Visual Signage Standards

The university has established visual signage standards to ensure that the representation of the university's brand via signage enhances UNT's institutional image. As part of the university's Construction Projects Policy the university has developed design guidelines that establish a comprehensive, coordinated system of campus signage that ensures safety, provides direction and provides information about campus departments and events. Signs represent a significant impression of the university's brand. Defined herein are graphic design standards for the university's signage program.

The design and construction of all permanent signage should be facilitated by the Director of Facilities Management and Construction in UNT Facilities in conjunction with the Director of Graphic Brand Management in University, Relations, Communications and Marketing. To request a new sign, fill out the online Project Initiation Worksheet (PIW) and submit it to UNT Facilities via email. For more information go to their website or contact them at 940-565-2751.

Brand standards for permanent signage

For buildings, parking & directions

The basic elements of the sign standard are the UNT mark(s), the use of university colors and use of standard UNT fonts. It is vital that these primary elements are used consistently across the campus. Use of the diving eagle spirit mark is recommended but not required. The preferred mark for signage is the UNT lettermark, although due to design considerations the wordmark may be substituted.

The core signage family design is illustrated above. Along with the UNT mark, the green bar (PMS 356), black bar, white space and use of Adobe Jensen and Helvetica Neue fonts are all requirements. The standard color for all posts is black. Only parking has an exception to color use in regard to identifying parking lots.

There may be design considerations in which the UNT mark will not work. For example, in cases where the sign orientation is more horizontal than vertical, the university wordmark may be used.

The official UNT mark(s) for public commons

The UNT marks represent every unit of the university and every location. Only UNT marks may be used in the public commons. The public commons area is defined as the common space of the campus or the public spaces in mixed use buildings in the exterior or interior. No other design element may be used in the public commons. It is acceptable to use department or college designs on the door of the main entrance to the college, department or other office on the interior of a building.

A college or department design like the above may appear on the interior door of a building.

Building signs

The hierarchy of the communication for each building sign first will identify UNT, the location name and then the address of the location. Again, use of UNT's primary colors, the UNT lettermark and required fonts reinforce the UNT brand. It is imperative that the address of each building is indicated on the signs as local emergency services rely on these addresses to accurately locate UNT facilities.

Building Post Sign

Use of UNT colors visually identifies the campus.

Exterior Building Wall Sign

Directional signs

Consistent design and use of UNT colors are illustrated here in additional directional signage that helps direct traffic across the campus. Interior directional signs follow the same style.

Exterior directional

Interior directional

Note color and logo use reinforces the brand.

Banners

Temporary banners in the union courtyard or union exterior advertise special events and programs. Banners must utilize UNT colors, fonts and the UNT lettermark. Banners for student activities, Greek programs or honor societies may include colors and fonts associated with their organization. Printing and Distribution Services and Design Works can assist you with the production of these banners. Please see the UNT banner policy for more information on specifications, purpose and location of banners.

Semi-permanent banners used in public common areas or intended to be hung on buildings must be approved in advance by UNT Facilities in conjunction with the Director of Graphic Brand Management.

Standard banner design

Highlights a visitor's entrance to the UNT campus

Donor recognition signage

On occasion, UNT may recognize the contributions that others have made to the university with a customized donor recognition sign. For the public common areas, the sign must follow the guidelines outlined herein. Due to the variety of donations, the application of the brand guidelines may be adapted to ensure the signage fits into the environment of the donated facility, artwork or other environmental addition. All recognition must follow the UNT Naming Policy. Depending upon the type of naming or recognition desired, the approval of the UNT System Board of Regents or the UNT President may be needed. The policy covers all types of naming opportunities including buildings, areas within buildings, grounds and streets. Please consult the UNT Naming Policy and Division of Advancement for further details. UNT Facilities must approve and oversee the construction of naming signage.

Temporary Signage

For temporary signage related to events on campus or other purposes, please first consult with Printing and Distribution Services or Design Works. These service providers understand the university's brand guidelines and will ensure your design follows these guidelines and accomplishes your objectives.

The university seal

The university seal is reserved for the highest official communication of the university. The seal is a mark of guarantee; it is reserved for the most solemn and serious purposes of the institution. The Director of Graphic Brand Management regulates the use of the UNT seal and must issue permission for its use in signage or on campus monuments. For more information on the use of the seal click here.

For additional help

If the information contained in these guidelines does not answer your question, feel free to contact Director of Facilities Management and Construction Helen Bailey at 940-369-7886 or email at helen.bailey@unt.edu. For questions regarding the brand standards please contact Director of Graphic Brand Management Rolando Rivas at 940-565-3520 or email at rolando.rivas@unt.edu.