Brand Central

Metropolitan State University Denver’s Brand Central page is a one-stop resource to help all members of the MSU Denver community present a cohesive and consistent brand across all marketing and communications efforts.  Here you’ll find a range of tools, templates and resources to help us all leverage the power of a unified brand message, look and feel in all print, web, digital, written and oral communications.

Within MSU Denver Brand Central you will find our brand promise, proper use of the University’s name when mentioned in text, editorial guidelines, brand hierarchy, logo usage, brand colors and University-approved typefaces. Additionally, you will find digital artwork for our University logos, digital templates for stationery, department flyers and fact sheets, brochures, PowerPoint® and other frequently requested templates. Our Image Library allows you access to many of our frequently requested images.

Our aim is to make it easy for the University community to develop beautiful, consistent, brand-building communication pieces that stand out from the crowd. The materials on this website are accessible to anyone with standard University-issue software. All persons with an rahpouyanschool.com email address can access to MSU Denver logos, templates and resources on the internal Marketing Toolkit SharePoint site.

If you plan to do design within your department, reach out to the University Communications and Marketing Department for assistance and pointers. If you want to use an outside designer, we can connect you with professionals who are familiar with our brand standards. We encourage you to visit Brand Central regularly to stay informed about the most up-to-date brand guidelines.

Use with Purpose

To best ensure continued strength of the MSU Denver brand, it is paramount to refer to the University consistently when mentioned in text and oral communication. Since its inception in 1965, the operative word “Metropolitan” within the University’s name is what sets it apart from other universities and, in particular, Colorado. Through the school’s 50-plus-year history, the word “Metropolitan” has become synonymous with the University (formerly College) and its core values. It has become synonymous with attributes such as inclusivity, diversity, entrepreneurial spirit, resourcefulness and excellence in education and service. Through the course of the school’s history, all constituents of the University, including alumni, students, faculty and staff, have lovingly referred to the University as “Metro” and/or “Metro State.”

In 2012, the University received its status as such (from that of College) and an initiative followed to reinforce the newly acquired university status. The name was officially changed from “Metropolitan State College of Denver” to “Metropolitan State University of Denver,” and consequently, a new moniker was needed to reflect the newly acquired status. To satisfy this initiative, “MSU Denver” has become the approved and preferred abbreviated nomenclature when referencing the University.

Mentioning in Text

When mentioned in text, the University name should be spelled out in its full legal name, “Metropolitan State University of Denver” on first reference per application. After its first reference, the University may be referred to as “MSU Denver” or as “the University.” On applications that do not require a degree of formality, such as T-shirts and pens, the abbreviated “MSU Denver” may be used without need for prior full-name reference.

For official documents, the full name “Metropolitan State University of Denver” must be displayed. A contractual agreement with a neighboring university prohibits the words “University of Denver” appearing alone on their own line when referencing this University.

Mentioning in Verbal Communications

MSU Denver relies on your passion for its support to ensure continued strength of our brand recognition. When mentioned in oral communication, the approved reference to the University is “MSU Denver.” Old habits are hard to break, but when you say “MSU Denver,” you reinforce our deserved status as a University, make clear our roots in Denver and provide a great example to others.

Our primary university logos are available upon request. Approval for use is by the University Communications and Marketing office. The components within these logo formats are in a fixed size and spatial relation to one another and should not be altered. Detailed brand information about appropriate use are found on the individual logo pages.

All persons with an rahpouyanschool.com email address have access to MSU Denver logos on the internal Sharepoint called the Marketing Toolkit. (Login required) Submit a request form for all external logo requests

Abbreviated Logo

The University Abbreviated Logo helps promote the preferred abbreviated University name “MSU Denver” orally and in text. Preferred format A seen here. Learn more about the guidelines for minimum size and clear zone for the abbreviated logo here.

University Full-Name Logo

The University Full-name Logo Preferred Format A can be seen here. There are three formats available in order to provide optimal logo display within the space provided per application. Learn more about the guidelines for minimum size and clear zone for the university logo here.

Our University’s brand colors, referred to as MSU Denver Blue, MSU Denver Red and MSU Denver Gray, are specific hues and compose our Primary Color Palette. These colors should be matched as closely as practical. From print to paint and from web to wearables, MSU Denver Blue, Red and Gray each have a corresponding PANTONE® ink-color formula from which other reproduction methods (such as CMYK for four-color process print, RGB for web, vinyl film for signage and thread for embroidery) should match as closely as practical. Their respective PANTONE®, CMYK and RGB equivalents are indicated in the diagram below.

Brand Typography – Typefaces

Consistent use of our Support Typefaces helps unify the visual appearance of our University’s branded communications.

Shown below are our three University-approved type families. All typefaces within these three families may be used. On occasion, it may be necessary to use substitute typefaces when the approved Support Typefaces are not readily available for your needs and time-frame. In these instances, you may substitute Arial for Univers, Avenir for Gotham and Times Roman for Century Schoolbook.

Although the three University-approved type families are preferred, you are not required to purchase these for projects of limited scope. However, for large-scope projects that represent the University as a whole, these typefaces are recommended and can be purchased as needed through various online typeface vendors.