Logo and Brand Identity Standards...S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction iv Logo basics • The

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Logo and Brand Identity Standards

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction 2S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Table of Contents

IntroductionWelcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i

University Vision and Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .ii

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii

Logo Basics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv

ColorPrimary Colors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.1

Secondary Color Palette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.2

LogoProper Logo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.1

Logo Elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 .2

Size Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.3

Minimum Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.4

Improper Logo Uses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.5

Tagline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.6

TypefacesPrimary and Secondary Typefaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

Web and Alternate-use Typefaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.1

Brand UsageBusiness Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.1

Letterhead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.2

Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.3

Name Badges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.4

Email Signature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.5-6

PhotographyPhotography Requests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.1

Style GuideIntroduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.1

Abbreviation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.2-3

Addresses and Locations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.4-5

Capitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.6-7

Dates and Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.8

Editing Marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.9

Inclusive Language and Accessibilty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.10

Numerals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.11

Preferred Spelling and Formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.12

Punctuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.13-14

Search Engine Optimization and Descriptive Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6.15

Minnesota State Co-brandingCo-branding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.1

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction iS:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Consistent branding is important to the university’s identity and how we are perceived when communicating internally and with the broader community .

Each member of the Metropolitan State University community must be a steward of our brand . It is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to the logo and branding standards . Faculty, staff, student organizations and vendors should follow these standards when creating, adapting or revising materials .

Thank you for your cooperation and support .

We look forward to working with you!

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting the Center for Accessibility Resources, accessibility .resources@metrostate .edu or 651-793-1549 .

Welcome

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction iiS:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Vision StatementMetropolitan State University, a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, will be the premier urban, public, comprehensive system university in the Twin Cities metropolitan area and will provide high quality, affordable educational programs and services in a student-centered environment . The faculty, staff and students of Metropolitan State will reflect the area’s rich diversity, build a culturally competent and anti-racist learning community, and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to civic engagement .

Mission StatementMetropolitan State University is a comprehensive urban university committed to meeting the higher education needs of the Twin Cities and greater metropolitan population . The university will provide accessible, high quality liberal arts, professional, and graduate education to the citizens and communities of the metropolitan area, with continued emphasis on underserved groups, including adults and communities of color . Within the context of lifelong learning, the university will build on its national reputation for innovative student-centered programs that enable students from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals . The university is committed to academic excellence and community partnerships through curriculum, teaching, scholarship and services designed to support an urban mission .

University Vision and Mission

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction iiiS:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Our logo

One of the most important elements in any organization’s identity is its logo and associated applications . Consistency in presentation of our brand gives our community a stronger, more effective voice in the many contexts in which we communicate . Adherence to these standards is essential in linking each of our communications to our community as a whole . Nonadherence to these standards dilutes and weakens our voice as a community .

Who should use these standards?

Any member of the Metropolitan State University community who creates official communications for internal or external audiences should refer to these standards . While maintaining our standards is our collective responsibility, the Marketing and Communications department has been tasked with setting those standards and ensuring that they are met in university communications .

How should these standards be used?

This is a guide to the basics that must be followed in all instances . The goal is not to limit creativity but to provide direction that will guide us all to produce materials with greater unity, clarity and visual consistency . This will help us produce materials that the public recognizes as distinctly ours, whether the items are found locally or across the United States and come via direct mail, on the Web or in print .

Who can I contact with questions?

For new communications applications or questions about the logo and identity standards, contact Diane DeRosier, Creative Team manager, Marketing and Communications, at diane .derosier@metrostate .edu or 651-793-1821 .

Introduction

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction ivS:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Logo basics

• The logo should appear on all communications, in the upper right-hand corner where applicable .

• The logo should appear only once on a surface . For multipage pieces, the logo should appear on the front cover in the upper right-hand corner and on the back cover by the address when possible .

• The tagline, when used, should appear on the lower right-hand corner of the communication in question .

Colors

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Colors

Principal BluePantone 295 C=100, M=57, Y=0, K=40 R=0, G=68, B=124Web Safe=00447C

Intermediate BluePantone 293C=100, M=57, Y=0, K=2R=0, G=103, B=177Web Safe=0067B1


In addition to our principal and intermediate colors, our brand standards include a secondary palette of colors that complement our main colors . These colors provide our community with options appropriate to our diverse range of communications contexts .

