PPC Brand Guide

Messaging

MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (NUPPC) links policy with research, process, and practice.

DISCLAIMER

NUPPC branding is built on the foundation of the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which have separate but aligned identities.

ABOUT US a. General

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center is a university-wide, multidisciplinary research and outreach unit committed to addressing complex issues by linking academic research, stakeholder perspectives, and practical experience through innovative and creative solutions. Our mission is to link policy with research, process, and practice. We team with researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to actively inform public policy.

b. University Administration

Our key message for university administration is that we are a valuable asset with staff who are constantly and consistently working towards the University’s mission of teaching, research, and service. As a land-grant institution, integration of multiple disciplines and serving our community is always at the forefront, and the NUPPC is routinely involved in projects that accomplish this goal.

c. Project Partners and Colleagues

Our key message for project partners and colleagues is that we are a group of skilled experts in a variety of research areas that offer a multitude of services. We will use innovative methods to deliver a final product that is credible and useful.

ACRONYMS

a. NUPPC – is the preferred acronym as it ties us to the University of Nebraska and its use of “NU.” This acronym is particularly preferred when others are less familiar with the center, such as in largescale reports, grant applications, co-authored publications with external organizations. UNPPC and UNL PPC should not be used.

b. PPC – may be used as a shorter alternative, particularly when our affiliation with the University of Nebraska is already recognized. It may be used when writing more limited-use reports and in less formal writing, in lieu of “the Center.”

Messaging

VOICE

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center is a university-wide, multidisciplinary research and outreach unit that collaborates with statewide, national, and international partners. NUPPC has a diverse audience that includes academics, community stakeholders, local/national organizations, and community members. Our voice should reflect our role as a trustworthy and reliable source of information, while having a positive impact and improving lives.

a. Professional b. Trustworthy c. Impactful TONE

The tone may vary based on the target audience—students, staff, partners, policymakers, and the general public. a. Informative b. Objective c. Collaborative d. Positive e. Purposeful f. Inclusive

Diversity & Inclusion

MISSION STATEMENT

The University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (NUPPC) is committed to inclusive excellence and diversity. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are values that strengthen the NUPPC culture, research efforts, and community engagement.

Our mission is to increase our capacity toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusivity throughout NUPPC’s research, engagement, and culture.

DISCLAIMER

NUPPC branding is built on the foundation of the University of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which have separate but aligned identities.

LANGUAGE

a. General

Monitor all materials for language that could be perceived as biased, especially language that may stereotype, degrade, or exclude people based on individual characteristics (i.e., gender, ethnicity, religion, etc.).

b. Gender Identity

Honor individual preference for pronouns. Individuals may indicate preferred pronouns on email signatures, name tags, business cards, website bios, etc.

Otherwise, use gender neutral pronouns when possible such as "they," "them," "people," "persons," "individuals," etc. for plural pronouns. If a singular pronoun is needed then use "s/he" to be more inclusive.

c. APA Guidelines

Academic reports, publications, etc. closely follow these guidelines: https://www.apa.org/about/apa/ equity-diversity-inclusion/

IMAGERY

Imagery used in marketing materials such as photography, videos, and illustrations including people should strive to be inclusive and provide an authentic representation of the target audience. Avoid imagery that could portray people in stereotypical roles.

HOLIDAYS & CELEBRATIONS

a. General

NUPPC may honor a variety of observances and days celebrated by various cultures and populations in order to promote diversity and inclusion.

b. Messaging

Holiday messages should be inclusive. For example, "holiday" would be used instead of referring specifically to "Christmas" or "Hanukkah."

FILE LOCATIONS

\\ppc-data\Staff\Pictures-Logos\Logos\PPC Logos\PPC Logos_new 2014

\\ppc-data\Staff\Communication and Design\PPC Logos\PPC Logos_new 2014

a. Color

Preferred logo. Best used on white and lighter backgrounds. Do not use on black or red.

VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL

b. Red/White

Use sparingly. Best used on neutral, dark backgrounds. Do not use on white or red.

c. White

Best when used with full color backgrounds with a darker background. Do not use on white or light backgrounds.

Logo (Sizing & Spacing)

a. Minimum Size

The smallest sized font (University of) must be legible.

VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL

40mm 64mm 16.5mm 12mm

b. Minimum Space

Remember to give the logos space to breathe. Use your best judgment.

