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Frequently Asked Questions on UC Letterhead and Business Cards


  1. Is it acceptable for my department to put its mascot, a cow, on University letterhead, next to the Seal?

  2. Can my department put its mascot, a cow, on University business cards, alongside the University Seal? Why or why not?

  3. Can a faculty member put the logo of his private consulting company alongside the Seal on letterhead?

  4. Can a faculty member put the logo of a company with whom the University has a research contract alongside the Seal on letterhead?

  5. Our campus has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sacramento Unified School District, in connection with the School-University Partnerships Program. Several individuals who work in this program are salaried by both the school district and the University. Are they allowed to have a business card with Valley Sun's logo and the University of California Seal on it?

  6. Are there any restrictions on University business cards for students?

a. Is it acceptable for my department to put its mascot, a cow, on University letterhead, next to the Seal?

No. The University's visual identity depends on a unified graphic presentation. Any modification to University policy must be pre-approved by the Chancellor.

b. Can my department put its mascot, a cow, on University business cards, alongside the University Seal? Why or why not?

The University's visual identity depends on a unified graphic presentation. Any modification to the University policy must be pre-approved by the Chancellor

c. Can a faculty member put the logo of his private consulting company alongside the Seal on letterhead?

Under no circumstances is this permitted.

d. Can a faculty member put the logo of a company with whom the University has a research contract alongside the Seal on letterhead?

The Chancellor may approve this use if the audience for the letterhead is a constituency which lends support to the mission of the University, and if the letterhead is used only for University-related business.

e. Our campus has a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sacramento Unified School District, in connection with the School-University Partnerships Program. Several individuals who work in this program are salaried by both the school district and the University. Are they allowed to have a business card with Valley Sun's logo and the University of California Seal on it?

Yes. See the introductory paragraphs to Part II.

f. Are there any restrictions on University business cards for students?

The Chancellor may promulgate local guidelines. Business cards for students must be related to the teaching, research and/or service missions of the University. The nature of the student's relationship with the University must be displayed in a prominent position on the card, e.g., "School of Public Health intern," "UCSF Medical Center Housestaff."