Secondary Color Palette

Pantone 1805C=18, M=93, Y=100, K=8R=204, G=51, B=51Web Safe=CC3333

Pantone 142C=0, M=28, Y=76, K=0R=255, G=204 B=102Web Safe=FFCC66

Pantone 421C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=26R=196, G=198, B=200Web Safe=C4C6C8

Pantone 7506C=0, M=5, Y=15, K=0R=255, G=255, B=204Web Safe=FFFFCC


In addition to our secondary palette of colors, our brand standards include a tertiary, or accent, palette of colors that complement our main and secondary colors . These colors, while not intended to dominate any context in which they are used, provide our community with accent options appropriate to our diverse range of communications contexts .

Tertiary Color Palette

C=100, M=10, Y=0, K=0R=0, G=161, B=28Web Safe=00A1E4

C=0, M=40, Y=100, K=5R=237, G=157, B=25Web Safe=ED9D19

C=45, M=0, Y=100, K=0R=154, G=202 B=60Web Safe=9ACA3C

C=25, M=100, Y=100, K=18R=163, G=31 B=35Web Safe=A31F23

C=54, M=16, Y=100, K=0R=135, G=172, B=64Web Safe=87AC40

C=0, M=25, Y=100, K=0R=255, G=194, B=14Web Safe=FFC20E

C=64, M=93, Y=25, K=9R=113, G=53, B=115Web Safe=713573

C=12, M=97, Y=100, K=0R=215, G=45, B=41 Web Safe=D72D29

C=42, M=85, Y=0, K=0R=158, G=74, B=156Web Safe=9E4A9C

C=0, M=0, Y=0, K=50R=147, G=149, B=152Web Safe=939598

Logo

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Proper Logos

Two-color LogoPrincipal Blue Intermediate BluePantone 295 Pantone 293

One-color LogoPrincipal BluePantone 295

White Logoreversed out of dark background

Black Logo


Logo Elements

Our logo consists of two main elements: the logo type and the logo icon . Together, these elements are the symbol of our brand . In addition to the logo icon and the logo type, our colors make up the third essential logo element .

When selecting a logo for use from the S-drive (S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info), please note that we have two standard sizes . The 2-inch logo is already scaled for use at our minimum size, and should be used in applications up to six inches wide . The 6-inch logo is designed for applications of six inches wide or larger .

Logo

Logo Type Logo Icon


When our logo is used too small, detail is lost and our identity’s impact is reduced . To keep our impact intact, our logo standards call for a minimum length of two inches for the full logo, including the text and icon .

In applications where limited space does not allow for the logo to be at least two inches in length, such as on a pen or pencil, the acceptable alternative is to type out our full name, Metropolitan State University, in Minion Pro Regular font, using as large a font size as the application will allow . Each word in our name should be capitalized as shown, and the full name should be no less than two inches long . This exception should only be used when all other options have been explored and eliminated due to difficulties in meeting the standards .

Minimum Size Requirement

Two Inches

Metropolitan State University


For maximum visibility and impact, our logo needs sufficient clear space on all sides to allow its display to be clear and prominent .

Because our logo will be used in many different sizes, using a linear measurement (such as inches) for this clear space would not maintain the same proportion around different size logos . Instead, the height of the letter “M” in a given application of the logo will be used as our clear space guide .

Because the proportions of the logo type will always be consistent within each use of the entire logo, this measurement will provide a proportional clear space around any application of the logo .

Maintaining a minimum clear space of one “M-space” around our logo will allow our university communications to be seen, heard and clearly understood .

Minimum Clear Space Requirements

M

M

M

M


Recolored logos . The logo should only appear in the proper colors and shadings . The logo icon should always appear with the same portions in color . The logos here have colors and shadings outside the proper range of use .

Obscured and hard-to-read logos. Our logo should always be placed in such a way that it is clear and readable . Always use the proper logo style for the context .

Distorted or stretched logos . Always keep horizontal and vertical (x and y) proportions equal when resizing .

Separated logo elements . All logo elements should remain together in a cohesive whole .

Unequally resized elements .

Improper Logos


Our tagline is a concise description of the university’s vision . We encourage the use of the tagline in communications where possible .

When used, our tagline should appear in the lower right-hand corner, with the logo appearing in the upper right-hand corner .

Service Mark Definition

Service marks SM identify and distinguish the source of services from one party from those of others, much as trademarks do to distinguish the sources of products.

Tagline

Typefaces

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Typefaces

Metropolitan State University’s typography consists of two typefaces: Minion Pro and Myriad Pro . Both of these typefaces come in a variety of weights and offer us flexibility in our applications .

Principal Typefaces

Minion Pro Regularabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Minion Pro Mediumabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Minion Pro Semiboldabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Minion Pro Boldabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

SecondMinion Pro Bold Condensedabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Intermediate Typefaces

Myriad Pro Regular

abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Myriad Pro Semibold


Myriad Pro Boldabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz 1234567890ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ

Myriad Pro Condensed


Myriad Pro Bold Condensed


Web and Alternate typefacesFor official communications via e-mail, PowerPoint, and other digital mediums, or in situations where our primary and secondary typefaces are not available, acceptable alternative fonts are Times New Roman and Arial .

