James Madison University
Photo of red rooftops on front campus.
Identity Home

Policy

Editorial Standards

Graphic Standards

Photography

Web Standards

Downloads

Introducing the JMU Identity System

To quote university marketing expert Bob Sevier, "The basic strategy is this: one university, one look."

 

Achieving that goal is what this guide to the JMU Identity System is all about. Why? There are several reasons. First, it is confusing to our students, alumni and anyone else who cares about James Madison University to have more than one look. Second, units on campus become separated by their dissimilar identities. And third, we squander possible economies of scale. Money is so precious on this campus, why would we want to slowly fritter it away on various identities heading off into every direction?

 

The JMU Identity System was created so that the JMU identity is singular yet flexible enough to suit everyone on campus. It's just like Sevier says, "When I watch the Chicago Cubs play baseball, I am aware that every player (even the coaches) is wearing the same uniform. I am also aware that each player has his own name on the back of his jersey. This bit of individuality is important, but it is carefully managed within the larger identity established by the Cubs ... Individuals working together, but one team."

 

That's the only way the university will reach its goal of attaining national recognition. And that's why JMU Policy 1502 requires anyone developing or preparing communications for JMU to do so in compliance with the JMU Identity System.

 

James Madison University
   PUBLISHER: University Communications and Marketing, MSC 5718, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 - PHONE: (540) 568-3913 - FAX: (540) 568-7913
   FOR INFORMATION CONTACT: Carolyn Windmiller - Privacy Statement
   Last Modified: 7/28/2005