番茄社区

Brand Review Process

The goal of brand review is to protect and enhance the university's brand and to identify opportunities of potential savings through economies of scale.

All marketing, communication, display, and advertising materials must adhere to the by submitting those materials through formal brand review and approval processes.

Criteria for Brand Approval

鉃�
Brand alignment

Application of the Ole Miss brand in a manner that is consistent with the university

鉃�
High quality

Ensure a high quality of created materials

Who should follow the Brand Review Process?

All University of Mississippi divisions, departments, centers, institutes, schools, colleges or any other programs representing themselves to be a part of or belonging to the University should follow the process.

Exemptions

Exemptions to the Brand Review Process include:

  • Ole Miss Alumni Association
  • Ole Miss Athletics
  • Registered student organizations and entities of the Student Media Center (Newswatch, Rebel Radio, The Daily Mississippian, The Ole Miss Yearbook)*
  • University of Mississippi Medical Center and its divisions
  • Scholarly work of university faculty, including publications (such as academic articles, books, or other writings) or presentations, whether aimed at professional or academic audiences.

*Registered student organizations and entities of the Student Media Center that wish to create apparel, merchandise or promotional material that include official University trademarks are NOT exempt from the and should submit those items via the brand review process outlined below.

What should be submitted for brand review?

  • All print collateral (ex: viewbooks, postcards, invitations, posters, programs)
  • Advertising and media assets for print, radio, television, billboard and out-of-home, and digital/social channels
  • All video marketing assets
  • Physical building signage (ex: banners, advertisements)
  • Other signage (ex: yard signs, banners placed at the entrances of campus)
  • All agency or freelance-sourced marketing and communication assets
  • Other display forms of media and advertising (other than official websites deployed within the university's CMS)
  • Apparel, merchandise and promotional items, including but not limited to all types of clothing, drinkware, equipment, toys, games, collectibles, personal accessories, etc.

The Brand Review Process

You have the flexibility to choose how your work is created. Choose your preferred path below to see the brand review process.

Step 1: Know your budget. Get estimates (if applicable).

If you are planning to design a printed piece and need to work with a vendor to deliver it, you should know your budget. Review the Approved Marketing & Communications Vendors page. If you are planning to initiate a project with the Sign Shop, it’s best to contact them to ensure they can accommodate your project and provide you with an estimate for the creation of the piece, installation, and timeline. Call Production Control at 662-915-7003 with questions. 

Step 2: Create your material

Create your material. Be sure to review our Resources and Downloads page for information about brand trainings, access to digital assets and photos, and more.

Step 3: Submit your material for review

Request brand review.

Step 4: The review

Your material will be reviewed within two (2) business days using the criteria listed on the . Note that University Marketing & Communications reserves the right to extend review of submissions for larger and more complicated projects, if necessary.

Step 5: Notification

Should your material be approved, you will receive formal notification via email from brand@olemiss.edu. Be sure to save this formal notification as it will be required for the Procurement process.

If your material is not approved, a member of our Brand Services or Creative Services team will notify you via email with a list of recommended revisions.

Once revisions are made, you will be required to submit another brand request review form. Please select the “re-submission” option and follow the instructions. Expect another two (2) business days for review.

Step 6: Choose the Appropriate Procurement Path (if you are working with the Sign Shop, proceed to Step 7)

Once you have received brand approval, you may proceed with the appropriate Procurement path outlined below based on anticipated costs:

  • Purchases under $5,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be under $5,000, you may use a University Procurement card. Submit the Brand Approval Form along with your reconciliation documentation to Procurement.
  • Purchases between $5,000-$75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be between $5,000 – $75,000, you must solicit at least one other estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor. Save these estimates as they must be submitted as part of your documentation to Procurement. Create a purchase requisition in SAP. Submit the Brand Approval Form with your requisition and no fewer than two estimates. Procurement will create a purchase order. Note that IT-related purchases (such as website design and development) over $5,000 must also be approved by IT.
  • Purchases above $75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be above $75,000, you are required to issue a formal bid (if for a commodity such as printing) or solicit proposals (if for a service such as photography, videography or digital advertising). Please reach out to University Marketing & Communications for next steps.

