SJSU's Strategic Communications and Marketing team has developed the following guidelines to help us all promote the appropriate use of the San José State brand and identity. Our goal is to achieve a unified, compelling representation of SJSU. By adhering to these standards university-wide, we will align our marketing efforts to better emphasize the authentic, transformative identity of Silicon Valley’s only public university: San José State.
Please review the Brand Style Guide
Speak with one voice
Following SJSU Editorial Style guidelines will help us all speak with one voice. Our guide borrows heavily from The Associated Press Stylebook, which is used for print and digital platforms such as SJSU NewsCenter, “Washington Square,” President's blog, college and department newsletters and other materials targeting a general audience.
Send us your questions and comments about SJSU Editorial Style and this guide.
Are you communicating effectively?
As you tell the stories of the people in your college, department or program, how do you know if what you’re creating supports and enhances San José State’s reputation? The following questions will help you determine if you have incorporated key themes and messages across all communication platforms.
Does your story or message share an individual's story through individual accomplishments? Does it show how the individual is an extraordinary part of an extraordinary university community? Will the story inspire people associated with San José State?
Is your example unique to SJSU? No other academic institution should be able to make the same or similar claim, or use the same or similar example.
Are the brand pillars reflected in your content?
Using concrete examples or proof points, can you describe how San José State’s approach to teaching and learning prepares students to adapt in 21st-century careers?
Does your story or example highlight SJSU’s personality and strengths? Does it show how students, faculty members and alumni are hard working, resilient, creative, smart, grounded, ready, resourceful, service-oriented, entrepreneurial, proud, collaborative or adaptable?
Visual communication is how we convey SJSU's brand identity through images and graphics. It's one of the key ways we establish brand recognition and consistently convey our identity across channels. Visual communication is also a powerful way to evoke emotion and deepen the meaning of our stories and messages. If you ever have any questions about appropriate usage of brand colors or imagery, don't hesitate to contact a creative team member!
Brand Resources
These guidelines ensure that the university's identity is appropriately and consistently represented by the use of any person, business or organization desiring to use the San José State name, verbiage or identity elements.
SJSU uses a series of marks to distinctively portray our name and build memorable recognition for our brand.
These lockups (SJSU monogram + unit name) are designed to create and maintain brand unity and consistency across the entire university. So no matter what campus, college or unit is producing the communication, it is appropriately branded.
With a brighter, updated color palette, everything you design will stand out. Just follow our print and web color guide, and your communications will stay true to SJSU's identity.
Consistent use of our unique fonts builds a recognizable "character" style over time and elevates brand perception. Long term use of our unique font families creates a structural familiarity in all university visual communications.
Images and video help tell our stories and should convey the activity and energy of SJSU and its diverse, vibrant community.
What's the first thing people do when they want to learn about anything? They look it up online. Not only is our digital platforms a gateway to information about all things SJSU, it also helps us attract, engage and persuade audiences. By learning about the following best practices and available resources, you'll help users find the information they're searching for and create a consistent, branded experience.
Need help with your digital communications? Contact a digital communications team member.
The university’s web standards and best practices are designed to make your website as user friendly and consistent as possible, while providing basic instruction in the use of the central content management system (Omni CMS).
Social Media is an important and effective tool that allows our university to communicate with faculty, staff, students, alumni and the community. It’s our opportunity to be transparent, start or join conversations and build an online community about the things that matter to our audience.
Digital Marketing and Campaigns
Learn how your team can elevate your marketing efforts, mission, and goals by establishing a digital strategy roadmap to maximize the power of digital ads and email campaigns.
Need some professional help?
Our small but mighty team calls on freelance writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, print and web designers, and an occasional film crew to get our work done. For recommendations or questions, please contact a team member.