The Michigan State University masthead comprises the Spartan helmet graphic and the text “Michigan State University” using the Gotham typeface.
The MSU masthead is designed to enable the Spartan helmet graphic and MSU text to display over the top of any webpage background or image. It addresses the need for immediate recognition of a university website and consistent brand identification.
Masthead Standards and Placement
General Standards
- The MSU masthead is required on every institutional webpage.
- A variation without the Spartan helmet is available.
- The MSU masthead should be 60 pixels tall (measured from top of page down).
- Vertically center the MSU masthead within the 60 pixels and align with the search tool.
- Align the MSU masthead with the left webpage content margin.
- Do not place any additional elements within or above this region.
- Do not fill the top 60 pixels of the webpage with a background color or image that is different from the background used in the website’s design.
- CSS for responsive and legacy (nonresponsive) websites is available in MSU’s GitHub. To use this CSS code, copy and paste it at the end of the website’s main CSS file.
- Exemption: Intercollegiate Athletics
Additional Standards for Mobile
Designing for mobile devices requires special consideration.
Mobile and tablet screen aspect ratio and resolution vary across devices and operating systems. The layout and spacing information in this section provides guidance on placement and presentation of required elements on mobile devices.
- Align with top margin of the web layout.
- Vertically center the MSU masthead and search tool in masthead region.
- Align MSU masthead with left webpage content margin.
- Do not place any additional elements within or above this region.
- Do not fill the area behind the MSU masthead and search tool with a background color or image that is different from the background used in the website’s design.
Use of Masthead
- Use approved, unaltered versions only. (See “Resources and Downloads”)
- Always link to http://msu.edu.
- Do not place more than one on a webpage.
- Do not combine with any other marks, graphic elements or words.
Acceptable Masthead Variations
Masthead for Light-Colored Backgrounds or Images
- Masthead graphic and text color is Spartan green (#18453B).
- When printed, masthead graphic and text color is black (#000000).
Masthead for Dark-Colored Backgrounds or Images
- Masthead graphic and text color is white (#FFFFFF).
- When printed, masthead graphic and text color is black (#000000).
Unacceptable Masthead Variations
- Do not reconfigure or resize the Spartan helmet image.
- Do not alter font weight or bolded text on individual words in the MSU text.
- Do not split the MSU text onto multiple lines.
- Do not underline the MSU text.
- Do not place the MSU masthead on a background (other than over the top of webpage).
- Do not add “drop shadow” effects on the MSU text.
