Guidelines for Student Organization Marketing

Guidelines for Student Organizations Marketing, Apparel, & Promotional Items

The University encourages students to be creative in designing logos, posters, apparel, and other marketing items for their organizations. We also encourage organizations to celebrate their connection to Penn State with these designs.

Keep in mind, that many of the Penn State logos and graphics you see around campus are trademarked or registered and there are specific guidelines about who can use them and how they can be used. These logos and graphics are an important part of the Penn State brand.

By following the guidelines below, you can avoid unnecessary printing or other delays and ensure your designs positively represent your organization and Penn State.

Licensed Vendors

When purchasing merchandise or apparel for your organization such as t-shirts, water bottles, pins, etc. students MUST use a licensed vendor. Only licensed vendors may reproduce University marks, names, and logos. More information and a list of licensed vendors can be found at Penn State Licensing. Licensed vendors can help ensure your design does not violate any Penn State licensing guidelines.

Registration marks

Many recognizable Penn State names and graphics are registered or trademarked. Any merchandise or promotional products using these names or graphics must include the appropriate [R] or [TM] symbol. Students can refer to the Office of Licensing Programs at Penn State's Graphic Art Sheet for more information on the University's registered or trademarked names and graphics. When students use a licensed vendor, the vendor can assist in ensuring all the correct registration marks and trademarks are included.

Hand-Drawn Artwork

Students may create artwork that conveys the spirit of their organization. Do not redraw trademarked university graphics such as the lion shield, the athletic logo, the paw print, or the lion mascot. Check trademarked graphics at the Office of Licensing Programs at Penn State's Graphic Art Sheet.

Student groups may use the images below

University Recognized Student Organization Shield Mark

Recognized student organizations are welcome to use a special version of the University's mark on their materials and communications. This special version of the University mark is available by request (link below). When using this mark, do not alter it in any way. Follow the standards guidelines, including requirements for leaving appropriate clear space around the mark, at Penn State's Visual Identity.

Penn State sample mark for recognized student organizations (RSO)

Paw Print Graphic

The Nittany Lion paw print graphic is available for use by Penn State faculty, staff and students to represent pride and spirit. The paw print is trademarked by the university, and must not be graphically altered. In addition, text or graphics may be placed near the paw print, but should not touch it; text or graphics should not be placed within the paw print or in the space between the toes and palm. Merchandise featuring the paw print requires a registration symbol. Students can download .eps files at Penn State's Box Account. (link below)

Lion Images

A variety of different Lion Shrine images and drawings, as well as various Lion caricatures are approved for student organization use. These images should not be altered or redrawn. You can download images for use at Penn State's Box Account. (link below)

Student groups may NOT use the images below

University Seal

The University seal should not be used by student organizations. It is typically reserved for use on official University documents. It also appears on diplomas and at commencement events to recognize the conferring of an academic degree.

Penn State Athletics Logo

The Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics logo is not typically used for student organizations, and requires permission. Requests to use this logo should be emailed to the Office of Licensing programs at licensing.psu.edu.

Student Organization Marketing Resources

Licensing Office

Visual Identity

Visual & Editoral Standards

Student Organization Toolbox

Request an official Penn State mark