Branding, Identity & Naming

Account Identity & Naming

Social media accounts connected to Stanislaus State should clearly communicate their relationship to the University. Account names, usernames, profile images and other identifying elements must accurately represent the account's relationship with the University and clearly distinguish official University accounts from recognized organizations, personal accounts and unaffiliated accounts.

Official University Accounts

Official University accounts represent Stanislaus State departments, programs, offices, colleges, centers and administrative units. These accounts communicate on behalf of the University and follow University brand, naming and accessibility standards.

Official accounts must:

• Be coordinated by a full-time University employee
• Be registered with Strategic Communications and Marketing (MarCom)
• Follow Stanislaus State brand, naming and visual identity guidelines
• Meet University accessibility requirements
• Maintain ongoing University oversight

Naming Official University Accounts

Official account names and usernames should make both the University connection and the specific unit clear.

For display names, list the department, program or unit first, followed by “at Stan State,” “at Stanislaus State” or you may use a separator such as a dash (-) or vertical line (|) instead of "at." For usernames and handles, begin with "StanState."

Follow the University name guidelines when referencing the University. Do not use CSUStan, CSU Stanislaus or CSUS.

Profile Images & Visual Identity for Official University Accounts

• Use profile images that clearly represent your University unit.
• Avoid placing unnecessary text inside profile images.
• Only central MarCom-managed accounts may use the University shield logo as a profile image.
• Follow Stanislaus State brand and Visual Identity Guidelines.

Recognized Accounts

Recognized accounts include recognized student organizations, recognized affinity groups and other groups formally recognized through an authorized Stanislaus State process. These groups have a recognized connection to Stanislaus State but do not communicate on behalf of the University or represent official University positions or statements. Register recognized accounts with MarCom for support and guidance.

Naming Recognized Accounts

Recognized accounts must maintain an identity distinct from official University accounts.

• List the organization's or group's name first, followed by “at Stan State” or “at Stanislaus State.”
• For usernames and handles, list the organization or group first, followed by “StanState” or “AtStanState.”
• Do not use naming that implies the group is an official University department, office, program or administrative unit.
• Follow the University's name guidelines whenever referencing Stanislaus State. Do not use CSUStan, CSU Stanislaus or CSUS.

Examples:

• History Club at Stan State
  • @HistoryClubStanState
• CLSFA at Stan State
  • @CLSFAStanState

Required Disclaimer

Recognized student organizations, recognized affinity groups and other recognized accounts must include a short disclaimer in their bio or About section clarifying that they do not speak on behalf of the University.

Views expressed belong to this organization and do not represent official statements of Stanislaus State.

Profile Images & Visual Identity for Recognized Accounts

• Use the organization's own name and visual identity as its primary identity.
• Do not use official University logos, the University shield or other University marks as the organization's logo or profile image.
• Do not modify, recreate or combine University marks with the organization's logo or identity.
• You may use University colors and typography in accordance with University brand guidelines.
• Ensure the account name, username/handle, bio, profile image and overall visual identity accurately represent the organization's relationship with Stanislaus State and clearly distinguish it from an official University account.

Personal Accounts

Faculty, staff and students may identify their relationship with Stanislaus State on personal social media accounts. Personal accounts do not represent official University positions or statements unless the individual is specifically authorized to communicate on behalf of the University.

When referencing a Stanislaus State affiliation on a personal account:

• Clearly distinguish the personal account from an official University account.
• Do not use University logos, the University shield or other official University marks as a personal profile image or account identity.
• Do not use an account name, username/handle or visual identity that implies the account is an official University account.
• Follow the University name guidelines when identifying your relationship with Stanislaus State.
• Faculty and staff may include their University title, department or role in their bio to accurately identify their professional affiliation.
• Students may identify themselves as Stanislaus State students in their bio or profile.
• Personal opinions should not be presented as official University positions or statements.

When an individual's University role or account presentation could create confusion about whether they are speaking on behalf of Stanislaus State, a brief disclaimer such as “Views are my own” may be appropriate.

Unaffiliated Accounts

Individuals, organizations and groups that are not official University units and have not been formally recognized by Stanislaus State may not use the University name, including variations or abbreviations of the University name, University logos, marks or other University identifiers, in an account name, username/handle or visual identity in a manner that implies University affiliation, recognition, sponsorship or endorsement.

Unaffiliated accounts may not represent themselves as an official Stan State organization, department, program, chapter or University-sponsored group.