Other University Symbols
Various official symbols exist at Penn State in addition to the University mark. These symbols have specific uses and functions and are not interchangeable with the University mark.
University Seal
The University seal has been in existence in one form or another since the founding of the University. The current version was introduced in 1953 and features the crest of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania surrounded by the formal name of the University. Since implementation of the University mark in 1987, the seal has shifted in function exclusively to an official stamp of validation–like a notary’s stamp–for legal documents such as contracts and diplomas or for formal references such as the official address of the University. Designs of the University seal are available in Nittany Navy (Pantone 282), Beaver Blue (Pantone 287), and black and white, and can be used interchangeably or simply how they can best be rendered in a given application. Please note that the University seal should never be deconstructed, used in part, or altered in any way.
NOTE: The University seal is a registered symbol of the Pennsylvania State University and its uses are strictly controlled by the University. Please email licensing@psu.edu with questions related to the University seal or visit the licensing website.
The Nittany Lion
Nittany Lion Mascot Caricatures
Nittany Lion Mascot (“Mascot”) caricatures are available for use by Penn State faculty, staff, and students to represent Penn State pride and spirit. The Nittany Lion Mascot artwork conveys the same traits that our live mascot is famous for such as friendliness, energy, and stellar sportsmanship. Likewise, the Nittany Lion Mascot caricatures must represent Penn State in a positive manner in all use instances. The Mascot caricatures may only be used as decorative artwork in connection with University communications. Penn State faculty and staff may use the artwork in accordance with the University’s Code of Responsible Conduct. Recognized Student Organizations may also use the artwork for their organization’s communications in accordance with the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
Any use of the Nittany Lion Caricature artwork must adhere to the following standards:
Personal or Non-University use is not permitted. Do not share artwork with non-University parties unless authorized by the Office of Strategic Communications in writing.
A Mascot caricature may not be used as a logo for a specific area, initiative or recognized student organization.
Mascot caricatures should not be graphically altered. Text or graphics may be placed near the Lion but not touch it. Do not change the Mascot’s color or general appearance as shown. The following exceptions are permitted:
- For the Nittany Lion Sign pose, sign content may include event information, announcements or positive cheer messages such as “We Are Penn State.” Student content must not violate the University’s Student Code of Conduct.
- Specific per-caricature cropping guidelines are available in the downloadable pdf.
Questions about the use of the Nittany Lion Caricatures may be directed to the Office of Strategic Communications at licensing@psu.edu. Nittany Lion Caricature files are available for download.
NOTE: Nittany Lion caricatures are available for download. Please email licensing@psu.edu with questions related to the Nittany Lion caricatures or visit the licensing website.
Nittany Lion Shrine Illustrations
Vector line art of the Nittany Lion Shrine is offered as “classic” Nittany Lion designs in full body and torso versions. Options include simple and detailed versions of the full body lion as well as left and right facing poses. These illustrations are available for download.
NOTE: Classic Nittany Lion artwork is trademarked by The Pennsylvania State University and its uses are strictly controlled by the University. Information about classic Nittany Lion artwork also is available on the licensing website. Questions regarding the use of this artwork may be directed to the Office of Strategic Communications at pennstatebrand@psu.edu.
Faceted Lion Shrine
The stylized, abstract interpretation of the Nittany Lion Shrine is reminiscent of multi-faceted gemstones and is inspired by the diversity of our University. The three design iterations (head, full body, and torso) in four different styles are available for download. These designs may be paired with other brand design elements, however one should always be mindful of how our brand elements interact; it’s important to achieve clarity and maintain the integrity (original design intent) of all brand elements. For example, because of the intricate nature of the Faceted Lion design, ensure that graphics and backgrounds do not visually compete in your overall design layout.
Only the simple Faceted Lion Shrine (without the ’S’ curve texture included) may be used with a physical production process (vs. digital printing).
Do not use the Faceted Lion Shrine for embroidery applications.
Do not use the Faceted Lion Shrine in a physical production process with application at smaller than 3” in diameter (the minimum size for the torso and head designs should be sized based on this 3” minimum diameter of the full body design).
Do not change the color or general appearance as provided.
Simple Faceted Lion in black: Full Body, Torso, Head (CMYK, RGB). Also available in white Nittany Navy, and Beaver Blue.
Simple Faceted Lion with ‘S’ Curve in black: Full Body, Torso, Head (CMYK, RGB). Also available in white Nittany Navy, and Beaver Blue.
Complex Faceted Lion in black: Full Body, Torso, Head (CMYK, RGB). Also available in white Nittany Navy, and Beaver Blue.
Complex Faceted Lion with ‘S’ Curve in black: Full Body, Torso, Head (CMYK, RGB). Also available in white Nittany Navy, and Beaver Blue.
Nittany Lion Paw Print
The Nittany Lion paw print graphic is available for use by Penn State faculty, staff, and students to represent pride and spirit. The paw print files are available for download. The paw print is trademarked by the University and must not be graphically altered. Other requirements are:
- Text or graphics may be placed near the paw print but should not touch it.
- Use a paw print as accent artwork for Penn State materials but not as a logo for a specific area or initiative.
- Text or graphics should not be placed within the paw print or in the space between the toes and palm.
- Nittany Navy (Pantone 282) is the only permissible color for the Nittany Lion Paw Print. The Paw should always have the white outline included.
- Merchandise featuring the paw print must be produced by licensed vendors (please see licensing.psu.edu for more information) and requires a registration symbol in the location shown below.
Incorrect Use
Please see the Nittany Lion Paw Print misuse examples below.
