The George Mason University Logo
The George Mason University mark is a visual representation of how we see the university now and into the future. The interlocking GM monogram reflects George Mason’s evolution into a bold, modern university while staying grounded in its history. It retains the university's signature green and gold, now expressed in stronger, more confident tones that signal clarity and momentum. The interwoven forms represent a university with multiple entry points and pathways for student success, coming together in a community that is learning and thriving together.
Brand Identity System
The goal of the George Mason University logo architecture is to create clarity and improve consistency through a simplified brand identity system across the entire institution. A strong identity system will build recognition of George Mason’s reach, scale, and impact so that external communities will more readily understand our story, our mission, and our influence.
Using university logos consistently is critical to keeping our brand strong and encouraging recognition.
George Mason University Policy 1130 requires university departments, colleges, organizations, and others to use the trademarks of the university in accordance with these guidelines.
Logo Types
George Mason University’s logo architecture is designed to bring clarity and cohesion across a diverse and complex institution.
University Logo
The primary logo is the university’s main and most recognizable brand mark. It represents George Mason across the majority of communications and serves as the foundation of our visual identity. Its design tells the story of a university with multiple entry points and pathways to student success: streamlined and purposeful, without needless frills, and rooted in a diverse learning community whose members coexist in harmony.
Use of the George Mason Athletics logo is limited to George Mason Athletics, approved vendors, and George Mason Athletics teams. Contact George Mason Athletics for the athletics logo art files.
Secondary Logos
Secondary entities like departments, academic units, and university-owned centers and institutes use unit logos built on a consistent, shared structure.
- Academic units, administrative and university services, campus locations, and George Mason-owned centers and institutes are eligible for unit logos. Not all units need a unit logo. Using a unit logo is a strategic choice made in partnership with the unit.
- Unit logos are for use on internal and external communications.
- Wherever possible, do not place multiple unit logos on one piece. Instead, use the primary George Mason logo.
- Units may not make their own unit logos. All logos must originate from the Office of University Branding.
Tertiary Logos and Marks
Tertiary entities follow logo guidelines based on their relationship to George Mason, allowing flexibility while maintaining a unified brand presence across all collaborations. Extension, affiliate, and partnership logos are created by units in partnership with the Office of University Branding.
Please email GMUbrand@gmu.edu for more information.
Extension Mark
Extensions are strategic initiatives created by the university that build or maintain relationships through events, programs, special interests, place-making, or long-term efforts.
- To maintain the integrity of the brand, any extension mark graphics created must be done in partnership with the Office of University Branding.
- Extension marks are not logos, and they are not a replacement for the George Mason University logo. Materials carrying an extension mark must also include the George Mason University logo.
- Materials carrying an extension mark must still follow the George Mason visual brand guidelines, including fonts, colors, photography, and graphics.
Affiliate Logo
Affiliates are entities that are closely connected to George Mason where the university provides significant influence but not full operational control.
- Affiliates may not use any George Mason logos as their logo, and affiliate logos may not include parts of George Mason University logos or trademarks in their design,
- Affiliate logos may include “at George Mason University ®”. This is the only approved use of George Mason’s name/trademark in affiliate logos.
Partnership Logo
A partnership is a mutually beneficial collaboration between George Mason and external entities that combines resources, credibility, and audiences to achieve a shared strategic goal.
- Use approved logos only, at equal size and separated by a thin rule and minimum clear space.
- Do not alter, combine, or recreate logos, or allow one logo to overpower the other.
- Avoid busy backgrounds and low-quality or pixelated images.
- Whenever possible, use full-color logos on white backgrounds.
Registered Student Organizations, Department-Led Student Organizations, and Club Sports Logos
- Registered student organizations (RSOs) may not use the George Mason logo or parts of George Mason University logos or trademarks in their logos. RSO logos should include “at George Mason University ®” in their design.
- Department-led student organizations use their sponsoring department's unit logo and must follow all the same brand rules as other extensions of the university. Department-led organizations are eligible for extension marks.
Club sports teams utilize the George Mason Athletics team template and must follow the university's brand guidelines. The club sport name must include the word “club” to distinguish between intercollegiate and club programs.
Registered student organizations should contact the Office of Student Involvement, department-led groups should contact their sponsor department, and club sports should contact Mason Recreation for more information about approved logos.
Logo Usage
Any materials created for or on behalf of the university should include the university logo and follow the brand guidelines. This applies to all units, including schools, colleges, departments, centers, and institutes, and covers all print and digital materials such as merchandise, websites, social media, presentations, video, and advertising. All George Mason logos are created centrally through the Office of University Branding or by George Mason Athletics. Contact GMUbrand@gmu.edu for logo support.
