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OSU Extension Branding Update to be Implemented during Fall 2021

As previously announced, effective September 2021, OSU Extension is tweaking how we apply the university brand to our OSU Extension identity. This is officially a secondary signature under The Ohio State University; it is a “brand mark” that is to be used in conjunction with the CFAES tag and the college name. You may also find this new mark occasionally is referred to as a logo; these words tend to be used interchangeably as people work on projects. Visit brand.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/guidelines/brand-guidelines/logos/other-marks to see the new mark and basic instructions, as well as download the relevant files.

Moving forward, by year-end 2021, we are required to use the Extension brand mark on all new or reprinted materials. If you have materials already created for events in the next few weeks, you can continue to use those items as is. Add the updated branding on any materials you are revising or creating new during fall 2021. Please note – this is not an option; you must implement the new Extension mark by year-end 2021.

The 4-H name and emblem is a federal mark. The university has the ability to say how that federal mark is used in conjunction with the OSU Extension mark; and files that combine the Extension mark with the 4-H emblem have been created for your use. Instructions for proper use of the 4-H name/emblem with the Extension mark are included in the merchandise and apparel guidelines, and it will be built into 4-H-related templates on the CFAES brand site (cfaes.osu.edu/brand) under “Logo Basics,” then “Other Marks.”

We will be updating all of the Extension-specific templates over time this fall (e.g. infographics), so please be patient as those changes are made during this rollout. If you need to use a template sooner, you will need to download the mark and switch it out. There are several other materials this change will affect; those will all also be addressed over time. We will also work on any co-branding needs with Central State University Extension. Extension nametags will remain as is for now. Any brand updates for the Extension state, county, and related unit websites will be handled at the state level. Do not adjust any branding on your county or unit website. If you have any questions, contact Cheryl Buck (buck.19@osu.edu), Extension communication manager.

Brand approval reminder – ALL materials created by OSU Extension professionals for distribution to the public must be reviewed and approved by the CFAES brand approval team. Those items can be submitted to cfaes_bat@osu.edu.

Email signature reminder – One place to not make a change in the use of the Ohio State logo is within email. Only The Ohio State University logo may be used in your email signature. The college and unit identification are built into the lines of the signature under your name. See Ohio State’s guidelines for signature format at brand.osu.edu/email-signature. You can fill in the blanks on this page and generate the proper signature format to use in all of your email messages. Also note the instructions about use of inspirational quotes, etc.

The University Marketing team also will be making some updates to the university’s brand website after Oct. 25, including adding a couple new font options, clarifying some secondary color use/options, and more information about applying Ohio State’s brand guidelines. More information will be available in the near future.