Logo (Dual)

FILE LOCATIONS

\\ppc-data\Staff\Pictures-Logos\Logos\PPC Logos\PPC UNL Dual Logo

PPC

VERTICAL

HORIZONTAL

Typography

DOWNLOAD FONTS:

\\ppc-data\Staff\Communication and Design\ PPC Fonts

HOW TO INSTALL FONTS:

PC (Windows 10):

• Navigate to the unzipped font folder.

• Left-click on the first font file (TrueType) and Shift+Left-click last font file in the folder.

• Then Right-click the highlighted files and Left-click 'Install' ('Install for All Users' requires Admin permissions)

Mac:

• Navigate to the unzipped font folder.

• Double-click the font file (TrueType), and the Font Book application should automatically open.

• Once the Font Book application opens, Leftclick 'Install Font'.

Titles Subtitles

Oswald

REGULAR

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

MEDIUM

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

SEMIBOLD

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

Captions Body copy Lato

REGULAR

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

ITALIC (REGULAR)

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

BOLD

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

BLACK

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

Typography (Alternative Fonts)

STANDARD FONTS

These are standard Microsoft fonts on most computers, so they should be preloaded.

Titles

Subtitles

Captions

Body copy (Verdana preferred)

Aa Aa

Arial Verdana

Aa

REGULAR

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

ITALIC

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

BOLD

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

REGULAR

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

Calibri

ITALIC

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

BOLD

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

REGULAR

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

ITALIC

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv WwXxYyZz

BOLD

AaBbCcDdEeFfGgHhIiJjKkLl

MmNnOoPpQqRrSsTtUuVv

WwXxYyZz

Typography (Principles)

Example Text

USE PLAIN STYLE TEXT

Text should not be overly stylized (i.e., drop shadow, 3D text, bordered, etc.).

DO NOT DISTORT TEXT

Text should not be stretched, pulled, or skewed in any way to fit space.

Example Text

Example Text

MAINTAIN LEGIBILITY OF TEXT

a. Do not size text below 5 point.

b. Make sure color of text is in high contrast to the background to increase accessibility. Be especially careful when placing text over images.

MAINTAIN STANDARD SPACING & TRACKING

Text should be at 100% word spacing and 0% letter spacing or tracking.

Colors Main Colors Secondary Colors

Used in any PPC materials

Pantone: 2336C

CMYK: 65.85, 58.73, 57.45, 38.8

RGB: 74, 74, 74

HEX: #4a4a4a

Pantone: 186CP

CMYK: 2, 100, 85, 6

RGB: 208, 0, 0

HEX: #d00000

Pantone: 6C

CMYK: 75, 68, 67, 90

RGB: 0, 0, 0

HEX: #000000

Pantone: 54-16 C

CMYK: 0, 97, 80, 54

RGB: 132, 7, 21 HEX: #8F1416

Pantone: –

CMYK: 6, 4, 5, 0

RGB: 236, 236, 235

HEX: #ececeb

Pantone: –

CMYK: 0, 0, 0, 0

RGB: 255, 255, 255

HEX: #ffffff

Iconography

FILE LOCATION

\\ppc-data\Staff\Communication and Design\PPC Icons

USAGE

Icons should almost always be accompanied by text. When using icons, there should be a meaningful link between them and the ideas expressed in the content.

LOCATION

It is important to keep the location of the icons consistent in relation to headings and design elements.

SOURCES

1. Direct PPC icons

PPC branded icons are located on the Staff drive in the Communication and Design folder.

2. Shape.so, Freepik, and open source websites such as The Noun Project and Use Iconic.

Contact resident graphic designer(s) for more information.

ICON RESTRICTIONS

1. Give ample space around the icon.

Icons should have a minimum of 5mm margin on all sides, to allow space around the icon.

2. Do not distort.

Icons should not be stretched, pulled, or skewed in any way to fit the space.

3. Flat and minimalist style icons should be used and no 3D or overly stylized icons.

ICON EXAMPLES

>5 mm

>5 mm

Reversed

Photography

SOURCES

1. Direct

Photos taken internally by employees (if given permission/release) or by resident graphic designer/ photographer. Note: If taking pictures of people who are clearly identifiable, please make sure to have them sign a photo release form and save it where the photo is saved. (There are two versions of photo release: one for subjects 18 and under and an 18+ version.)

Photo Release: L:\Pictures-Logos\Photos for Reports & Projects\photo-releases

Internal Stock Library: L:\Pictures-Logos\Photos for Reports & Projects

2. University Photos

Photos taken by University of Nebraska or specified free to use/copyright free.

3. Partner Photos

If receiving photos from a project partner, please make sure to get a photo credit for the photos for proper attribution.