Brand Usage

S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info

Anne Aronson, Ph.D.Professor, Writing ProgramCommunications, Writing and the ArtsCollege of Arts and Sciences

[email protected] www.metrostate.edu

tel: 651.999.5950fax: 651.643.2544

Business Cards

Virginia “Ginny” Arthur J.D.Provost and Academic Vice President

www.metrostate.edu

700 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55106-5000

tel: 651.793.1920fax: 651.793.1925cel: 651.200.5067

To order business cards, submit a marketing request via

services .metrostate .edu/TDClient/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=25703

Suite 205, 1380 Energy Lane, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55108-5253

Natalie BearthStudent Services SpecialistSchool of Law Enforcement andCriminal Justice


9110 Brooklyn Blvd., Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55445-2410

tel: 763.657.3749 763.657.3700fax: 763.657.7687

David Bahn, Ph.D.Associate ProfessorCollege of ManagementOffice: Management Education Center 13th Street and Harmon Place


Mail: 1501 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403-1897

tel: 612.659.7283fax: 612.659.7268

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Business Cards 4.1


Letterhead

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs

700 East Seventh StreetSaint Paul, Minnesota

55106-5000

tel: 651.793.1330 fax: 651.793.1355

www.metrostate.edu

An equal opportunity educator and employer.A member of Minnesota State

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Letterhead 4.2


Envelopes

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Name Badges

To order name badges, submit a marketing request via services.metrostate.edu/TDClient/Requests/ServiceDet?ID=25703

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Name Badges 4.4


e-signature option 1

Best practices indicate that our brand identity should extend to the signatures for our official emails . To create an e-signature with the proper logo, import the artwork from:

S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info\eSignature logo

Enter the logo found at this location . This version of the logo has been designed specifically for display in Outlook, and is rendered at Outlook’s preferred 96 dpi resolution . Create the remainder of the signature with our Myriad Pro font in black type:

• Logo

• Name

• Title(s)

• Department

• Phone Numbers

• Email Address

• Mailing Address

• Web Address

Note: those wishing to add personal pronoun preferences should include them in parentheses after their name: Metro Mouse (she/her/hers) .

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 E-mail Signature 4.5


e-signature option 2

For an e-signature without the logo, simply create the signature using our Myriad Pro font in black type .

• Name

• Title(s)

• Department

• Phone Numbers

• Email Address

• Mailing Address

• Web Address

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 E-mail Signature 4.6

Photography

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Photography Requests

What to expect from a professional photographer

Professional photographers typically produce commercial quality images . They usually have extensive experience working with art directors, different locations, lighting situations, people, products, product composition, and a wide range of situations especially those that are considered high pressure . Professional photographers will have great knowledge of their camera’s abilities and photographic techniques as well as be prepared for “on the fly” problem solving with minimal interruption to their assignment .

Professionals will be equipped with high-end, reliable equipment that often consists of multiple/backup cameras, lighting, backdrops, tripods, and so on, to get excellent results every time . The professional photographer is usually an independent contractor who may or may not be familiar with you or the university . The relationship should be professional so the photographer can focus on his or her work .

Professional photographers also have experience with the post processing of images, which includes retouching, editing and providing access to completed work (website, CD/DVD, prints) .

When to hire a professional photographer• Specific, targeted and Marketing and Communications-

arranged photography for the website, printed collateral, advertising, marketing materials, and so on .

• Portrait and product specific images• Architectural images

When NOT to hire a professional photographer• Most campus events (documentation of guests, conferences,

meetings, get-togethers)• PR events—groundbreakings, grand openings, award

presentations/ceremonies• People and items on campus for newsletter/news release use

(quick and for documentation)

Alternatives to hiring a professional photographer• Contact Marketing and Communications about the

availability of staff—requests for photography of PR events and people or things to be featured in a newsletter, press release or on the website—using the Request Form

• Use one of two small point-and-shoot cameras available from Marketing and Communications to shoot your own images

• Use your iPhone/cell phone to capture an event for limited distribution (newsletter, announcement, documentation)

• Use your own camera (if available) Be sure to share all photography with Marketing and Communications for distribution and archival purposes .

Style Guide

Metropolitan State University maintains a university-specific reference tool that provides usage guidelines for many typical writing and editing situations, as well as general writing tips, to be used when creating content for the university .

Content coordinators and individuals creating content for university communications or the website should use this guide to ensure the university’s standards are being met .

