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South Dakota State University thrives on collaborative relationships, which may include but are not limited to those resulting from sponsorships, naming and collaborative projects. Successful co-branding of these relationships should always uphold the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø brand identity and recognize the external partners appropriately. Use these guidelines to co-brand your internal and external partnerships across different media and applications, including print, web, social media and on apparel and promotional products.

Co-branding must be preapproved by the university president, following the process managed through University Marketing and Communications.

Internal Co-branding

When two or more ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø units are working together, a multiunit logo lockup should be used. UMC reviews and creates approved multiunit logo lockups. Here are two examples:

External Co-branding

When ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø entities partner with external companies, organizations, schools and programs, or when ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø sponsors an external event, ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards and properly designate the source of the communication. This includes adherence to university Graphic Identity Standards, including:

• Minimum size and clear space
• Color
• Only the full-color institutional, unit or multiunit SD lockups may be used on co-branded printed, web and social materials
• A one-color lockup may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color
• Follow the design guidelines for co-branded materials
• Final use must be preapproved by the university president, through the process managed by UMC

Types of external co-branding partnerships

Understanding how to brand your partnership is key to clearly defining the relationship between ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and its partners. If you feel your partnership does not fall into one of these categories, please reach out to UMC.

South Dakota State University is the lead

When South Dakota State University is the lead partner:

• Follow all ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Brand Identity Standards
• Use ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø brand colors, fonts and graphics
• Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials

South Dakota State University is an equal partner collaborator

When all partners have an equal stake:

• Use ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø brand colors, fonts and graphics OR use neutral colors to accommodate both parties
• Follow Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
• If partner creates the materials, UMC must review and approve of all logo usage

South Dakota State University is promoted by an external partner

When SDSU or any of its programs are promoted or sponsored by an external party:

• Do not use ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø brand colors and graphics; marketing materials and communications should not be represented as official correspondences from the university
• Include a line of text that the external partner supports ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø or the program:
  • For example: The [external partner name] supports the [school/college/department/program/activity] at South Dakota State University.
• Follow all identity guidelines pertaining to the use of a university, unit or multiunit SD lockup and the Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials
• UMC must review and approve of all logo usage

South Dakota State University is a sponsor of an external event

When South Dakota State University or a unit(s) is one of many sponsors, a university, unit or multiunit SD lockup may be used alongside other sponsor logos.

• Do not use the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø brand colors or graphics; marketing materials should be created by the third-party and follow these guidelines:
  • Minimum size, clear space and color standards must be followed for the logo.
  • Language should be included to clearly indicate the relationship between the university and the external entity. Ex: In partnership with, Our Partners, Sponsored by, etc.
  • UMC must review and approve of all logo usage.

Co-branding with athletics through a sponsorship with ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Sports Properties

South Dakota State University Athletics media sponsorships and advertising are currently managed through ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Sports Properties. Sponsors may only use the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø logo only within (i) the state in which SDSU’s main physical campus is located and (ii) a 100-mile radius of the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø’s main physical campus, to the extent such radius crosses a state boundary. With respect to any digital benefits described herein, unless the parties mutually agree otherwise, the sponsor may use the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø logo only on inventory purchased through JSP's and/or the sponsor’s owned channels and the sponsor may not use the designated ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø mark in any way that conflicts with or impairs any relationship JSP or ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø has with a third party, including, but not limited to, any other sponsor. For the avoidance of doubt, the sponsor, no other business entities with which the sponsor is affiliated, shall have the right to use the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø logo as outlined above.

ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø must uphold the integrity of its marks, identity and brand standards. This includes adherence to Graphic Identity Standards, including:

• Minimum size and clear space
• Color
  • Only the full-color ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø logo may be used on co-branded items.
  • A one-color logo may be used for apparel and promotional items when using a single imprint color.

To become a media sponsor, contact ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Sports Properties. JSP charges for use of the ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø logo and use of a university-licensed vendor is required (vendor list will be provided).

For more information, call 605-321-0535.

Design Guidelines for Co-branded Materials

Before proceeding with co-branding on printed and digital materials, you must have:

• Approval from ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and external partners to use their mark(s)
  • Check any agreements in place for guidance on how to use a partner’s mark.
• High-resolution file of external partner logos for print, or web-resolution PNG files for digital use
  • If the partner logo appears blurry, it may not be used and the partner name must be listed in text.
• High-resolution university, unit or multiunit SD lockup, or web-resolution PNG file for digital use