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MSU Name and Image

RSO Names

  • RSOs should include the word “club” or similar identifier in the naming of the organization. This will identify the club as a student-based organization and not a university department or office. Examples include Club, Society, Association, and/or Chapter.
  • Further, to enhance affiliation with MSU, organizations should include the words “at Michigan State University” along with or as part of their organization’s name. Acceptable alternatives include “at Michigan State” or “at MSU”.
    • For example, “Accounting Club at Michigan State University”.
  • RSOs may use the word “Spartans” or “Spartan” in their name, but it must be done in a way that does not construe or imply the university has taken an official position. For example, “Spartan Republican Club” is permissible, but “Spartans for Nixon” would not be permissible.
RSO Logos and Visual Identity
  • Option 1: Use the approved design framework, which includes the Spartan helmet combined with the organization name and specified font.
  • Option 2: Create a unique visual identity that does not incorporate any registered marks of Michigan State University (Spartan helmet, Block “S”, Michigan State University word mark, Sparty).
  • Samples: https://licensing.msu.edu/_assets/documents/rso-identity-guide.pdf

Licensing

The following guidelines have been created to assist RSOs in understanding what is allowed when affiliating with the university. RSOs can affiliate with Michigan State University in the following ways:

  • The RSO identifies as a student-based organization, not to be confused with a university department, program, or initiative.
  • The RSO identity conforms to the guidelines herein and does not infringe on Michigan State University registered marks, athletic brand, or intellectual property.
Ordering Promotional Items

RSOs who are interested in ordering any promotional items with Michigan State trademarks or word marks for the RSO must first complete a licensing authorization form.

  • Any word that refers to Michigan State has been registered as a word mark.
  • For example, MSU, State, Spartans, Michigan State, Michigan State Spartans, Michigan State University, Go Green, Go Green Go White, and Sparty (just to name a few) are all registered word marks and require prior approval.
  • Typical trademarks include Sparty images, the Spartan Helmet, the Block S, and the University Seal.
  • Please note: All the vintage logos are part of the College Vault program and are only available for use at the retail level.
  • In addition, use of the Spartan Bold font (the font used on varsity uniforms) will not be approved for RSOs.
  • The licensing authorization form can be found on the Licensing Office website. University Licensing Programs typically responds to all licensing authorization requests within 1-2 business days. Be sure to plan for any possible issues with the RSO order (2 weeks before the items are needed would be wise). All orders must be supplied by a licensee of Michigan State University.
  • The licensee lists are also available on the website. Once the licensing authorization approval has been received by the RSO from Licensing, the RSO may proceed with the order.

RSOH