the Office of University Marketing and Communication and must adhere to the Frederick County commercial filming guide rules and regulations.
The Mount requires all production teams to be personally responsible for your own safety and equipment, including holding proper insurance and accepting all liability. The Mount does not allow the use of pyrotechnics, crazy costumes, or weapons (real or fake) when filming on campus. Please be smart and respectful of others, and if you're unsure about something you plan to film it never hurts to call us and check.
If you intend to capture drone footage just know there is a general "fly under 400 feet" recommendation due to our proximity to Camp David (No Fly Zone). Here is an article about drone rules that may help. If you plan to fly a drone on campus, then we suggest you send an all-campus email on the day of the shoot as a courtesy to let people know who you are and that you're filming with a drone.