New UC Riverside Brand Visual Identity Launched

June 14, 2020
Johnny Cruz
Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
University Relations
June 14, 2020

Following a creative development process that involved hundreds of UC Riverside students, faculty, staff, and friends the new UCR brand visual identity launched on Saturday, June 13.

The new identity is an update to the university’s logo, monogram, graphic icons, typography, color palette, and design guidelines.

The updated marks retain core design elements that have defined UCR for decades – including blue and gold colors and a Fiat Lux-inspired ray of light. Many other distinctive elements of the university’s brand identity, including the Highlander nickname, Scotty mascot, and university seal, remain unchanged. 

Thank you to the members of the UCR community who participated in focus groups or attended presentations since the initiative begin in the summer of 2019.

The new visual identity was slated to launch at the May 9 Spring Splash event. But due to the event’s cancelation and changes to campus operations as a result of COVID-19 the launch was delayed until the conclusion of the spring quarter. 

Resources Available for Campus

Professionally-designed templates and communications resources featuring the new identity – along with design and logo usage guidelines – are now available on the university’s brand website

They include:

•    PowerPoint templates

•    Zoom backgrounds and desktop wallpapers

•    Letterhead in Word format

•    Video assets

•    New UCR brochure

•    Templates for flyers, postcards, and event invitations

•    Social media icons

•    New campus photography

•    And more

The resources will enable members of the campus community to apply the new identity across a variety of applications, including but not limited to websites, social media, apparel, printed materials, mobile devices, signage, video, and other channels.

UCR’s previous brand visual identity was in place since 2006, before the proliferation of mobile devices, social media, and online video – and became ineffective in its application on contemporary digital platforms.

Employees will be able to order new stationery and business cards starting July 1 and will have access to use digital applications of the new identity immediately. 

What do I do with printed materials with the previous logo?

Please continue to use the materials until the supply runs out. New printed materials can be produced with the new identity.

What comes next?

The new visual identity will continue to be implemented in updated communications channels and publications, signage and banners, videos and presentations, apparel and products, admissions and fundraising materials, and more.

Please continue to visit the UCR brand website for a comprehensive set of assets and resources designed to make implementation of the new identity easy and simple for the entire campus community.