The University and ASUO officials have spent this week spelling out a new policy that will require ASUO-funded groups to use the University’s “O” logo on all new publications.
But at a Wednesday meeting, officials announced if student groups want their own logo included with the “O” logo, they must submit it for University approval first. The rules are all part of a new policy that ASUO-funded groups must follow immediately to order new materials, such as letterheads and posters.
Director of Publications George Beltran confirmed Wednesday that group logos must be cleared with Strategic Communications Associate Vice President Harry Battson before Jan. 1.
Beltran said the process would be a good time for groups to consider updating their old logos.
Groups may want to “use this as an opportunity — or this whole transition if you will — as an opportunity to reevaluate (their) own marks,” he said at the meeting. “This is just a good thing to do in terms of design.”
The meeting was one of three logo meetings this week intended to inform ASUO-funded University departments, student groups and contract nonprofit groups about the new standards. However, no groups showed up for the department meeting, and roughly 20 people came for the student programs meeting.
Representatives attending the student group meeting were mostly concerned with policy specifics.
ASUO Accounting Coordinator Jennifer Creighton-Neiwert clarified at the Wednesday meeting that the policy, which will officially take effect Jan. 1, requires student groups to append the logo on their publications before ASUO controllers will sign a purchase order to print them.
“You’re going to be able to use your old things that you have in your office, such as old senate letterhead and things like that, until they’re out,” she told the groups.
Beltran explained the policy will apply to publications groups send off-campus or use on-campus, such as letterheads, T-shirts or advertisements promoting the group.
“In the past, student groups have asked to use University marks on their publications, and (we’ve) resisted allowing them to do that,”
he said Wednesday. “With this
new mark and the new standard, we’re making it more available for student groups.”
Some groups were unhappy with the new policy and wanted the choice to use an alternative logo, like the interlocking “UO” seal.
But Beltran said a single logo was necessary to maintain consistency and avoid confusion.
“What we’re trying to do is establish a single mark,” he said Wednesday. “As director of publications, I wouldn’t necessarily want to have to deal with two different kinds
of stationery.”
Contract nonprofit groups — such as ASUO Legal Services and the Emerald — also met with officials Tuesday to discuss the policy.
Battson told the groups the level of compliance with the policy would hinge on how integral the University is to the nonprofit. Groups getting free EMU space, for instance, more likely would be required to comply than a group not reliant on the University’s existence, such as Lane Transit District.
Specifics on contract nonprofit compliance will be decided when each group’s contract comes up
for renewal.
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