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Heritage College Student Organizations Logo Policy and Procedures

Heritage College Student Organizations Logo Policy and Procedures

Public Records In accordance with Ohio Revised Code §3345.141, requests, appeals, grievances, supporting documentation, and related decisions may be retained for a minimum of five (5) years and may be publicly posted or disclosed as required by law.
Student Organizations: Before You Submit a New Request Student organizations are encouraged to consult with their campus Associate Director of Student Affairs before submitting a request. Student Affairs can answer questions, review proposed materials, and identify potential issues before the formal review process begins.

Using OUHCOM Names, Logos, Marks, and Branding Elements

The Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine (OUHCOM) regulates the use of its names, logos, marks, and branding elements by registered student organizations. Organizations seeking to use OUHCOM names or, in the limited circumstances permitted, official logos or branding elements must obtain prior written approval in accordance with the Use of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Name and Logo by Student Organizations Policy.

Student organizations are encouraged to consult with their campus Associate Director of Student Affairs before submitting a request. Student Affairs can provide guidance on policy requirements, required disclaimer language, and proposed materials before the formal review process begins.

Policy Ohio University Heritage College Policy #: 1.14 Use of Ohio University Heritage College of Medicine Name and Logo by Student Organizations

Request Process, Requirements, and Policy Compliance

To request approval, submit the Request, Appeal & Grievance Form at least four (4) weeks before the intended use or event. Requests will undergo an initial review by Student Affairs before being forwarded for final review by the Heritage College Communications team. Approval is granted only when the proposed use complies with university policy, branding standards, and applicable law.

Organizations approved to use OUHCOM names or branding elements must include all required disclaimer language, use materials only as approved, and submit a new request if the intended use or approved materials change.

Key Policy Reminders

Use these examples as a quick reference to help ensure your organization's materials comply with the Use of OUHCOM Name and Logo Policy.

  • Approval Required

    • Websites
    • Social media
    • Flyers
    • Posters
    • Event promotions
    • Apparel
    • Merchandise
    • Promotional items
    • Digital signage
    • Printed publications
  • Policy Compliance

    Failure to comply with the policy may result in one or more of the following:

    • Removal of materials
    • Revocation of approval
    • Restrictions on future requests
    • Impact on student organization status
    • Referral to applicable university processes
    • Other corrective action as appropriate

Guidelines for RSO marketing, websites

 and other organizational materials

 

All materials created by/for an approved Ohio University RSO should:

HCOM - Badge RSO
Official Student Organization Logo Badge

 

Review Processes - Managed by HCOM Office of Student Affairs and Communications

Learn how requests, appeals, and grievances are reviewed under the Use of OUHCOM Name & Logo Policy.

  • New Request Review

    1. Review the Policy

    Read the policy and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to determine whether approval is required and understand the applicable requirements.

    2. Consult Student Affairs

    Meet with your campus Associate Director of Student Affairs for guidance before submitting a request. Student Affairs can review proposed materials and answer questions about the approval process.

    3. Submit Your Request

    Complete the Request, Appeal & Grievance Form and submit all required information at least four (4) weeks before the intended use or event.

    4. Initial Review

    Student Affairs reviews the request for eligibility, completeness, and compliance with policy requirements.

    5. Final Review

    Requests meeting the initial review requirements are forwarded to the Heritage College Communications team for final review and approval.

    6. Receive a Decision

    Please allow up to four (4) weeks for review. The requesting organization receives written notification of the approval or denial decision. Approved requests are valid only for the specific use described in the request.

  • Appeal Review

    1. Review the Decision

    Review the denial notice and determine whether additional information or clarification supports reconsideration.

    2. Submit an Appeal

    Complete the Appeal section of the Request, Appeal & Grievance Form and provide the required supporting documentation.

    3. Appeal Review

    The appeal is reviewed in accordance with the Use of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Name and Logo by Student Organizations Policy.

    4. Appeal Decision

    The requesting organization receives written notification of the appeal decision.

  • Grievance Review

    1. Submit a Grievance

    Students, faculty, staff, community members, and other individuals may submit a grievance regarding potential misuse of OUHCOM names, logos, marks, branding elements, or required disclaimer language.

