Campus Department and Student Organization Licensing

Bowling Green State University campus departments and student organizations play an important role in representing the University. To ensure consistency and compliance, all departments and student organizations must follow established licensing, procedures, and guidelines when ordering or producing branded materials.

This process helps to protect the BGSU brand while allowing departments and student organizations to create items that represent their groups and the University.

When licensing applies

Campus departments and student organizations must follow proper licensing procedures when creating or ordering items that include:

• BGSU logos, wordmarks or athletic marks
• The University name or abbreviations (such as “BGSU”)
• Designs that imply affiliation with the University
• Branded merchandise or promotional items

This applies to all items, regardless of intended use or quantity.

Ordering branded items

All branded items must be produced through a licensed vendor approved by the University.

All campus departments and student organizations should:

• Select a vendor from the approved licensed vendor list.
• Submit all designs for review and approval prior to production.
• Ensure all artwork follows University brand standards.

Licensed vendors are familiar with BGSU requirements and will help guide you through the licensing and ordering processes.

Internal use vs. sales

Departments and student organizations must clearly identify the intended use of their items:

Internal use (non-sale)

This is defined as items that are distributed free of charge to staff, students, event participants or members of the student organization (T-shirts, pens, bracelets, etc.)

These items may qualify for royalty exemptions.

Fundraising or sales

This is defined as any item(s) that is sold or used for fundraising purposes.

These items are subject to standard licensing and royalty requirements.

Approval process

All designs using BGSU trademarks, logos or verbiage must be reviewed and approved prior to production. Vendors are required to submit all artwork via BrandManager 360 or Community Connect.

The approval process ensures:

• Proper and accurate use of University marks
• Compliance with licensing and brand standards
• Alignment with existing agreements and restrictions

Allow for adequate time for review prior to placing orders.

Use restrictions

• All student organization names should be clearly included on all designs.
• Official BGSU logos may not be altered or modified in any way.
• Designs must not misrepresent affiliation or sponsorship.
• Use of athletics marks may have additional restrictions.

Mistakes to avoid

• Ordering from non-licensed vendors
• Producing or selling items without prior approval
• Altering or modifying official logos
• Creating designs that do not clearly identify BGSU or connect to your organization
• Using references to alcohol, drugs or other controlled substances in designs
• Using language or imagery that promotes irresponsible or illegal behavior 
• Using offensive, discriminatory or inappropriate contact in designs

Avoiding these issues helps prevent delays, additional costs or denied requests. All designs are subject to review. Any submission containing restricted content will not be approved.