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Marketing & Branding

Every time UNCW communicates — through a website, publication, event, social post, T-shirt, sign or promotional item — we have an opportunity to strengthen recognition of the university. 

That works best when the university’s brand shows up consistently. 

UNCW’s brand provides a shared identity for our entire university while leaving plenty of room for schools, colleges, departments, programs and initiatives to tell their own stories creatively. By consistently using our official logos, colors, typography and other brand elements, we make every communication work harder to support each area and UNCW as a whole. 

One university. One recognizable brand. Thousands of stories to tell. 

Why Brand Consistency Matters

UNCW is already a familiar name in Wilmington, but we’re aiming to soar higher. A strong, consistent brand — logos, colors, tone of voice and more — helps us stand out not just in North Carolina, but across the country and around the world. 

Here’s how we’re making that happen: 

We are keeping it simple and strong. The official UNCW house logo is our primary mark for all academic, business and professional use (outside Athletics). The Seahawk logo is reserved primarily for Athletics but may be used selectively for student-facing materials with Athletics approval.
Using UNCW's official colors, logos and brand standards helps students, faculty and staff, alumni, donors, sports fans and the public immediately recognize the university — whether they encounter UNCW on a website, billboard, brochure, T-shirt or social post. 
A recent branding survey of internal and external audiences identified inconsistent awareness of the university and its mission as a challenge for UNCW, especially outside the Wilmington area. Secondary logos can muddy the waters. They can make it unclear how different units connect to the university — or worse, weaken the overall brand. By sticking to our approved brand elements, we’re making sure UNCW always looks and feels like UNCW. The Office of University Relations, in partnership with UNCW Licensing and Trademarks, maintains guidelines for consistent color and logo use across communications, merchandise and other applications.

UNCW launched the “Where You Will” campaign to inspire students, alumni, faculty, staff, and the broader community by celebrating where a UNCW education can take you and where your journey may lead next. Learn more about the campaign and how to implement it. 

Ready to Dive In?

Check out our brand guidelines. They’ve got everything you need to represent UNCW with confidence and clarity. 

Explore the Brand Identity Guide
student walks as the sun cast shadows between Loggerhead and Terrapin Halls near the Seahawk Quad

"Where You Will" Campaign

Explore your central source for everything you need throughout the campaign, from brand guidelines and website standards to print and digital templates and more.

Discover the Campaign

Frequently Asked Questions: Logo & Brand Guidelines

Consistent logo and color usage ensures instant brand recognition, builds trust and credibility, and allows for creative expression while making sure the UNCW brand stands out wherever the university is represented. 

Our official institutional logo is known as the "house" logo and serves as the primary visual representation of our entire university. It's the most recognizable symbol of our institution. OUR can provide your unit’s official logo in PMS 7714 teal, black and/or white — just submit an OUR project request. With hundreds of units across campus, please allow 5 -10 business days for updates.

The Seahawk athletics logo is the official insignia of UNCW athletic teams. Review the Athletics logo webpage for more information.

A UNCW logo uses the house symbol with the university name and may contain the college, school, department or office name. 

 

Official, approved logo files are available from the Office of University Relations. Please submit an OUR project request. 

A secondary logo is a separate graphic or mark created to identify a UNCW unit, program, service or initiative outside the university’s approved logo system. Secondary logos are not part of UNCW’s current brand standards and should no longer be used. Select partnership logos may be approved by OUR. 

In select circumstances, yes. Logos may be appropriate for formal collaborations, affiliated organizations or initiatives involving external partners. These are considered exceptions to UNCW’s standard use of institutional logos and require review and approval by the Office of University Relations. Contact our@uncw.edu early in the planning process for guidance.   

Yes. The graphic components within existing secondary logos may be effective as graphic art elements. Have questions about what we mean? Contact our@uncw.edu. 

UNCW’s teal has precise color values to ensure consistency across all applications. 

  • PMS (Pantone):  7714 
  • CMYK: C=100, M=35, Y=46, K=10 
  • RGB:  R=0, G=117, B=128 
  • HEX: #007680 

Yes. By using UNCW’s teal, student organizations can help the university elevate the university’s brand among its most important audience. 

No, but student organizations are expected to follow the university’s branding guidelines. 

Official unit T-shirts should feature the unit’s approved house logo prominently. Additional graphic elements, designs and/or artwork may also be included on the shirt, but the UNCW brand must stand out. 

Badges are not logos, but graphics, and they may include the house logo. They are for graphic use only, as a design element on materials. Promotional products and stickers may include graphics, typography, symbols, etc. and may use an official unit logo printed on them, pending approval. 

Yes. Programs funded by grants are considered university programs and must always be clearly identified with UNCW, by using either the university’s name or its logo. Any specific program logos for grant-funded initiatives must be approved by the Art Director in the Office of University Relations to ensure alignment with university brand standards.

Units should now use materials that meet UNCW’s current brand standards. Previously purchased supplies featuring former colors, secondary logos or other outdated brand elements should have been depleted during the transition period. Please replace remaining materials with current, brand-aligned versions. 

Secondary logos reviewed and approved by OUR since July 1, 2025, may remain in use as determined on a case-by-case basis. Please remember that exceptions may be periodically reviewed and adjusted as university needs and standards evolve. Generally, new secondary logos or marks will not be approved. In rare cases involving affiliated entities, formal partnerships or unique institutional needs, the university may determine that a separate identity is appropriate. Contact OUR before developing any new graphic element, mark, etc. 

Be creative! Brand consistency doesn’t mean everything has to look the same. Great storytelling, photography, illustration, messaging and design can give your communications plenty of personality while still looking and feeling like UNCW. OUR is happy to help you find the right mix for your audience. 

“Where You Will” brings the UNCW brand to life by celebrating possibilities and inspiring our community to soar higher. Built around academic excellence, innovation and opportunity, the campaign gives us a shared way to tell our stories while showcasing the people, places and experiences that make UNCW distinctive. Visit the campaign website to learn more. 

Still Have Questions?

We’re here to help. Reach out to the Office of University Relations.
our@uncw.edu