We are all stewards of Metropolitan State’s identity, brand, and institutional voice .

If confronted with a style issue not addressed in this guide, consult AP style guidelines .

If confronted with a spelling issue not addressed in this guide, consult the most recent edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (OED) .

For Metropolitan State University style questions, contact Diane DeRosier, Creative Team manager, Marketing and Communications, at diane .derosier@metrostate .edu or 651-793-1821 .

Introduction

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Abbreviations generally should not be used in text . However, commonly recognized abbreviations for government agencies and other organizations may be used after an initial spelled-out reference . Some examples: Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship (ICES) and College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) . Such abbreviations should later appear capitalized, un-spaced and without periods: ICES and CAS .

Metropolitan State University: the only acceptable abbreviations are Metropolitan State and the university . Never use MSU because it also can refer to Minnesota State University, Moorhead or Minnesota State University, Mankato . In formal documents, reports, news releases or letters, use Metropolitan State University for the first reference; Metropolitan State or the university may be used after the spelled-out reference .

Use the title University of Minnesota when referring to that institution . When space is limited, the U of M may be used after an initial spelled-out reference .

Abbreviations of academic degrees should appear capitalized, un-spaced and without periods: AA, BA, BAS, BHS, BS, BSN, BSW, MA, MBA, MMIS, MPNA, MS, MSN and PhD

Titles before names may be abbreviated if the abbreviation is a common usage: Guest speaker was Gov . Tim Walz . If abbreviated, the title should be capitalized . Do not abbreviate or capitalize titles after names: Guest speaker was Tim Walz, governor .

Months — see Dates and Times .

Words forming part of an address (avenue, street, building) should not be abbreviated in formal text but may be abbreviated to save space in informal letters or publications, or in lists . Exceptions are words identifying directions-they may be

abbreviated: N ., E ., SE, NE, SW, SE, except when they form part of a name (East River Road) . See also: Location Names and Addresses .

United States may be abbreviated when used as an adjective: U .S . Post Office . Otherwise use United States or United States of America .

The abbreviations Jr ., Sr ., II, III and IV are used only with a complete name unless needed for clarity when, for example, both junior and senior are being discussed . Jr . and Sr . are preceded by a comma; II, III and IV are not .

Avoid the abbreviations i .e ., etc ., e .g . and similar abbreviations of Latin expressions .

Use the word ‘and’ instead of ‘&’ symbol . The ‘&’ symbol should only be used if number of characters are limited .

Use alternatives: that is, and so on, such as, for example .

More abbreviations: When the name of a state is used alone without a city reference, spell it out in both text and letters . When used with a city or other reference, the state name may be abbreviated, using narrative abbreviation form (see list below), not zip code form . In text, eight states are never abbreviated: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Ohio, Texas and Utah . Use zip code abbreviations only when writing full addresses including the zip code (Saint Paul, MN 55106) .

versus is acceptable as vs .;

miles per gallon is acceptable as mpg (no periods) as the second reference;

miles per hour is acceptable as mph (no periods) in all references;

Abbreviation

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mount: Spell out in all uses, including the names of communities and of mountains: Mount Clemens, Mich .; Mount Everest .

Saint should be spelled out, Saint Paul (also Saint Lawrence, and Saint Louis) unless it is abbreviated as part of a name (University of St . Thomas);

words per minute is accepted as WPM (no periods);

grade point average can be GPA (no periods) .

Abbreviations for state names in narrative copy and zip code forms for mailing addresses:

Narrative Mailing

Ala . AL

Alaska AK

Ariz . AZ

Ark . AR

Calif . CA

Colo . CO

Conn . CT

Del . DE

Fla . FL

Ga . GA

Hawaii HI

Idaho ID

Ill . IL

Ind . IN

Iowa IA

Kan . KS

Ky . KY

La . LA

Maine ME

Md . MD

Mass . MA

Mich . MI

Minn . MN

Miss . MS

Mo . MO

Mont . MT

Neb . NE

Nev . NV

N .H . NH

N .M . NM

N .Y . NY

N .C . NC

N .D . ND

Ohio OH

Okla . OK

Ore . OR

Pa . PA

R .I . RI

S .C . SC

S .D . SD

Tenn . TN

Texas TX

Utah UT

Vt . VT

Va . VA

Wash . WA

W . Va . WV

Wis . WI

Wyo . WY

D .C . DC


The full name of the university, Metropolitan State University, should be used in all headlines and for the initial reference to the university in body text . Subsequent references to the university should be Metropolitan State . The university is also an acceptable reference, but only if it is abundantly clear in the text which university you are referring to . In some marketing and less formal contexts, Metro State can be used as a subsequent reference, though this is not preferred .