4. Stock Photo Sites

Paid: shutterstock.com, istock.com, freepik.com, and more.

Unpaid: unsplash.com, pexels.com

IMAGE RESTRICTIONS

1. Must be high-quality images

All images should have high resolution and images for print should be a minimum of 300 dots per inch (dpi). Avoid using blurry, grainy, or pixelated images.

2.

Do not distort

Photos should not be stretched, pulled, or skewed in any way to fit the space.

3. Avoid busy images

Choose images where there is a clear and central focus.

GUIDELINES

a. Font size

All slides must be readable, even at the back of the room. The content text should not be smaller than 24 point.

b.

Limit bullet points & text

Use the PowerPoint to enhance the presentation, not be the presentation. Avoid trying to fit all of the information from the speaker notes onto the slide. Some of the best PowerPoint slides are useless without the speaker. Slides should only list key terms and essential information.

c. Limit transitions or animations and avoid background images or too many images

Use no more than 1-2 transition effects or animations in a PowerPoint presentation. They can become distracting and detract from the message being presented.

d. Limit use of too many images or icons on slides and avoid busy background images

Use no more than 1-2 images or icons per slide and avoid using busy background images. These can become distracting and detract from the message being presented. Select only key images/icons.

e. Use high-quality graphics

Avoid using distorted, grainy, or pixelated images or graphics. Reference Iconography (pg 10) and Photos (pg 11) for more details.

f.

Use project specific PowerPoints (when available)

When giving a presentation, use PowerPoints specifically designed for the project when available. If there is no option for the project then use the general PPC PowerPoint. In the absence of a template, reach out to the design staff for their input on the design and layout of the slides.

g.

Proofing & Polishing

Be sure to leave time for proofing all slides prior to presenting. This includes checking for grammatical errors, readability/contrast issues, image quality, design/layout issues, and the overall appearance of the slides.

Virtual Meetings

IDEAL ENVIRONMENT FOR VIRTUAL MEETINGS

a. Lighting

Rooms need to be well-lit; if possible, have the light come from the same place as the webcam. Try to avoid standing with a window or external light source directly behind you. If possible, turn to face the light source and minimize sun glare by adjusting the blinds.

b. Camera Placement

Best placement of the camera is at or above eye level, rather than off to the side. Avoid angling the camera upward from below eye level. Make sure your head and torso are centered and in view of the camera at all times.

c. Background

A solid background is optimal for virtual backgrounds (green is best). Test your virtual background to ensure that it will not be too distracting for your audience. If you do not plan to use a virtual background, an uncluttered and professional background is best.

d. Enable Virtual Background

If you need help enabling the virtual background, access instructions at the links below:

1. Zoom: https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503-Virtual-background

Navigate to: Enabling Virtual Background > User (section)

2. Microsoft Teams: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/change-your-background-for-ateams-meeting-f77a2381-443a-499d-825e-509a140f4780

Navigate to: Meetings & Calls, Meetings (tab) > under ‘Participating in a meeting’ header click on Change your video background

Note for Teams: With 2+ participants on MS Teams, corner logos may be cut off for the viewer, so be sure to use a "safe-for-teams" background image for this setting.

Email Signatures

FILE LOCATION

\\ppc-data\Staff\Templates\Email Signature

\\ppc-data\Staff\Communication and Design\Templates

The best method for updating your email signature with the correct format is to open an email you received from the senior design staff member and copy their signature into your template.

Instructions for updating your signature can be found at https://support.microsoft.com/ en-us/office/create-and-add-a-signatureto-messages-8ee5d4f4-68fd-464a-a1c10e1c80bb27f2

PPC EMAIL SIGNATURE

All staff should style their email signatures according to the standards below. Remember that the PPC is a system-wide center, so our email signature does not follow the UNL template. Only those employees appointed jointly with a University of Nebraska-Lincoln entity will use the UNL email template.

a. Employee Name

Arial 11 point, dark grey color (#4a4a4a), full name, credentials

b. Pronouns (optional)

c. Job Title

Arial 10 point, dark grey color (#4a4a4a)

d. Center Name | Website

Arial 10 point, dark grey color (#4a4a4a), use nebraska.edu address. Separate center name and website by a "|" and allow 10pt space after website url and before line containing the phone number

e. Phone Number

Arial 10 point, dark grey color (#4a4a4a), use periods as separators

f. Email

Arial 10 point, red color (#d00000), hyperlink to listed email address

g. PPC Logo

PPC horizontal logo, hyperlink to ppc.unl.edu website

EXAMPLE SIGNATURE