DO NOT use the paw print with the name of a campus, college, academic unit, or use as a replacement for the primary mark’s shield
DO NOT reverse the paw print in white
NOTE: Exceptions to the above information must receive advance approval from the Office of Strategic Communications. Contact Strategic Communications at pennstatebrand@psu.edu for approval or more information.
The Primary Athletics Mark
Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics uses the Primary Athletics mark. This mark may be used to represent Penn State Intercollegiate athletic activities. It should not be used to represent the University’s academic areas or non-athletic communications and may not be used as a replacement for the primary University mark. Use of the Athletic mark by anyone other than Penn State Athletics staff requires approval by the Office of Licensing Programs. Please email licensing@psu.edu with questions.
NOTE: Merchandise must be produced by official licensed vendors (visit licensing.psu.edu for more information), and requires trademark designation.
Incorrect Use
Please see the Athletics mark misuse examples below.
DO NOT reverse the orientation of the lion head; the Athletics mark always faces to the right.
DO NOT alter the Athletics mark or attach text or graphics.
DO NOT alter the Athletics mark or attach text or graphics.
DO NOT remove the white portions of the Athletics mark; the white color and exterior stroke should always be present (never missing or transparent).
DO NOT use the Athletics mark on a dark background with the dark (Nittany Navy) version of the registration mark.
DO NOT place the Athletics mark on visually complex or distracting backgrounds.
DO NOT alter the colors of the Athletics mark in any way.
DO NOT remove the interior section of the lion’s ear.
University Marks and Symbols on Merchandise
Penn State names, marks, and symbols are featured on thousands of merchandise items in the marketplace. Any merchandise featuring a registered or trademarked Penn State name, mark, or symbol, regardless of who produces it or for what purpose, must follow appropriate visual standards and licensing agreements. Additionally, any University names, marks, or symbols appearing on merchandise should include either the registration symbol [®] or trademark symbol [™] depending on which is appropriate.
Any University unit that would like to produce an item of merchandise should start by visiting the Licensing Programs website or calling 814-865-0356 to locate a licensed vendor or ask questions. University faculty and staff may use Penn State names, marks, and symbols, according to established visual and editorial guidelines, on any materials to be used for recruitment, development, or general promotion of the institution. However, when merchandise or specialty products (for example: shirts, hats, mugs, pens, etc…) are produced, those items are subject to a promotional agreement from the Office of Licensing Programs. This is the case whether the item is to be given away for free or sold for profit. In all cases, merchandise and specialty items must be produced by licensed Penn State vendors.
Lapel Pins
Lapel pins are a popular merchandise item used to show Penn State spirit on clothing. The Nittany Lion shield represents the Penn State community and is the preferred lapel pin artwork. However, when Penn State unit identification is necessary, an alternate lapel pin template is available. This template maintains the graphic integrity of our shield, while allowing space to add a unit title.
- Unit titles (college, campus, or administrative areas) or Penn State-related initiatives may be placed in the lower half of the outer rim.
- The recommended lapel pin size is 1-inch in diameter.
- DO NOT alter the design or reduce the type size.
- The lapel pin design should never be used for a digital communication or in a digital medium (for example, it should never be used on a website or in email; it should never replace a University mark).
NOTE: A lapel pin template is available for internal (non-commercial) use from the Office of Strategic Communications at pennstatebrand@psu.edu
Lapel pin, shield only
Lapel pin template for unit identity. Do not use the lapel pin design template for unit identification in University communications or other items. It is not a replacement for an academic mark. DO NOT use in any manner that attempts to replicate the University seal.
Anniversary Tags
An approved anniversary tag may be used as a graphic accent on most University marketing communications to celebrate an entity’s anniversary milestone. Please note the following guidelines for creating and using anniversary tags:
- An anniversary tag may be used for a college, campus, school, center, institute, museum, or university business.
- An anniversary tag can either be designed such that the celebrating entity is identified within the design
,or the focus can be on the anniversary year, for example. - An anniversary tag should always be designed so that it is visually complimentary to the Penn State University mark.
- A reference and association with Penn State should always be clear. As a general practice, a full University mark should be included somewhere within a communication or creative canvas, along with the anniversary tag.
- The design must feature one or more colors from the primary brand color palette, as provided in the Penn State brand book.
- Accent colors can be used appropriately as indicated in the brand book color guidelines
- DO NOT attempt to replicate the University seal.
- The design should feature a primary brand font for further brand recognition.
- Please note: there may be exceptions allowed if the custom design hinges on a creative font design, to use a brand accent font or other creative fonts.
- Duration for use is limited. Remove the tag from circulation at the end of the anniversary year.
- DO NOT use an anniversary tag to create new stationery.
- DO NOT use a shield shape or Nittany Lion artwork in the design.
NOTE: Anniversary tag artwork requires advance approval by the Office of Strategic Communications. Send questions or artwork to pennstatebrand@psu.edu.
University-Recognized Student Organization Mark
Penn State Recognized Student Organizations may use a special version of the University's mark on their materials and communications. The University-Recognized Student Organization Shield Mark is made available through Office of Student Affairs, and graphic files may be requested at Student Activities Offices at campus locations. University Park organizations should email studentorg@psu.edu to request the graphic files.
The mark design is unique to Recognized Student Organizations and features the only University trademarked symbol that may be used to graphically identify a Recognized Student Organization. When using this mark, it may not be altered in any way. Organizations must adhere to the University’s color and correct mark use standards.
In addition to communications, any merchandise that features a University-Recognized Student Organization Mark must be produced by a University licensed vendor. A vendor list is available on the Licensing website.