    2. Review

    The reported concern is reviewed to determine whether additional information or an investigation is needed.

    3. Investigation

    If appropriate, the grievance is investigated in accordance with the Use of Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine Name and Logo by Student Organizations Policy.

    4. Resolution

    If a policy violation is substantiated, appropriate corrective action is taken in accordance with university policy, and the grievance is resolved.

Getting Started FAQs

Learn when approval is required, how to submit a request, and what to expect during the review process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Getting Started

Learn when approval is required, who may submit requests, and how Student Affairs can assist your organization before the formal review process begins.

Do I need permission to use OUHCOM names?

Yes. Student organizations must receive written approval before using OUHCOM names such as "Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine," "HCOM," or "OUHCOM."

Can we use official Ohio University or OUHCOM logos?

Generally, no. Student organizations are prohibited from using official Ohio University or Heritage College logos, seals, or other official marks unless express written approval is granted through the approval process.

Who can submit a request?

Only registered Heritage College student organizations in good standing may submit requests.

Should we meet with Student Affairs before submitting a request?

Yes. Student organizations are encouraged to consult with their campus Associate Director of Student Affairs before submitting a request. Student Affairs can review proposed materials, answer questions, and identify potential issues before the formal review process begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Submitting Requests

Understand how to submit a request, what information is required, review timelines, and how long approvals remain valid.

How do we submit a request?

Complete the Request, Appeal & Grievance Form and submit all required materials at least four (4) weeks before the intended use or event.

How long does the review process take?

Please allow up to four (4) weeks for review and a response. Requests requiring additional information or revisions may take longer.

How long is approval valid?

Approval is valid for one fiscal year (July 1–June 30) and only for the specific use described in the approved request. Organizations must submit a new request if the intended use changes or approval expires.

What happens if we change our design after approval?

Approval applies only to the materials submitted and approved. Any substantial modification requires a new request and approval.

Policy & Compliance FAQs

Find answers about policy requirements, appeals, grievances, compliance, and public records.

Frequently Asked Questions

Requirements

Review the requirements for approved materials, including required disclaimer language, branding expectations, and situations that require approval.

Is a disclaimer required?

Yes. Approved materials using the OUHCOM name references of logo must include the following disclaimer exactly as written:

"This student organization is registered with Ohio University. Registration shall not be construed as the University's approval, endorsement, or sponsorship of the organization's publications, activities, purpose, actions, or positions."

What materials require approval?

Approval is generally required before using OUHCOM names, logos, marks, or branding elements on 

  • Websites
  • Social Media
  • Flyers
  • Posters
  • Event Promotions
  • Apparel
  • Merchandise
  • Promotional Items
  • Other Public-facing Materials
What information should be included with a request?

Organizations should provide complete information about the intended use, proposed design, distribution method, timeline, and any supporting materials requested in the Request Form.

Can I use the Ohio University logo, Heritage College logo, or Student Organization Badge in my email signature?

No. Individual students and student organization officers should not include official Ohio University or Heritage College logos or the Student Organization Badge in personal email signatures. Email signatures should identify the sender using plain text (e.g., name, organization, and position) and should not imply official University or Heritage College endorsement or representation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Appeals & Grievances

Learn how to appeal a denied request, submit a grievance regarding potential policy violations, and understand the review process for each.

What if my request is denied?

Organizations may submit an appeal through the Request, Appeal & Grievance Form. Appeals should include the original request, denial notice, and any additional information supporting reconsideration.

Who can file a grievance?

Students, faculty, staff, community members, and other individuals may file a grievance if they believe a student organization has violated the Use of OUHCOM Name and Logo Policy.

What happens after a grievance is submitted?

Submitted grievances are reviewed in accordance with university policy. If a policy violation is substantiated, appropriate corrective action may be taken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Compliance & Public Records

Improper use of OUHCOM names, logos, marks, branding elements, failure to include required disclaimer language, or use outside the scope of an approved request may result in removal of materials, revocation of approval, restrictions on future requests, impact on student organization status, referral to applicable university processes, and/or other disciplinary action as appropriate.

What happens if an organization violates the policy?

