Logo Guidelines

Consistent, quality usage of our logos makes it easy for people to recognize Cal State Monterey Bay. We have a variety of different logos for use in different placements and situations. 

Cal State Monterey Bay Logo

We offer several different variants on the university’s logo to work within a variety of designs. 

Standard logos are available in Photoshelter. If you do not have access yet, you can request access through the University Communications Wrike form.

Primary Logo

Full Color

Reversed Color

Greyscale

Stacked Logo

Full Color

Reversed Color

Greyscale

Wordmark

Full Color

Reversed Color

Greyscale

Typemark

Full Color

Reversed Color

Greyscale

Level One Logos for Colleges and Administrative Divisions and Departments

Level one logos are available in PhotoShelter.

Primary Logo

Alternative Logo

Level Two Logos for Academic Departments and Administrative Services

Level two logos are available in PhotoShelter.

Primary Logo

Alternative Logo

Level Three Logos for Academic Centers and Institutes, and Student Serving Programs

Level three logos are created using the Canva template by the department designated Canva user and submitted for approval to University Communications using the Canva workflow. In order to present both a consistent university brand while allowing flexibility and individual expression, use a related icon/visual of consistent line weight and style, presented in a bay blue circle and ocean blue stroke along with the CSUMB wave element, wordmark and typographic treatment as shown for level-three sub-brand marks.

Academic Centers and Insititutes and student serving programs may either choose an icon from the Font Awesome icon collection that is not already assigned to another program or they may choose to have no icon. If selecting no icon, then the wave mark and vertical rule are also removed from the design. View the list of non-available icons.

Examples include:

Level Four Logos for Campus Affiliate Non-Profits and Programs, Projects, and Grants Contractually Obligated to use Trademarked Logos

Level four logos are made by request to University Communications using the project request form. Copies of contracts and other documentation is required prior to the use of a trademarked logo not owned by Cal State Monterey Bay.

Degree Granting College and Academic Program Lockup

These marks may only be comprised of the degree-granting college’s level one mark paired with the official name of the degree as it is listed in the Catalogue.

All Other Programs, Projects, and Sub-units

All other programs, projects, and sub-units on campus that do not meet the qualifications above for sub-branded logos may use typeset text appropriately spaced from the logo, observing at least the required minimum clear space. Suggested arrangements are provided below, but are conceptual examples only. The requirements for typeset text identifiers are that they use the university fonts and colors, and they may not be juxtaposed with a graphic to create a logo (in other words, they must be composed entirely of text).

Clear Space and Minimum Size Reproduction

In order to set the primary logo apart from other surrounding elements, leave a space clear of visually competing elements equal to the width of the "M" around the left and right, and the height of the "M" top and bottom as shown above. When reproducing the logo, follow the minimum width of 1.5".

Unacceptable Logo Modifications

The Cal State Monterey Bay may only be modified as described above. Examples of unacceptable changes include:

Classic Otter Spirit Mark

The classic otter spirit mark also comes in several different variants, with guidelines for use. 

Mark in Monterey Bay blue

Mark in reversed color

 Mark in greyscale

Clear Space and Minimum Size Reproduction

In order to set the classic otter spirit mark apart from surrounding elements, leave a space clear of visually competing elements equal to the approximate height of the otter eye all around the otter mark. The exception to this is the watermark version where elements may tastefully run over the mark. When reproducing the mark, follow the minimum width of .75".

Acceptable and Unacceptable Use

The Classic Otter Spirit Mark can be placed next to social club names, and nouns like "Business," "Science," or "Health." Additionally, the mark can be used as a stand-alone graphic with an appropriate clear area from the official logo. The organization name is not to exceed three lines.

The mark may be used by non-academic centers or institutes as well as with the unit or program name for on-campus applications. The organization name is not to exceed three lines.

 The mark may be used with words or phrases as long as they do not specifically advocate for a political party, policy, religion or race/ethnicity—unless part of an official student club name. Organization name is not to exceed three lines. Single-word organizations cap style should be all CAPS; multi-word organizations are C/lc (title case).

The mark cannot be altered, changed or overlapped with other content but may appear next to work or other symbols. A body or arms may not be drawn on to extend the design.

The mark may not be used adjacent to or in place of any official university division, department, unit, center or institute name and may not be placed next to "CSUMB" or any other version of the university name.

Never use the mark in close proximity to the institutional logo.