Student Organization Design Policy
Effective August 2026 | Issued by the Office of Communications
This policy applies to Dartmouth-recognized student organizations, which may use the Dartmouth name as part of the privileges of recognition. This guide covers one-time student designs that are created for a single annual event, valid for up to one year. For designs that are intended for recurring use (for example, year after year or across multiple classes), contact the Office of Communications. All Dartmouth visual identity elements are copyright of the Trustees of Dartmouth College.
Student Design Requirements
These requirements apply to every design produced by a Dartmouth-recognized organization, whether or not it incorporates official brand marks.
- All merchandise must be ordered through a Dartmouth-approved vendor.
- Do not create content that promotes drugs, alcohol, or drinking culture; do not include profane, explicit, or graphically violent imagery.
- Any AI-generated art must be original—not sourced from public forums—and credited to its creator.
- If you are incorporating elements of the Dartmouth brand, follow the Dartmouth brand guidelines.
- Use current brand marks as designed. Do not use old or retired brand marks.
- Do not imitate official Dartmouth department, unit, or school logo formats—that includes using the shield shape in logos, which are reserved for Dartmouth schools.
- Do not create unapproved logos that combine official Dartmouth marks with other elements without prior approval from the Office of Communications.
- If the Dartmouth motto (Vox Clamantis in Deserto) is used, it must appear in full, not shortened or altered.
Student Design Suggestions — Encouraged, Not Required
Incorporating Dartmouth brand elements strengthens the visual connection to Dartmouth. Use as many as feel right for your design.
- Use Dartmouth Green (HEX #00693E / PMS 349) somewhere in the design— it's the most recognizable element of the brand. Consider using additional colors from the approved Dartmouth palette.
- Incorporate the Dartmouth Ruzicka font (headlines/display) and/or National 2 font (body copy/supporting text). Note: a Dartmouth email is required to access the font files.
- Include an illustrated Dartmouth landmark, such as Baker Tower, Dartmouth Hall, the Green, Collis, or the Hopkins Center for the Arts.
- Add the Wordmark, D-Pine or Lone Pine brand marks, used correctly and unmodified; don’t use Ruzicka all caps as a replacement for the official wordmark.
Request a Design Review
The Office of Communications can review your design before you place your order. Get in touch as early as possible (at least 2 weeks before your order). Following the design guidelines helps the process move faster.