Improper use of OUHCOM names, logos, marks, branding elements, failure to include required disclaimer language, or use outside the scope of an approved request may result in removal of materials, revocation of approval, restrictions on future requests, impact on student organization status, referral to applicable university processes, and/or other disciplinary action as appropriate.

Are requests public records?

Yes. Requests, appeals, grievances, supporting documentation, and related decisions may be retained for a minimum of five (5) years and may be publicly posted or disclosed as required by Ohio Revised Code §3345.141 and applicable public records laws.

Need Assistance?

Contact your campus Associate Director of Student Affairs for guidance before submitting a request.

Athens Campus

Sarah Lawrence

Associate Director of Student Affairs

lawrences@ohio.edu

Dublin Campus

Dr. Kayla Duty

Associate Director of Student Affairs

dutyk@ohio.edu

Cleveland Campus

Austin Shinhearl

Associate Director of Student Affairs

ashinhearl72@ohio.edu

 

HCOM - Badge Clear Space

Badge clear space

The amount of clear space around the badge must be no smaller than the height of the word OHIO in the logo. Don’t place text or any graphic element within this clear-space area.

Badge minimum size

In order to ensure legibility, the badge must not appear smaller than the following dimensions.

  • Print: 1.25 inches wide
  • Digital: 150 pixels wide
  • Limited imprint area: 1.0 inch wide

Student Organization Logo Usage and Restrictions

Quick reference for the appropriate use of the Student Organization Badge and official OUHCOM branding.

  • HCOM - One Color Use

    One-Color Usage

    Use the black or reversed badge for one-color applications or if the badge is displayed over off-brand colors.

  • HCOM - Don't Change Color

    Don't Change Color

    Don’t display badges or the OHIO logo in any other off-brand color.

  • HCOM - No Modify

    Don't Alter or Modify

    Don’t add organization names, include drop shadow, rotate, modify or distort official badges in any way.

Student Organization Logo Color Usage

Student organizations approved to use OUHCOM names should use the approved Student Organization Badge. Use of official Heritage College logos is generally prohibited unless specifically authorized through the approval process.

  • HCOM - Full Color - Primary Mark

    Full Color - Primary Mark

    Use the full-color version of the mark on white and light gray backgrounds.

     

  • HCOM - Full Color - Primary Mark with White Outline

    Full Color - Primary Mark with White Outline

    Use the full-color, white-outlined version of the mark on dark backgrounds.

  • HCOM - B&W - Primary Mark

    B&W - Primary Mark

    The black and white mark must be displayed over a light background.

  • HCOM - B&W - Primary Mark with White Outline

    B&W - Primary Mark with White Outline

    The black and white mark with a white outline must be displayed over a dark background.

Using a badge with your unique logo

Organizations are responsible for ensuring all approved materials remain consistent with the approved request and comply with all applicable branding requirements.

  • HCOM Printed Communication

    Printed communication

    Use the badge separately and in a secondary way to your unique logo, following color and clear space guidelines.

     

  • HCOM - Gear and Apparel

    Gear and Apparel

    Use the badge in a second imprint area, separate from your unique graphics. If a second imprint is not an option, place the badge in the available imprint and follow clear space criteria.

  • Digital Signage

    Digital signage

    Use the badge near university accessibility and non-endorsement statements in your event promotions. Footer templates are available for digital signage displays.

In Summary

Quick reference for the appropriate and inappropriate use of OUHCOM names, logos, marks, and branding elements.

  • DO

    Do

     

    Make your own unique logo

     

    You CAN make your own logo, including the name of your OHIO registered student organization (RSO).

    Student Org Logo
  • Do Not

    Do Not

     

    Appropriate Ohio University Trademarks

     

    Per Ohio state law, that RSO logo CANNOT include the university name, logo or registered trademarks.

    DO Not - Trademarks
  • DO

    Do

     

    Use the Student Organization logo badge

     

    To help audiences easily identify student organization events and marketing and differentiate them from the university’s own official marks and marketing, all registered RSOs in good standing have the university’s permission (and are recommended) to use the provided student organization logo badge(s) on all marketing materials.

     

    HCOM - Badge RSO