Brand Standards: Signage

Temporary Signage

Utah State University allows the use of temporary signs for university-sponsored programs, events, and activities. Non-university commercial programs, events, and activities are not allowed to place temporary signs on campus unless prior approval is received from the Vice-President for Business and Finance. All temporary signs that are associated with demonstrations or commentary must comply with Utah State University’s Free Speech Policies.

Campus Light Pole Banners

All banners listed on the reservation form map are managed by USU Facilities. To use the banner poles, a Banner Pole Reservation Form must be completed and submitted. Facilities would appreciate at least 10 business days notification prior to installation. Your request must include a copy of the approved artwork review form, marked approved, and an image of your proposed banner design.

Designs must meet the university branding standards, and must be pre-approved by University Marketing & Communications, Trademark Licensing.

The USU Logan campus banner poles require a banner that is 18" wide by 36" tall. Banners must have a 2” sleeve at the top to fit the pole, and grommets in all four corners. Ropes and fasteners for securing the banners will be provided by Facilities. All printed banners must be delivered two business days prior to installation.

Additional information on the campus light pole banner reservations can be found on the facilities website, Light Pole Artwork/Banner Reservations.

Small-Scale Temporary Signs (Yard Signs/A-Frames)

Utah State University requires pre-approval of temporary signs used for university sponsored programs, events, and activities. University sponsored programs are programs and events sponsored by academic and/or administrative units. All temporary signage requests require approval from University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing.

Outside entities and non-sponsored university programs, events, and activities are not allowed to place temporary signs on campus unless prior approval is received from the Vice-President for Finance and Administrative Services.

All demonstration signs must comply with Utah State University’s Free Speech Policies.

Small Scale Temporary Signs include:

Signs that are less than 8-square-feet.
Wire-Signs - signs using a wire frame to support a corrugated paper or plastic sign.
Other – any other small sign formats outside of buildings, such as flag signs, yard sign, etc.

Sign Placement Parameters for Location and Safety:

Small Scale Temporary signs will be limited to 10 signs for up to 1 week prior to the event. If the signs need to be up for a longer duration, the request must be submitted through the Non-Standard Sign Request application.
Only place signs in non-grass areas or planting beds. Signs are not allowed on Old Main hill, around the quad, or at major campus entries.
Small scale signs are restricted to events only.
Please be prompt to remove the signs at the end of the display period. Authorized signs not removed promptly may result in the denial of future sign requests. Non-authorized signage will be removed, and campus police will be informed. Warnings will be issued by the campus police and repeat offenders may be penalized.
Signs placed next to sidewalks require 12-inches of clearance from the edges of the sidewalks to the sign edge closest to the sidewalks.
Top of signs shall not exceed 36-inches for visibility.
If high winds or significant snowfall occurs during the period the signs are in place, it is the responsibility of the sponsor to check that their signs are vertical and visible after the weather event is over.
In one corner of each sign face, using permanent marker of contrasting color, write the submittal number and removal date at least ¾-inches high.
Temporary sign requests must be submitted a minimum of 3 business days in advance of the date desired to place the signs.

Applicants will be responsible to pay for any costs or damages from failure to comply with these requirements. Questions can be submitted to tempsigninfo@usu.edu.

A-frame Signs two sign boards attached at the top and spread apart in an 'A' shape to be self-supporting.

Large-Scale Temporary Signs and Graphics

Large-Scale Temporary Signs include but are not limited to interior wall graphics, large hanging banners on buildings or other structures, interior or exterior large freestanding panels or banners that are larger than 24” x 36”, and A-frame signs 8 square feet or greater. Window graphics are not allowed, except as outlined in the exceptions listed below. Large-Scale Temporary Signs must meet the university brand standards and be approved by University Marketing and Communications, Trademark Licensing.

Large-Scale Temporary Signs are restricted by location and are not allowed on any building façade facing the Quad or Old Main Hill, or in any landscape area visible from the Quad or Old Main Hill. They are limited to 10% of the façade area (each façade). Landscape installations will be limited by location and will require a digging permit.

Large-Scale Temporary Signs are intended to be temporary and, therefore, are limited by a time frame that must not exceed one semester. Large-scale temporary signs are not allowed during the first week of school or during graduation week if displayed on the exterior of buildings.

Building/structure banners are limited in content to identify university, college, or department identity, mission, or approved overarching themes. Events and marketing advertisements will not be allowed on buildings. Freestanding panels and banners, as well as A-frame signs, may be used for events or promotion of university activities or programs.

In an effort to ensure that large-scale graphics do not overwhelm or compromise the overall look and feel of the campus, the total number of installations will be limited at any given time to not exceed 8-10 total installations on the central campus area. Requests will be taken in order and will be limited to one per unit per semester.

Exceptions: Due to the high level of public activity in these spaces, window graphics on Athletics buildings, Student Center, and Fine Arts Center areas may display Large-Scale Temporary Signs as approved. Quantities will be considered on an as-needed basis for these buildings. The Vice President for University Marketing and Communications must approve any other exceptions to the Large-Scale Temporary Signs standards.

Installation: Installation must not occur prior to approvals. Installation and removal must be coordinated through Facilities for safety reasons and to ensure that the buildings and grounds are not damaged.

Procedures

Conform to the criteria for Large-Scale Temporary Signs.
Receive prior approval from the Dean or Vice President of the unit requesting the sign.
Receive prior approval from University Marketing and Communication, Trademark Licensing for compliance with the university brand standards.
Must be submitted to the Sign Committee for review 30 days prior to the event using the Non-Standard Sign Application Form.

Appeals Process: Requests for a Large-Scale Temporary Signs that do not meet the above criteria will be denied. An affected unit(s) can appeal decisions to the Architectural Review Committee.