In accordance with the Higher Learning Commission, only the main Saint Paul location can be considered a campus . All other Metropolitan State University locations would be referred to as a center or location (ex . Minneapolis location or Midway Center) .

There are four university locations that may need to be specifically referenced on occasion:

Saint Paul Campus (main)

Midway Center

Minneapolis location (Management Education Center, or MEC)

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Center (LECJEC)

The Saint Paul Campus consists of multiple buildings that may also need to be specifically referred to from time-to-time:

Founders Hall

New Main

St . John’s Hall

Library and Learning Center

Fine Arts Building

Student Center

Jason R . Carter Science Education Center

Parking Ramp

Addresses:

Metropolitan State University’s official mailing addresses include the zip-plus-four code . The correct campus addresses are:


Saint Paul Campus

700 East Seventh Street

Saint Paul, MN 55106-5000


Midway Center

1450 Energy Park Drive

Saint Paul, MN 55108-5218


Minneapolis

1501 Hennepin Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55403-1897

Addresses and Locations



Midway Center-Energy Park Place

1380 Energy Lane

Saint Paul, MN 55108

Use the abbreviations Ave ., Blvd . and St . only with a numbered address where space is tight . Spell them out and capitalize when part of a formal street name without a number: Seventh Street and Maria Avenue . Lowercase and spell out when used alone or with more than one street name: University and Snelling avenues .

Words like alley, drive, road and terrace are always spelled out in text . Abbreviations are acceptable when used in mailing addresses . Capitalize them when part of a formal name without a number; lowercase when used alone or with two or more names: Pinewood Drive, down the alley, Fort and Century roads .

Always use figures for the number of a building in an address: 9 Morningside Circle . Spell out and capitalize first through ninth when used as street names; use figures with two letters for 10th and above: 7 Fifth Avenue, 100 21st Street .

Abbreviate compass points used to indicate directional ends of a street or quadrants of a city in a numbered address: 222 E . 42nd St ., N ., E ., SE, NW . Do not abbreviate if the building number is omitted-East 42nd Street, or if the direction forms part of a name-East River Road . Spell out East in the university’s address .

State, federal and interstate highways are designated by numerals: U .S . 169; Interstate 494, but on second reference, I-494; and Highway 36, with second reference as Hwy . 36 .

The locations tab on the university website also provides addresses for each campus along with maps and addresses of additional buildings on the Saint Paul Campus .

Saint Paul Campus building addresses include:

Library and Learning Center (LIB)

645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

Parking Ramp

400 Maria Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55106

Jason R . Carter Science Education Center

664 East Sixth Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106

Student Center

690 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106


Capitalize words identified as “cap” or “usually cap” in Oxford English Dictionary . Do not capitalize words identified as “often cap” or “sometimes cap .” Do capitalize all proper names—people, places, complete names of organizations and major historical events .

Occupational titles: Do not capitalize except before a name: President Wilson G . Bradshaw; but Wilson G . Bradshaw, president . Do not capitalize titles when used alone: The president spoke to the faculty .

Lowercase fields of study (unless proper nouns such as English or Spanish), titles of academic degrees when spelled out, ranks or titles when standing alone or following a name and semesters of the academic year: human services concentration, graduate program in business, bachelor’s degree, master of arts, the doctorate, dean, community faculty, resident faculty, assistant professor, director, fall semester . Also lowercase programs such as women’s studies and social work .

Capitalize complete office names, departments, centers and divisions within Metropolitan State:

Admissions Office

Alumni Relations Office

Building Services

Career Center

Center for Academic Excellence

Center for Accessibility Resources

College of Community Studies and Public Affairs

College of Individualized Studies

College of Liberal Arts

College of Management

College of Nursing and Health Sciences

College of Sciences

Counseling Center

Enrollment Management Office

Financial Aid Office

Gateway Student Services

Information Technology Services

Institute for Community Engagement and Scholarship

Library and Learning Center

Marketing and Communications Department

Midway Center

Registrar’s Office

Safety and Security Office

School of Communication, Writing and the Arts

School of Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

School of Nursing

School of Urban Education

Student Affairs

Student Life and Leadership Development

University Advancement

Capitalization


Lowercase words representing a shortened version of a proper name or office: the college, university, computer lab, library, committee, task force, advising staff . But, always use the complete name, capitalized, on first reference .

When a generic term is used in the plural form following more than one proper name, it is lowercased: Saint Paul and Minneapolis locations, but Saint Paul Campus .

Social/cultural references: Capitalize names of groups based on racial, national or religious distinctions: American Indian, African American, Latinx, Protestant .

