Stanford
Office of Student Engagement

Branding and Logos

Updated: 10/28/2025

Quick Guide: Using Stanford’s Name and Logo as a Student Organization

Who Can Use Stanford’s Marks?

Only currently registered student organizations recognized by the ASSU and in good standing with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE) are permitted to use Stanford’s name and logo (Marks) — and only in specific, approved ways (Stanford Administrative Guide 1.5.4, Section 3(c))

You Can Use Stanford’s Marks If:

  • You are a currently enrolled Stanford student, and your org is officially registered with OSE
  • Your event or activity is registered and approved in CardinalEngage
  • You clearly show that the activity is a student-led (not official University) event
  • You follow all Stanford branding and trademark guidelines (e.g., correct logo, colors, and fonts)

You May Not Use Stanford’s Marks If:

  • Your event or activity is not approved or registered.
  • You alter, distort, or combine Stanford’s logos with other designs
  • You suggest your student org is the University (instead of being affiliated with it)

You use the Stanford name/logo on merchandise without going through the proper licensing process

Stanford Identity Guide in Practice

✅  Do:

  • Identify your event as a student activity by using your full student group name (e.g., “Stanford Women in Business”)
  • Use the Block S with the tree, not the seal
  • Follow Stanford’s color palette and typefaces
  • Use proper trademark symbols (® or ™ as applicable)
  • Consult OSE or University Communications with questions

❌ Don’t:

  • “Stanford is hosting…” (without specifying the student organization)
  • Alter Stanford logos or combine them with other graphics
  • Use Stanford logos to replace letters in a word
  • Attempt to match or mimic Stanford branding
  • Use copyrighted elements you don’t have the rights to
  • Give logo permissions to sponsors or third parties
  • Create merch without going through the trademark licensing process
Examples of logos that are not in compliance with Stanford policy

1. Replaces a letter in an acronym with a Stanford trademark. 2. Changed a Stanford trademark. 3. Used the Stanford seal. 4. Changed a Stanford trademark.

Need Help or Have Questions?

 

 

Creating a Logo and Brand for Your Student Organization

Branding is how you create a unique identity for your organization in the minds of students and staff. It’s what makes your group stand out. Your brand includes core elements like your name, logo, and slogan, but it's also supported by the tone of your website and the design of your flyers, all of which should align with your mission.

How to Build a Strong Brand

  1. Define Your Identity: If your organization is new or you're revamping its image, start by gathering your members. Together, decide on your core purpose and how you want to present that to the public. What feeling or message do you want people to get when they see your brand?
  2. Create Your Visuals: Find someone who can help design a logo and other visual assets. Think about where your logo will be used most often—on social media, your CardinalEngage profile, or on posters. Design for those specific uses to ensure it looks great everywhere.
  3. Follow Stanford's Guidelines: Before finalizing your logo, review the Stanford Identity Guide. While recognized student organizations can use the Stanford name, there are specific rules to follow to avoid issues with Stanford Communications. Following these guidelines ensures your brand is both professional and compliant.

How to Create Your Logo

  1.  Find Inspiration: Start by searching online for your topic or acronym to see what designs are already out there. In addition to helping you avoid what already exists, it will give you a sense of what you like and don't like.
  2. Draft Concepts: Use online logo generators to create initial concepts, or sketch them yourselves. Review these with your other leaders and get their feedback. Based on what they say, you can either create more concepts, refine a final one, or find someone in your network who can professionally draft it for you.
  3. Prepare for Production: Be aware that online generators might not produce a final, high-quality logo. As you develop your long-term logo, consider crucial details like sizing, file types, and colors to make sure it can be used professionally for any medium. All artwork is required to be original to your group and not copyrighted works in any way.

Concepts to Embrace

  • Using Stanford Colors: Complement the Stanford color palette to subtly align your design with the university's look.
  • Type Out "Stanford": If you want to include "Stanford" in your logo, type out the full word instead of using or copying any existing Stanford logos or symbols.
  • Use New Fonts: Create a unique identity by using new fonts rather than trying to imitate those in official Stanford logos. Source Sans 3 is a good option if it fits your design but consistency is not necessary.
  • Use Your Official Name: Always use your organization’s name exactly as it has been registered or the acronym of it to be clear. Alternate versions of a logo can be used to work better with certain mediums such as a profile image.
  • Emphasize Your Mission: Let your group's subject matter guide your visuals and aesthetics. This will make your logo more meaningful and unique.

Concepts to Avoid 

  • Don't Alter or Use the Stanford Logo: Never alter the official Stanford logo, use Stanford trademarks, or harvest elements to create your logo.
  • Don't Use Copyrighted Materials: Artwork derived from memes, pop culture, corporate logos of known companies, and any other concepts that you do not have the rights to should be avoided.

 

 

Need Help?

Navigating these topics can be a challenge. We recommend scheduling an advisement meeting with the Office of Student Engagement. We can help you evaluate your goals and resources to find the best options for your organization.