Ohio University Logos
OHIO's One Logo System
In July 2026, Ohio University is moving to a one logo system and retiring its current academic wordmark. The current word mark remains available for use this spring, but units are encouraged to move to the new logo for any use that will live beyond July 1, 2026.
Current Wordmark
New Logo
Units have until August of 2029 to move all materials, signage and assets to the new mark. Read more about OHIO's move to a one-logo system
Ohio University’s primary logo serves as a unifying anchor in the identity system that brings together all of our campuses, colleges, schools, units and teams. The “arched OHIO” is the most recognizable signifier of the Ohio University brand and should appear in one of its many forms on all official communications, marketing and recruitment materials and promotional items.
Ohio University Communications and Marketing (UCM) oversees management of all versions of the Ohio University logo, and use of the logo or unit lockup should follow UCM’s brand guidelines, per University policy, and be reviewed by a member of UCM’s staff prior to production or distribution.
Primary Logo
OHIO’s primary logo simply consists of the arched “OHIO” with “University” sitting underneath in the brand’s custom logo font. The primary logo should never be recreated or altered in any way such as altering the spacing between the letters or changing the size of University in relationship to the arched OHIO.
For use cases in which the word “University” may become too small for legibility due to the space or format of the promotional material and for other special circumstances, the arched OHIO may be used on its own. Use of the stand-alone arched OHIO for any use outside of University Athletics or licensed merchandise must be approved by UCM.
Rarely, when a particular product or design calls for a simple horizontal logo approach, a secondary wordmark is available.
Unit/Department Logo Lockup
The arched OHIO logo lockup should be used to represent Ohio University colleges, departments, programs, schools, centers and institutes. Units may not create their own unit-specific graphics or logos as these dilute the Ohio University brand and can create confusion.
To allow the maximum flexibility, UCM provides units with the ability to utilize just the college or division name, both college/division and school/department/center or only the school/department/center depending on the unit’s needs and preference. Note that the font choices are different for each of these marks and signature marks should only be created by UCM.
The horizontal lockup is always preferred, but a vertical lockup is available when the logo space is constrained.
College/Division Lockup
College/Division and Unit/Department Lockup
Unit/Department Only Lockup
Vertical Option for Limited Use
Ohio University Athletics Logos
Bobcat athletics plays a significant role in driving brand awareness and introducing the OHIO brand to new audiences. Core to our one-logo strategy is the use of the arched OHIO across our athletics teams in addition to our academic offerings.
OHIO Athletics’ primary logo features the “Attack Cat,” with the simple arched OHIO used as a secondary mark and often appearing on uniforms. Use of the Attack Cat lock up is reserved exclusively for University Athletics. Any use outside of athletics must be approved in writing by UCM.
Primary Athletics Logo
Secondary Athletics Logo
University Seal
The Ohio University seal is used to authenticate the highest official University documents, such as diplomas and legal documents. It is otherwise reserved for use by the Office of the President or at the discretion of the Board of Trustees.
Bobcat Paw Print
The Bobcat Paw Print was the official Ohio University athletics logo for more than 20 years, starting in 1978. OHIO maintains trademark on the Paw Print, and today it serves as an alumni affinity mark reserved for use by the Ohio University Alumni Association, for special use cases approved by UCM and for licensed brand merchandise.
The Paw Print mark should primarily appear in Cutler Green (PMS 342) on a white background and should always be angled at 45° with the toes toward the east, or forever forward.
Forever OHIO Badge
Introduced in 2020, the Forever OHIO Badge displays Ohio University’s “rally cry,” – proudly showcasing that OHIO delivers an experience across all of our campuses and programs that leaves a lasting impact on who you are and who you’ll be, forever.
The Forever OHIO Badge does not serve as a replacement for the primary logo but can and should be used to show University pride and is often featured on promotional brand merchandise.
Rufus Illustrations
Our beloved mascot, Rufus, named after Rufus Putnam who was one of our University founders, comes to life on game days and often in our videos and promotional content. The illustrated version of Rufus may also appear on custom promotional items and student-facing marketing materials. All uses of the illustrated Rufus must be approved by UCM, and UCM may on occasion create new versions of Rufus for creative use. However, units should never create their own illustrated Rufus.
Logo Do's and Don'ts
As much as possible, OHIO UCM wants to support prolific use of the Ohio University identify, particular the primary University logo. To that end, we’ve provided downloadable assets for University faculty and staff. Use of the University identity in ways that are contrary to the guidelines found here may result in corrective action including but not limited to removal of access to website editing and/or social media channels or a required reprinting of the offending item(s) at a cost to the unit or department.
DO use the original files as provided.
DON'T change elements of the logo or add to it.
DO ensure appropriate free space around any University logo.
DON'T place the logo too close to other graphics or text.
DO use the logo as a stand-alone element.
DON'T add the logo to another graphic or overlay it with other artwork.
DO use plain text when referencing the University in written text.
DON'T use the logo as a replacement for the University name in plain text.
DO show the logo in a single primary brand color: Cutler Green, Under the Elms Green, or Cupola White. In rare cases black is also appropriate.
DON'T make the logo two colors or use any secondary brand colors or other colors for the logo.
DO use your unit lockups as provided by UCM.
DON'T create your own unit lockups or alter the lockup design.
DO use the cutler green logo when background is up to 50% grey in darkness.
DON'T use the cupola white logo when background is up to 50% grey in darkness.
DO use the cupola logo when background is above 50% grey in darkness.
DON'T use the cutler green logo when background is above 50% grey in darkness.
Secondary Marks
DO use the cutler green logo when background is up to 50% grey in darkness.
DON'T use the cupola white logo when background is up to 50% grey in darkness.
DO use the cupola white logo when background is above 50% grey in darkness.
DON'T use the cutler green logo when background is above 50% grey in darkness.
DO use the stroked Arched OHIO logo on all backgrounds.
DON'T change the color or shape of the stroke or letters of the Arched OHIO.
DO use the secondary logo as a stand-alone element.
DON'T use the secondary logo when the primary logo is appropriate.
Downloadable Logos
Faculty and Staff
University Communications and Marketing offers multiple versions of the Ohio University logo for use in print and online.
The new 2026 logos have been added to the Ohio University logos folder below. UCM is in the process of updating College and Unit Logo Lockups. If you would like a new lockup for your department that is not yet available, please submit a request or visit the Marketing Services Center in Grovesnor.
Download Ohio University Logos [SSO Required]
Download College & Unit Logos [SSO Required]
If you have questions or would like assistance in determining appropriate logo usage for your project, please email Director of Marketing Services Gabrielle Blackwood Johnston at johnstog@ohio.edu.
Others
Individuals who are not members of OHIO’s faculty or staff may submit a logo request form.
Vendors
Are you a vendor who wishes to use the logo (or any other marks associated with Ohio University) on items for sale? A license to use OHIO marks is required.
Contact Tim Klaasen at CLC for more information and to obtain a license.
Tim Klaasen
Manager, Partnerships
CLC
616.212.9230
tim.klaasen@clc.com