Eligibility for Unit Signatures
Elon’s unit signatures follow a structured hierarchy designed to maintain clarity and consistency across the university’s visual identity. Because these marks represent official academic and administrative entities, eligibility is intentionally limited to units with defined governance and institutional oversight.
As Elon launches new programs and initiatives each year, most programs use the official mark of their umbrella school, department or office rather than receiving a standalone unit signature.
This page explains which entities qualify for official unit marks and how eligibility is evaluated.
Academic and Administrative Units
Eligibility for an official unit mark is determined based on the list of Elon departments, offices, schools and centers maintained by the Office of Human Resources.
Units that appear on this list may receive an official Elon unit signature that follows the university’s standardized visual hierarchy. Graduate programs are typically treated as departments by the university and follow the same signature standards.
Units that are not listed in the HR structure should use the official mark of their umbrella department, school or administrative office, or they may use the primary Elon University marks for external communications.
For environmental signage (e.g., lobby walls, building identifiers), always use the secondary signature that includes the full unit’s name. New sub-unit or internal program logos should not be created or used for signage purposes.
Interdisciplinary Degree-Granting Majors
In limited circumstances, undergraduate degree-granting majors that operate outside a traditional academic department may qualify for a standardized Elon unit signature.
To be eligible, the program must:
- be a degree-granting undergraduate major
- operate outside a traditional departmental structure
- be overseen by a dean’s office
- have formal academic governance
- have official designation from the dean and/or provost’s office
Programs that meet these criteria may receive a standardized unit signature consistent with Elon’s established visual hierarchy.
This pathway applies only to degree-granting majors.
Interdisciplinary minors, concentrations, certificates and other academic programs do not receive standalone unit signatures and should continue to use the official mark of their umbrella department or school.
Why We Avoid Custom Graphics and Logos
As Elon continues to grow and launch new programs, it can be tempting to create individual logos or marks. However, our story is strongest when told within a consistent and disciplined framework.
Official Elon marks are valuable institutional assets protected by both law and university policy. In most cases, the Elon signature and wordmark should be the only visual identifiers used on:
- print marketing materials
- websites
- merchandise
- communications intended for external audiences
The only standing exception is for approved Elon Athletics marks.
Individual schools, departments, centers and offices may not create separate logos or visual identities for external use, nor should they modify the wording, layout or appearance of official Elon marks.
Sub-units may use internal custom graphics, but they must include the official umbrella mark for all external communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can some interdisciplinary majors receive unit marks, but minors cannot?
Official Elon unit signatures represent formal academic structures within the university. Degree-granting undergraduate majors that operate outside a traditional department may qualify because they function as primary academic programs with formal governance and oversight from a dean’s or provost’s office.
Interdisciplinary minors, concentrations and certificates are administered through existing departments or schools. For that reason, they use the official mark of their umbrella department or school rather than a standalone unit mark.
This distinction reflects how academic units are structured, not the importance of a particular program. Minors and other interdisciplinary offerings remain an important part of the academic experience and are represented through the schools and departments that support them.
Does this mean every interdisciplinary major automatically receives a mark?
No. Only degree-granting majors that meet the university’s eligibility criteria may receive a standardized unit signature. Programs must operate outside a traditional department and have formal academic governance and designation through the appropriate dean’s or provost’s office.
Can programs or initiatives create their own logos?
No. Independent logos or visual identities should not be created for academic programs or initiatives. Using the official mark of the umbrella school or department helps maintain a clear and consistent brand across the university.
What if my program isn’t sure whether it qualifies?
If you have questions about eligibility or need help determining the appropriate mark to use, please contact University Communications (brand@elon.edu) or submit a brand review request.