Hobart and William Smith Colleges

Brand Standards

Hobart and William Smith’s brand is built to communicate our values. From the words we use to tell our story to specific color codes for our logo, every decision has been made intentionally and informed by our collaborative community. Consistent use of our identity not only increases brand awareness, it also reinforces who we are: a community working toward the same goal. Please refer to the standards documents below for specifics on messaging, logos, color and typography. Contact the Office of Marketing and Communications with questions.

Resources

Email Signature
PowerPoint Templates

Logos and Licensing

Hobart and William Smith Colleges’ identity is officially licensed. The Office of Marketing and Communications manages the proper use of our name, logo and marks to protect the integrity of our identity, brand and reputation. All members of our community, including employees, students and alums as well as outside vendors must work with our division to create branded merchandise with any HWS marks, name or lock-ups. Contact Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Zack Koons for assistance.

current licensees

Departments, organizations and external vendors must only use an approved current licensee to produce their apparel/merchandise. 

become a licensee

Hobart and William Smith's licensing administration partner is Nexus Licensing Group. Begin the application process to become an official licensee. 

For vendors with questions about the process, please contact Zack Koons.

royalty-bearing items

All items produced for retail sale, whether in part or whole, are subject to our current royalty rate. 

Items produced for internal use, including by student groups, are generally royalty-free. However, there are circumstances in which the royalty fee is applied. Orders placed by any school entity, including student groups, that will be sold at cost or for a profit are considered royalty-bearing. 

single-order licenses

Even though branded consumable products require use of a Hobart and William Smith licensed vendor, there are instances when the product is so uncommon and/or infrequently purchased that a licensed vendor is not available. In these rare cases, a single-order approval will be issued. Please contact Zack Koons for approval. 

crafters license

This license is for those interested in selling handmade merchandise that includes Hobart and William Smith's name, image, or likeness. These goods may be sold either online, in a shop or space that is owned by the creator, or in temporary spaces such as craft shows and fairs. For products sold in these venues as well as in additional retail spaces, a full license is required. 

This license includes a flat fee and has to be renewed annually (July 1-June 30). Products and designs are subject to approval and must abide by the Colleges' brand guidelines. Please contact Zack Koons for information on how to apply for this license.