Geography: Capitalize adjectives identifying direction when they form part of the name of a specific geographic region (Western Europe, Midwest, Northeast Minneapolis, Twin Cities, West Coast) but not when used descriptively to merely identify direction (southern Minnesota, northward) .

Write city of Minneapolis, city of Saint Paul, state of Minnesota (not City of or State of) .

Lowercase the seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter and derivatives such as springtime, unless part of a formal name: Fall 2004 Class Schedule; Saint Paul Winter Carnival, but spring semester .

Capitalize room and floor in Class Schedule data, unless they are abbreviated . Do not capitalize chapter, section or page numbers, unless in formal documents .

In headings and subheadings in books, brochures, learning-opportunity titles, reports and so on, capitalize the first and last words and all nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, adverbs and subordinating conjunctions (if, as, because, so, unless, that, although and when) . Lowercase all articles (a, an, the), coordinating conjunctions (and, but, or, for, nor) and prepositions, regardless of length, unless they are the first or last words of the title or heading . The to in infinitives are also lowercased: How to Promote Your Small Business in Five Easy Steps .

Avoid the use of all caps in headlines, subheads or listings . Readability studies show that type in all caps is difficult to read . Use bold face for added emphasis .

Quotes: Capitalize the first word in a quotation when the quotation is a complete sentence: The nursing program dean said, “Accreditation certifies that a nursing program has met the high educational standards established by the profession .” For partial sentence quotes, do not capitalize the first word . She said faculty and staff “are pleased that Metropolitan State has achieved this status .”


Use figures with a colon to separate hours and minutes—1:30 p .m ., 2:30 p .m .; do not use ciphers when just the hour is used—2 p .m ., not 2:00 p .m . Lowercase a .m . and p .m . Use noon or midnight instead of 12 a .m . or 12 p .m .

Spell out the day of the week, except in tabular material . For tabular material only: use these abbreviations, without periods: Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri and Sat .

When a month is used with a specific date, abbreviate only Jan ., Feb ., Aug ., Sept ., Oct ., Nov . and Dec . Spell out when using month without a date, or with a year alone . When a phrase lists only a month and a year, do not separate the year with commas . When a phrase refers to a month, day and year, do not use a comma after the year . Examples: January 1972 was a cold month . The course begins May 12 . Feb . 14, 1976 was the target date .

Use the date without a year if it is within the current year . Use the year with a date if referring to future or past years: July 4, 1776 or July 4, 2076 .

Use figures without letters in dates: April 1, not April 1st, March 15, not March 15th .

Spell out references to particular centuries and decades: twentieth century; in the sixties; but the 1930s .

Presentation of event times and locations should be placed in the following order: time, date, place . For Metropolitan State locations, place should be broken down into the sequence: campus or location, building, room . Examples: 8–10 a .m ., Friday, Oct . 29, Library and Learning Center, 645 East Seventh Street, Saint Paul (address included when needed) Room 306; noon–2:15 p .m ., Monday, May 17, Saint Paul Campus, New Main, Room L104 . Some marketing and communications applications prefer day and date before time .

Dates and Times


Writing that is being edited by hand will frequently be marked up with editing marks to save space and efficiently communicate corrections . This table, containing a representative selection of common proofreading marks, is taken from figure 2 .6 of the Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition .

Editing Marks


In the interests of inclusion, avoid using sexual or racial stereotyping and language in all internal and external communications . Rather, use neutral alternatives for occupational and positional words before assuming a particular gender identity: firefighter, police officer, chair, or chairperson . Don’t create words such as s/he, and use the plural they to avoid putting two words together with slashes: he/she . When writing about a specific person, ask what pronouns they use for themselves (e .g ., she/her/hers, he/him/his, they/them/theirs) .

LGBTQ+ and LGBTQIA+ are shorthand terms used by the Women’s and LGBTQ+ services for lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary, and transgender individuals and groups, unless the particular individual or group has a strong preference for another term . Contact the Women’s and LGBTQ+ Services office at 651-793-1544 or wglbtq@metrostate .edu for more information .

Disabilities are handled according to the preference of the person or group . In writing about disabilities, stress the person, not the disability: persons with disabilities rather than the disabled . If you have questions, contact the Center for Accessibility Resources at 651-793-1549 or accessibility .resources@metrostate .edu . The ADA National Network also offers Guidelines for Writing About People With Disabilities .

