The Spartan helmet and other official MSU trademarks are a distinctive visual shorthand for the name “Michigan State University.” When used in a way that represents the university, our marks are treated like logos and should align with the standards for their use as marks.

Download MSU logos, marks, graphic elements, color palette and templates here. Access to these files is limited to faculty and staff of Michigan State University. Student employees requiring asset files for their work should ask their supervisor to download the necessary files.

The Spartan helmet is a simple, strong and iconic mark that symbolizes Michigan State University. MSU students, faculty, staff and alumni around the world refer to themselves as Spartans. All MSU administrative and academic units may use the Spartan helmet.

The official seal of Michigan State University represents the university’s founding in 1855 as the nation’s premier land-grant university and its legacy of democratizing higher education. College Hall — Michigan State University’s first academic building — is at the center of the seal.

The MSU brand speaks to the uncommon will Spartans have to make a meaningful difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. It celebrates our excellence, aspirations and commitment to make a better tomorrow for our students, for Michigan and for the world.

All university stationery (except for Intercollegiate Athletics) must display the Michigan State University wordmark and university seal as specified. No additional visual marks may be used. To order printed stationery and more, visit MSU’s print procurement site .

To provide immediate brand recognition and to connect university units with the Michigan State brand, print and online publications and websites for all MSU units should reflect consistent graphic identity standards.

Our visual expression makes the MSU brand more memorable and meaningful. A consistent visual identity creates a distinctive look that becomes recognizable and credible when repeated in communications over time. MSU’s visual identity focuses on four key areas: Typography; Color; Graphic elements; Photographic style

Graphic elements bring impact and consistency to design and photographic style in MSU communications. Distinctive visual elements are available to help units express their identity as a part of MSU. Campaign Messaging and Type Treatment

Place the Michigan State University wordmark (or approved wordmark/helmet combination or unit signatures) on either the front or back cover of all publications and other visual communications developed for MSU external audiences by administrative and academic units.