University Name and Symbols

Scope

Provide guidance on proper identification when referring to the University of Missouri.

Reason for Policy

This policy is designed to be used as a guide of acceptable names which the University can be identified.

Policy Statement

The legal name of the University of Missouri is “The Curators of the University of Missouri”, a public corporation as set forth in section 172.020 RSMo.  This name refers to the board of curators, University of Missouri System, University of Missouri Health Care and all four campuses, which include the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri University of Science and Technology, and the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Various references may be used on each campus and system office.  Each primary bullet specifies the name that should be used on first reference; the secondary bullets specify shortened forms that may be used on subsequent references. (See the University’s Collected Rules and Regulations (CRR 170.060) for full details):

• University of Missouri Board of Curators
  • Board of Curators
  • Board
  • Curators
• University of Missouri System
  • UM System
  • University or system
  • UM or University of Missouri (UM System officials only)
• University of Missouri Health Care
  • MU Health Care
• University of Missouri-Columbia
  • MU
  • Columbia campus
  • University of Missouri
• University of Missouri-Kansas City
  • UMKC
  • Kansas City campus
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Missouri S&T
  • S&T
  • Rolla campus
• University of Missouri-St. Louis
  • UMSL
  • St. Louis campus

Terms that should not be used include the following:

• MU as a reference to the UM System or any of its campuses except the campus in Columbia
• University Wide (UW)
• UMca
• UMC
• Missouri University of Science & Technology (the ampersand is not acceptable in the formal name)
• MS&T
• MST (exception of lowercase mst in web and e-mail addresses or uppercase for computer applications only when space is limited, as indicated above)
• MOST
• M S&T
• MUST

When including campus names in an ordered list, or graphically by logo, the order should always be as MU, UMKC, S&T, UMSL. The campuses are listed alphabetically by city/location name (Columbia, Kansas City, Rolla, St. Louis).

Per the University’s Collected Rules and Regulations, "The University shall not be used for commercial or promotional advertising purposes, nor will the name of the University be identified in any way with the aims, policies, programs, products, or opinions of any organization or its members; but an exception may be made by the President of the University. When an exception is made, the conditions for using the name will be prescribed."

Use of the University of Missouri seal is governed by the UM System, University Relations Office.  University Relations should be contacted for permission to use the seal.

Definitions

Accountabilities

A clear and consistent brand identity – including name and symbols – helps build and maintain our reputation and reinforce the strengths of our institution.

Additional Details

Forms

Related Information

Additional Contacts

Questions regarding brand identity should be directed to the Office of University Relations at umupdates@umsystem.edu or 573-882-2726.

Collected Rules and Regulations on advertising: www.umsystem.edu/ums/rules/collected_rules/information/ch170/170.040_commercial_promotional_use_of_university

History

Formerly Business Policy Manual 101 – University Name and Symbols (revised 10/5/2002).

Procedure

UM Seal Guidelines and History: www.umsystem.edu/ums/sc/styleguide/