Ethnic and cultural identity designations generally follow the preference of the person or group . Ask the person or group you’re writing about how they want to be identified, remembering that many people consider themselves multiracial or choose not to identify in a specific category . The Equity and Affirmative Action Office, 651-793-1270 or equity .affact@metrostate .edu, can help with questions . As a general rule, identify ethnic groups by recognized ethnic designations . African American, Asian

American, Pacific Islander, Latina/Latino/Latinx, Hispanic and Native American are acceptable identifiers .

As an addendum to the capitalization rules previously mentioned, when referring to ethnicity, the generic terms black and white aren’t capitalized . However, if you capitalize one to conform to a particular group’s preference, capitalize both .

University publications and events are required to include accessibility statements in their materials . For documents and publications, the appropriate statement should read:

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting the Center for Accessibility Resources, accessibility .resources@metrostate .edu or 651-793-1549 .

For events and workshops, the accomodation statement should read:

If you need disability related accomodations, including parking, to make these events accessible, please contact the Center for Accessibility Resources, accessibility .resources@metrostate .edu or 651-793-1549 .

Inclusive Language and Accessibility Statements


https://adata.org/factsheet/ADANN-writing

https://adata.org/factsheet/ADANN-writing

Spell out numbers one through nine . Use figures for numbers 10 and larger . The major exceptions are numbers representing units of measure, time and money, which are always expressed in figures (also called cardinal numbers) .

Other exceptions include:

Numbers at the beginning of sentences should be spelled out .

All scores and ratios should be written in figures .

Numbers smaller than 100 which designate political or military divisions should be spelled out: Seventh Ward, Second Congressional District .

Percents: see below .

Ordinal numbers designate the place of a number in an ordered sequence (first, second, third) . For ordinal numbers, spell out first through ninth when they indicate sequence in time or location: first base, the First Amendment, he was first in line . Starting with 10th, use figures . Although the day of the month is actually an ordinal (and so pronounced in speaking), write it as a cardinal number: April 18, not April 18th .

In text, percents should be written out in figures with the word percent, even for figures under 10: 30 percent, 8 percent . Use decimals instead of fractions: 6 .5 percent, 2 .4 percent . For amounts less than 1 percent, precede the decimal point with a zero: 0 .6 percent . Repeat percent with each individual figure: He said between 10 percent and 30 percent of the electorate will vote .

The plural of figures is the addition of an “s”: 1970s .

In narrative copy, spell out a fraction when it stands alone: one half . Figures may be used in tabular material . Use figures for precise amounts larger than one, converting to decimals whenever practical: 13 and 3/4 or 13 .75 .

For whole dollar amounts, do not use ciphers after the whole number: $10, not $10 .00 . Amounts of money less than $1 should be written in figures with the word cents: 60 cents, 99 cents .

Numerals


Preferred spelling

alumna (woman)

alumnae (women)

alumni (men)

alumnus (man)

alum (gender-neutral singular)

alums (gender neutral plural)

baccalaureate

course work

Dayton’s Bluff

download

East Side

email

emerita (woman)

emeritae (women)

emeriti (men)

emeritus (man)

fieldwork

full time (noun)

full-time (adjective)

fund-raising

hands-on

home page

in-depth (adjective)

internet

liaison

multimedia

nonprofit

nontraditional

online

part time (noun)

part-time (adjective)

percent

postsecondary

sociopolitical

theater

web

webcast

web page

website

well-being

workforce

Preferred formatting

BankMobile

BeFree

Board of Teaching

BrightSpace

CApp

Coursework

DataSlice

Decisionmaker

eCHECKUP TO GO

eFollett

eForm

Entry Point!

eServices

FASTChoice

GiveMN

GradReady

IIQ

Infosession

Live Stream (noun)

Live-stream (verb w/object)

MediaSpace

MetroAnnounce

MetroConnect

MetroPlan

MnDOR

MOVEit Securely

NetDirect

News@Metro

NextEra

Nondegree-seeking

Nonenrollment

Nonmajor

Non-textbook

Note-taking

OnCare

PowToon

RightNow

TeamDynamix

TechID

TuitionMatch-MN

Preferred Spelling and Formatting


Use commas to separate elements in a series . The often-discussed Oxford comma, placed before the conjunction at the end of a series, is optional, but be consistant in usage within a particular piece of content: The flag is red, white, and blue or The flag is red, white and blue, but not both in one piece of content . Do put a comma before the concluding conjunction in a series if an integral element of the series requires a conjunction or when a comma is needed for clarification: I had orange juice, toast, and ham and eggs for breakfast . When one or more of the elements contains a comma and the series is relatively long, a semicolon should be used to separate elements . Try to keep construction parallel .

Semicolons are used, in general, to indicate a greater separation of thought and information than a comma can convey, but less than the separation that a period implies . Use semicolons to separate elements of a series when individual segments contain material that also must be set off by commas . Use a semicolon before the final “and” in such a series . There is only one space after a semicolon .

