Student organizations are able to identify with Boise State University subject to:
- The student organization is identified as a student-based organization and cannot be confused with a university department, program or initiative.
- The student organization identity does not interfere with the integrity of Boise State’s trademarks, athletic brand or intellectual property.
Student Organization Names
Student organizations should include the word “club” or likewise in the naming of the organization. This will identify the organization as a student-based organization, and not a Boise State department, program or initiative. Possible word choices include “Club,” “Association,” “Society,” “Students for…,” “Students,” “Student Organization,” “Chapter,” “Fraternity,” “Sorority,” etc.. Current examples of actual student organization names are Students for Liberty, Rocket Club, Athletic Training Student Association, and the Debate Society.
If student organizations wish to use the words Boise State and/or University in their name, the club name should come before the university and be clear that the group is a student organization. For example: “American Red Cross Club at Boise State University” or “Young Dems at Boise State” is permissible but “Boise State University American Red Cross Club” or “Boise State Young Dems” is not.
Student organizations may use the word “Broncos” in their organization name, but it may not be formed in a way that could be construed that the university has taken an official position. For example “Bronco Democratic Club” is permissible but “Broncos for Obama” is not. “Knitting Broncos Organization” is permissible but “Knitting Broncos” is not.
Student Organizations Logos & Visual Identity
Student organizations are encouraged to create their own, unique logo and design to brand their organization. Here are three options:
- Option 1: Create an original student organization logo
- Option 2: Create a student organization logo with the University Signature Mark
- Option 3: Create a student organization logo with the help of the Student Involvement and Leadership Center
Option 1: Create an original student organization logo
- Blue and orange colors are encouraged (but not required)
- Horse or bronco imagery should be approved by the Student Involvement and Leadership Center
- The words “Boise State” or “Boise State University” are allowed if they come at the end of the club name. Example: American Red Cross Club at Boise State University.
Current examples: Sustainability Club, German Club, Pride Alliance
Option 2: Create a student organization logo with the University B Symbol or University Signature Mark
Current student organization example: Lambda Pi Eta Communication Honors Society
- Logos of this kind should allow for clear space between the B Symbol or University Signature Mark (“B Marks”) and the student organization name. Refer to the University Brand Standards on Clear Zones and Sizing for more details. The space around the B Marks should be half the height of the logo on all sides. No other graphic elements should penetrate this “area of isolation.” The B Marks should not be stretched or altered.
- The B Marks should not be placed over a photograph or patterned background that interferes with the readability of the Mark. Refer to the University Brand Standards for more details.
With the example, the space around the B Symbol and University Mark is half the width or half the height of the logo. The logo has not been stretched or altered. With the following examples, a student organization’s logo should not enter the red box around each logo.
Student Organizations should not replicate the University Department Companion Mark format.
Templates like the Lambda Pi Eta design are available free of charge, upon request; contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at getinvolved@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-1223 for more details.
Option 3: Contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center
Does your organization have branding and logo ideas outside of the options shared? Great! We’d love to hear them. Contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at (208) 426-1223 or getinvolved@boisestate.edu to set up an appointment and chat further.
Social Media Accounts
Social media accounts created by and managed by student organizations are not official university social media accounts.
It is common for social media accounts of student organizations of the university to take on a look and feel of the university, or to comment on the university, or events taking place at the university; this does not transform a student organization’s social media account into an official university social media account.
University recognized student organizations that wish to host a social media account for their organization must follow any applicable laws and policies, including copyright and trademark laws, the relevant platform terms and conditions, the identity guidelines set forth by the university for registered student organizations, the Student Organization Handbook, and the Student Code of Conduct.
Recognized student organizations should use any social media platform of their choosing to brand and/or market themselves. Online and social media representation of the student organization should be consistent with the student organization’s registered name and approved logo. For example, “American Red Cross Club at Boise State University” should not represent themselves on social media as “Boise State University Red Cross Club.”
Student Organization Event Branding
All student organization events (both on and off campus) should be clearly branded with the individual student organization’s name and logo.
Student Organization Domain Names
Domain names should be licensed and trademarked to Boise State University. If your student organization would like to create or buy a website domain name, please contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at getinvolved@boisestate.edu or 208-426-1223.
Allowed Logos and Words
When and in what format can student organizations use the following logos and words? Review the following tables for allowed words, athletic marks, and University marks or logos.
Table of Allowed Words (in any font)
| Trademarks | Marketing or Websites | Club Logo | T-shirts & Merchandise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boise State University | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boise State | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Broncos | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Student Organization Name, e.g. Students for Liberty | Should include the word “club” or similar affiliation | Should include the word “club” or similar affiliation | Should include the word “club” or similar affiliation |
| BSU | No | No | No |
Table of Allowed Athletic Marks
| Trademarks | Marketing or Websites | Club Logo | T-shirts & Merchandise |
|---|---|---|---|
Boise State Broncos Wordmarks |
No | No | No |
Bronco Logo |
No | No | No |
Table of Allowed University Marks/Logos
| Trademarks | Marketing or Websites | Club Logo | T-shirts & Merchandise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vintage or Old University Marks | No | No | No |
University Signature Mark |
Yes, within prescribed limits | Yes, within prescribed limits | Yes, within prescribed limits |
University “B” Mark |
Yes, within prescribed limits | Yes, within prescribed limits | Yes, within prescribed limits |
More questions about the identity, branding, name, or logos of your student organization? We’d love to hear from you about it. Reach out to the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at getinvolved@boisestate.edu or (208) 426-1223.