Photography and Imagery

Images of campus life emphasize community and connection. Whenever possible, include multiple people to reflect the collaborative and social nature of the university. Focus on genuine interaction, using shallow depth of field to maintain context while keeping people at the center. Natural light and warm tones reinforce a welcoming environment.

Academic photography highlights both learning environments and the distinctive setting of Cal State Monterey Bay. Showcase collaboration between students and faculty in classrooms, labs and real-world settings, including the surrounding coastal and agricultural regions. Images should feel bright, modern and natural, emphasizing hands-on learning and innovation.

Profile images focus on individuals while maintaining a sense of place. Subjects should be photographed in relevant environments and may engage with the camera to create a direct, personal connection. These images highlight the experiences, perspectives and determination that shape each student’s journey.

All submitted content is reviewed by Brand Marketing for the following:

Releases and Permissions

• Signed releases are required for all individuals featured.
• A signed photographer or videographer release form is required per CSU Chancellor’s Office guidelines.

Accessibility (ADA Title II Compliance)

All videos must meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA standards by April 24, 2026.

Videos must include:

• Synchronized captions
• Audio descriptions
• Clear, high-quality audio
• A complete caption transcript, including music and sound cues

Music Rights

• Music must be licensed for commercial use or owned by the university in perpetuity.
• Music should be captioned using brackets, for example: [Music playing]

Brand and Legal Considerations

• Photos and videos may not prominently feature external brands or logos without approved usage rights, and all content must align with CSUMB’s brand voice, visual style and content strategy.
• Videos must include an approved CSUMB logo, a clear call to action, and branded lower thirds or title cards when used.
• AI-generated video content is not permitted.

Image Standards

• Photos must meet Terminalfour (T4) sizing and cropping requirements for web use.
• Images must work across multiple formats, including brand, editorial and portrait layouts.
• Approved brand images are cleared for use on the website.

Hosting and File Management

• UComm uploads approved content to CSUMB-owned platforms only.
• Videos must be hosted on YouTube to support accessibility compliance and must play with captions enabled.
• External video hosting or links are not permitted.

To use photos or video in Cal State Monterey Bay communications, individuals who are identifiable in the content must provide permission through a signed photo release form. This helps ensure the university can share stories, promote programs and highlight the student experience while respecting privacy and legal requirements.

For events, departments should plan ahead by collecting signed release forms from participants whenever possible. When individual releases are not feasible, clearly visible photo release signage must be posted at the event to inform attendees that photography or video recording is taking place and may be used for university purposes.

Standard CSU-approved release forms are available below and should be used for all official submissions:

• CSU Photo Release Form
• CSU Photo Release Form (Spanish)
• Photography, Visual Image and Concept Ideas Release Form

To protect the integrity of the Cal State Monterey Bay brand, the use of AI-generated images and visual assets in university marketing and communications materials is not permitted.

This policy applies to all AI-generated representations of university people, places, and branded elements, including but not limited to:

• Monte or other otter characters
• University logos, wordmarks and branded graphics
• Campus buildings, landscapes or recognizable locations
• Students, faculty and staff
• Any other visual asset representing Cal State Monterey Bay

Mascot and branded artwork

Only official photographs of Monte and university-approved mascot illustrations may be used in marketing and communications materials.

Requests for approved mascot photography or artwork may be submitted to University Communications.

Any new mascot illustrations, custom artwork or branded visual assets must be reviewed and approved by University Communications before they are published or distributed.

Using official university imagery helps:

• Protect the integrity of the Cal State Monterey Bay brand
• Maintain a consistent and authentic visual identity
• Ensure accurate representations of the university, its community and its mascot
• Prevent the use of misleading or unofficial AI-generated content in university communications