Periods are followed by one space in paragraphs containing multiple sentences .

Periods and commas are always placed inside quotation marks . The dash, semicolon, question mark and exclamation point go within the quotation marks when they apply to the quoted matter only . They go outside when they apply to the whole sentence . Examples: She said, “I think he should be called .” The instructor asked the class, “How does this scene move the story along?” Which character said, “The quality of mercy is not strained . . .”?

Use quotation marks for titles of articles, songs, chapters in books, radio and television programs . If the radio or television program is a continuing series, it is italicized: National Public Radio’s All Things Considered . Italicize titles of books, magazines, newspapers, plays, long musical compositions and operas, works of art and motion pictures .

Colons are followed by one space . Capitalize the first word after a colon only if it is a proper noun or the start of a complete sentence . Please note this requirement: All assignments must be typed . There were three considerations: expenses, time and feasibility .

Use the apostrophe to indicate possession; do not use apostrophes to indicate a plural or make a verb form . He collected OKs from all the GIs who had hidden from B52s in the 1960s . She did not approve the student’s degree plan . Use an apostrophe to form the plural of a single letter: Her report card was all A’s .

Oxford English Dictionary’s spelling is the rule for hyphenation of word combinations that are permanent compound accepted usages, and words formed by the addition of prefixes . Neither hyphens (-) nor en dashes (–) and em dashes (—) require spaces around them .

Use a hyphen in constructions forming temporary compounds where necessary to clarify sense . Often this is the case when a compound is formed as an adjective modifier: degree-seeking students, problem-solving methods . The hyphen is not necessary where meaning is clear: civil service employee, continuing education student, learning assessment agreement .

Punctuation


Use a hyphen in compound constructions containing a prefix that modifies two or more words: post-high school studies; but postsecondary education .

Use hyphens in constructions containing two or more compounds that share a common element that is omitted in all but the final term: second- and third-year students, short- and long-term goals .

Use a hyphen in compound constructions containing a numerical first element that acts as an adjective: 10-session sequence, twentieth-century literature, three-quarter series .

Do not use a hyphen in compound constructions containing an adverb ending in “ly,” a comparative or a superlative: federally funded scholarship, lowest common denominator .

Adverbs or combined adjective elements used after the word modified need no hyphenation: Her resume was up to date, but he submitted an up-to-date resume .

When to use a hyphen and a dash:

Hyphenate words, social security numbers and telephone numbers

Use an en dash (–) to connect continuing numbers, dates, time or reference numbers: May–June, 2004; 10 a .m .–5 p .m .

Use an em dash (—) to indicate a break in thought or when the speech of one is interrupted by another .

Use of exclamation points can be distracting and is, for the most part, unnecessary in professional writing .


Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a tool used to increase a web page’s likelihood of appearing in a web search . When writing keywords with SEO in mind, you are essentially trying to predict what others might plug into a search engine to find an article .

Keywords

When writing an article for Metropolitan State’s website, always use the following keywords:


Metropolitan State

Include appropriate keywords* relating to the author(s), participant(s), location(s), etc .

*Keywords will vary depending on the content of each specific article .

Descriptive Summary

A descriptive summary for articles is what a reader uses to determine whether or not to visit a web page . Summaries appear on web searches under article titles and should provide a brief description (usually 2-3 sentences) of the article .

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

Browser Bar Title: Re-enter the page title (headline) .

Meta Description: Re-enter the short/two-line description

Keywords: Enter words from the event that could be picked-up in an Internet browser “search” . Always include Metropolitan State University and Metropolitan State .

Search Engine Optimization and Descriptive Summary


Minnesota State Co-branding

As a member of Minnesota State, Metropolitan State University is required to adhere to Minnesota State co-branding standards for many of our communications . Publications, advertising and marketing materials, our website, external entrance and monument signage, stationary, diplomas, and merchandise are all impacted by co-branding requirements .

For most of our major communications, such as signage, publications, marketing, and the web, this consideration will affect only those communicators who are in the Marketing and Communications Department itself . As each member of the community is a brand steward, however, it is important to be aware of what is required or encouraged in the co-branding relationship with Minnesota State .

In most publications instances, it is easiest to signal system affiliation by including the Minnesota State logo and a school-specific identifier:

In other instances, it is sufficient to use a text-only identifier, in conjunction with the Metropolitan State logo:

Co-branding

Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Co-branding 7.1

Documents

Logo and Brand Identity Standards...S:\Metro\Logos and Brand Info Metropolitan State University • Logo and Identity Standards • August 2019 Introduction iv Logo basics • The