Frequently asked questions

Our Brand book houses the Monash University brand guidelines and is always the brand source of truth. However, to support the brand book, we have compiled some frequently asked questions to use as a quick reference.

We have compiled some frequently asked questions below, to use as a quick reference. However, always refer to the Brand book for any further guidance or submit a query through our Brand requests form.

When does the Monash University brand apply?

When communications represent Monash University owned content, programs and communications.
When we talk to both our internal and external audiences.
When the entity or program is Monash funded (this includes majority funded). Fund sources may include, but not limited to, grants, philanthropy and government funding.
If the entity or program is run by Monash staff. That means salaries are paid by Monash and/or have Monash email addresses.
If the entity or program adheres to Monash data and governance policies.

Brand elements

No. The typographic treatment never appears on its own. It must always appear with the logo. The typographic treatment is not a logo and does not take the place of the Monash University logo. See the typographic treatment page for more.
No, the crest is never to be used on its own. The logo is made up of two parts i.e. the crest and the wordmark. The two parts are never to be separated.
As one of our key brand identifiers and a core brand element, the M device is to appear on most assets. There is now a lot more flexibility in how it can be applied which makes it easier to apply. The only exception to this is for organic Social Media on our own channels where it ‘may’ be used. Note: for video, the M device is part of the outro so while you are welcome to add M’s within the video itself, the outro is considered enough.
As our leading and most recognisable brand element, the Monash University logo is to appear on all assets except on our own organic Social media channels. Also with motion graphics, the logo is embedded within the outro which is to appear at the end of ALL motion graphics, so no need to add again. Ideally the logo should be placed top left, however we do understand that need for flexibility around its position.
Areas of the University are responsible for purchasing the font themselves. We must ensure that as a University, we adhere to licensing requirements. We can be subject to fines if there is misuse. Fonts should not be shared or distributed without checking your area’s license agreement.
They will need to connect with their Monash University contact person and ask that they request the logo on their behalf. The Monash staff member can then confirm the relationship with the partner and verify a formal agreement is in place within their reply.
No. Strict templates are in place for Monash University stationery. We encourage people to connect with others using the QR code as part of the LinkedIn functions.

External partners

Only if contracts/agreements are signed and completed. If not, our logo is not to appear. Monash’s Office of General Council (OGC) would have visibility of such contracts and branding would be part of that contract. We ask that where possible the relationship between the partner or sponsor is identified.
A Monash staff member should submit a logo request via Brand requests form on behalf of the partner/sponsor and provide a full rationale as to who, how, why our logo is to be used, and to confirm the agreement is in place.
Yes. If Monash is the lead we apply Monash University branding e.g. logo, M device, font, tone of voice, colours etc. The Monash logo is to appear on its own and again with other partners. The Monash logo is applied first, ahead of the partners. An accompanying relationship line is also applied. Multiple business partners' information can be found here.
Yes, but there must be a signed partnership/sponsorship agreement in place which identifies the University's role in the event. If not, the logo is not to appear. A Monash staff member should make the request on behalf of the sponsor/partner and provide a full rationale as to who, how, why the Monash logo is to be used, and to confirm the agreement is in place. Our logo would appear on their branded asset as they would be the lead partner.
A case study request requires full endorsement from the most senior staff from the portfolio/division/faculty putting forward the request. All assets, or otherwise, must be signed off by them. Also required, is their approval of any case study content that promotes the University's endorsement of the company/business/product.
Once the case study has been signed off by the relevant senior staff member(s), the request then goes to University Marketing Admissions and Communications (UMAC) for review at which point the stakeholder must also advise that they have acquired the endorsement from the senior staff member.
Any assets featuring our branding and/or logo will then be required to go through a brand review (submit via the Brand requests form), and a reputational scan will need to be conducted by our external partner. Contact umac-communications@monash.edu for assistance.
Following the completion of these processes, UMAC can grant final approval (assuming the case study is cleared of all potential risks).

Current student brand queries

No, students are not to apply the Monash University brand.
No. Student clubs are welcome to create their own logos, but they should not contain elements of the Monash brand.
Only with their supervisor's approval. By approving, the supervisor has endorsed and approved the research, confirmed that it was conducted by Monash University, and the supervisor guarantees there is no risk to Monash’s reputation. PhD students must ask their supervisor to submit a request via the Brand requests form.

Other

Monash University does not endorse products and/or services that have been purchased. For more information visit the Brand approvals page in the Brand book.
No. The ARC program has its own branding. The Monash University logo can be applied when highlighting the partners within the ARC program.
No. All Monash University videos move straight into the video content. Context for the video should be provided in the copy of the social post, email, website, or event where the video is displayed.
A frame can be added towards the end, but before the outro which can house urls, partner logos etc. All Monash videos close with our video outro.
Monash University maintains a firm stance on protecting its reputation and upholding brand integrity. We encourage academic excellence and collaboration but emphasise the importance of adhering to brand guidelines to prevent any misrepresentation or dilution of the brand. We support academics in showcasing their expertise and affiliations with Monash University through authorised channels while ensuring transparency and accuracy in all communications.
- Permission requirement: Academics and affiliated individuals must seek permission for the use of the Monash name and logo for events and any promotional materials related to the event. This ensures that the brand is represented accurately and consistently across all platforms.
- Authorised events and collaborations: Academics should seek permission to use the Monash name and logo when organising events or collaborations officially endorsed or supported by the University. For example, a research symposium co-hosted by Monash University and another institution would warrant the use of the Monash logo.
- Implied endorsement: Unauthorised use of the Monash logo may imply endorsement or affiliation, potentially misleading the audience. To avoid any misinterpretation, it is essential to obtain permission and adhere to brand guidelines meticulously.
- Expert participation: Participation in conferences and communications as Monash experts. In such cases, it is crucial to highlight their affiliation with Monash University without implying institutional endorsement of the event itself or providing Monash logo usage.
For permissions to use the Monash brand and logo, please submit a query to the Brand requests form.
Clinical Registries have their own logo, however branding of communications follows the Monash University guidelines. Registries can use their logo, but they must appear in a supporting role. The Monash University logo and the Registry logo are not locked-up together.

Always refer to the Brand book for further guidance or if you still require more information submit a query through our Brand requests form.