Placement
The logo should always be placed with care so it remains visible, legible, and unmistakably George Mason. Follow these placement guidelines to preserve the integrity, clarity, and impact of the brand.
- Maintain a clear space around the logo equal to the width of the line that forms the interlocking GM as shown above. Text and other logos must not encroach upon this minimum distance.
- Do not rotate or crop the logo.
- The GM monogram on its own is not a replacement for the George Mason primary logo.
Modifying the Logo
Use logo files as provided. No other color, pattern, special effect, or graphic treatment of the logo is permitted.
- Do not reconfigure or recreate logos.
- Do not resize any individual elements of the logo.
- Do not change the color of the logo or its elements.
- Do not change the font used in the logo.
- Do not add drop shadows, emboss, or otherwise visually alter the logo.
- Do not stretch or distort the proportions of the logo when scaling the logo.
- Do not use the logo in headlines or copy.
- Do not create your own logo using George Mason’s logo or elements from George Mason’s logo.
Logo Colors
University logos may only appear in the colors provided; do not change the color of the logos. If the logo is placed over a photo or solid area of color, be sure to choose the logo color that provides the best contrast. Below are the allowed color combinations for George Mason logos.
Full Color Logo
The full color logo is the university's primary logo. Use this version of the university logo whenever possible. The full color logo has George Mason Green (green) on the outer stripe of the GM, George Mason Gold (gold) on the inner stripe, and the wordmark is set in logo black.
Reversed Full Color Logo
Use the reverse version of the logo on dark backgrounds. The reversed logo has gold on the outside stripe and green on the inside of the GM monogram (the reverse of the full color logo) and the wordmark set in white.
Choosing the Correct Logo Color
The university logo is one of our most important and recognizable brand elements. Always choose the logo color that provides clear contrast against the background. Avoid placing dark logos on dark colors or light logos on light colors, as low contrast makes the logo harder to read and weakens the overall brand impression.
Use the full color logo on light backgrounds, such as white or light gray, to ensure strong contrast and clear legibility. It may also be placed over photography or imagery with light, uncluttered areas that allow the logo to remain crisp and readable.
Use the inverse logo on dark backgrounds to maintain strong contrast and clear legibility. It may also be placed over photography or imagery when the logo sits on a dark, low-contrast area that allows it to remain highly visible and easy to read.
Do not use the full color university logo on dark backgrounds. Do not use the reverse full-color version of the logo on light backgrounds.
Logo Color Variations
Use these logo variations when restricted on the number of colors available on a project, such as when printing on promotional items. For digital projects and when colors are not restricted, use the full color logo.
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Two-Color Logo Variations
In these variations of the logo, the monograms are the same as in the full color logo. However, in the two-color variations, the wordmarks are set to green instead of logo black. Use the two-color logo only when print color options are limited, such as on stationery or promotional items. It should be used only when the full-color logo is not practical and should not be used on digital or full-color print projects. This may be used on light gray and white backgrounds only.
Download George Mason University logo files (login required).
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One-Color Logo Variations
The one-color logo is available in green or gold. Use the green logo on gold backgrounds and gold logo on green backgrounds only, do not use the one-color logos on other background colors (such as white, black, gray, etc.) or over images. This version is for print projects with limited ink options, such as promotional items, and should not be used on digital or full-color print projects.
Download George Mason University logo files (login required).
Other University Marks
George Mason Monogram
Units may use the monogram as their social media profile image only. There is no other approved use of the monogram by units or departments.
- Use the monogram with green on the outside stripe and gold on the inside stripe on white or light backgrounds.
- Use the monogram with the gold on the outside stripe and green on the inside stripe on dark backgrounds.
- Do not use the monogram as a replacement for the George Mason University logo.
- Do not use the monogram as a graphic element or background image.
Download George Mason University logo files (login required).
University Seal
- University seal use is restricted to high-level, university-wide activities and events such as our annual spring and winter Commencements.
- The seal also serves as an endorsement or certification from the university on official documents such as diplomas and certificates of award, merit, or service.
- The seal may be used on materials for special occasions such as high-level donor events, alumni recognition events, or university-wide special events.
Please email GMUbrand@gmu.edu for permission to use the seal. Include a description of the event and intended use.
George Mason Patriot
- Use the Patriot graphic as provided. Do not change, add, or remove elements.
- Do not modify the Patriot graphic with filters or style elements such as outlines, drop shadows, shading, or embossing.
- Maintain a clear space around the Patriot mark and keep free of other logos, text, or graphics.
Use of the mascot graphic is managed by the Office of University Branding. Please email GMUbrand@gmu.edu for permission to use this mark.
Retired Logos
These legacy marks are no longer in circulation. If you have questions about these marks, please contact the Office of University Branding at GMUbrand@gmu.edu.
