Student Organization Logo Guidelines

Ohio University Logo Usage Guidelines for Registered Student Organizations (RSO)

Ohio University is home to more than 550 approved registered student organizations (RSOs), which help students to connect, learn and enrich their campus experience. If your RSO is in need of resources and guidance on using OHIO’s logos and brand in your marketing and/or materials, you’re in the right place! We’re here to help make sure you have what you need to promote your student organization in a way that is on-brand, legally compliant and effective.

What is a Registered Student Organization (RSO)?

An Ohio University registered student organization (RSO) is defined as a group of five or more currently-enrolled OHIO students and a designated faculty/staff advisor whose primary goal is to advance a common purpose, mission, goal or interest; all organizations must be registered with the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership to be recognized.

Guidelines for RSO marketing, websites and other organizational materials

All materials created by/for an approved Ohio University RSO should:

• Adhere to brand colors and guidelines .
• Align with our university values and the  Make Respect Visible pledge to help every member of our community feel welcome, included and respected.
• Apply the provided student organization logo badge to help distinguish it as RSO-affiliated and not otherwise sanctioned or endorsed by the university at large.
• Include the following disclaimer on any materials if you are using the OHIO brand and/or the student organization logo badge:
  • (1) This student org is registered with OHIO, and (2) registration shall not be construed as OHIO's approval, endorsement, or sponsorship of the student org’s publications, activities, purpose, actions, or positions.

Badge clear space

The amount of clear space around the badge must be no smaller than the height of the word OHIO in the logo. Don’t place text or any graphic element within this clear-space area.

Badge minimum size

In order to ensure legibility, the badge must not appear smaller than the following dimensions.

• Print: 1.25 inches wide
• Digital: 150 pixels wide
• Limited imprint area: 1.0 inch wide

Using Official Ohio University logos/marks for your RSO event or materials

Pursuant to Ohio law section 3345.141., our approved RSOs must now obtain express written permission from Ohio University in order to include the university name, logo and/or trademarked assets for all marketing materials, including websites, social media, event or other marketing materials, and branded apparel or merchandise.

While we recommend RSOs at OHIO default to use of the registered student organization mark only, exceptions may rarely be permitted, solely via express written approval.

Official OHIO logo request process, requirements and penalties

To request permission for use of OHIO logos, marks and name, submit a request form at least one month before the event or intended use/publication. Ohio University will approve these requests only in rare cases when it is legally permissible, and for use of promotion and/or events unrelated to political or social causes (this disclaimer must be included on all approved RSO materials). After the request, the RSO will receive a (digital) notice and date of written approval/disapproval.

Any RSO found using university logo/name/marks without the express APPROVAL of their written request, or an RSO improperly using said logos/marks may be subject to financial penalties, organizational suspension or in repeated or flagrant cases, revocation of their RSO status.

Information regarding this policy will be shared each year at OHIO’s student organization leader training .

University Name, Brand or RSO Logo Request Form