Step 7: Work With the Selected Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor or the Sign Shop to Create Your Deliverable (if applicable)

Create a purchase requisition in SAP. Reference the Brand Approval Form and the submission file number in the header of your purchase requisition and no fewer than two estimates. Procurement will create a purchase order. Note the vendor’s official University vendor number. This number will be required for your purchase requisition.

For the Sign Shop: Create a work order in SAP. Include the Brand Approval Form in your work order. Production Control will deliver your request to the Sign Shop.

Step 1: Know your budget

Before you submit the appropriate request form to work with University Marketing & Communications, know your budget that you may allocate to this project. Graphic design, video, and photography requests will incur departmental charges based on hourly estimates or project scope and resource needs.

Step 2: Submit your request

Complete the appropriate request form on the University Marketing & Communications website.

Step 3: Work begins

Upon completion of the appropriate request form and depending on the scope of the project, we'll most likely initiate a conversation with you to learn more about the objective, target audience and in some cases, complete a creative brief with you before the creative work can begin.

Step 4: Approve your material

Once your material has been completed, a member of the University Marketing & Communications team will be in touch to seek your approval. Please share your approval or request revisions of the team member.

Step 5: Your University Marketing & Communications representative will submit your material for review

Once you approve, the brand review request form will be submitted on your behalf.

Step 6: The review

Your material will be reviewed within two (2) business days using the criteria listed on the Brand Review Process page. Note that University Marketing & Communications reserves the right to extend review of submissions for larger and more complicated projects, if necessary.

Step 7: Notification

Once your material has been granted brand approval, you will receive formal notification via email from a University Marketing & Communications representative. Be sure to save this formal notification as it will be required for the Procurement process.

Step 8: If applicable, choose the Appropriate Procurement Path

Should you need the assistance of an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor to print or create your material, determine next steps based on anticipated costs:

  • Purchases under $5,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be under $5,000, you may use a University Procurement card. Submit the Brand Approval Form along with your reconciliation documentation to Procurement.
  • Purchases between $5,000-$75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be between $5,000 – $75,000, you must solicit at least one other estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor. Save these estimates as they must be submitted as part of your documentation to Procurement. Create a purchase requisition in SAP. Submit the Brand Approval Form with your requisition and no fewer than two estimates. Procurement will create a purchase order. Note that IT-related purchases (such as website design and development) over $5,000 must also be approved by IT.
  • Purchases above $75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be above $75,000, you are required to issue a formal bid (if for a commodity such as printing) or solicit proposals (if for a service such as photography, videography or digital advertising). Please reach out to University Marketing & Communications for next steps.

Purchase of all apparel, merchandise or promotional material that includes official University licensed marks .

Step 9: Work With the Selected Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor or the Sign Shop to Create Your Deliverable (if applicable)

Create a purchase requisition in SAP. Reference the Brand Approval Form and the submission file number in the header of your purchase requisition and no fewer than two estimates. Procurement will create a purchase order. Note the vendor’s official University vendor number listed on their entry. This number will be required for your purchase requisition.

For the Sign Shop: Create a work order in SAP. Include the Brand Approval Form in your work order. Production Control will deliver your request to the Sign Shop.

Step 1: Know your budget. Get estimates.

If you plan to outsource the creation of your material to an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor, you should know your budget. For official estimates, contact an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor. Review the Approved Marketing & Communications Vendors page.

Step 2: Choose the Appropriate Procurement Path

Once you have received received estimates, identify an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor based on anticipated costs:

  • Purchases under $5,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be under $5,000, you may proceed to Step 3 and with development of your material.
  • Purchases between $5,000-$75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be between $5,000 – $75,000, you must solicit at least one other estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor. Save these estimates as they must be submitted as part of your documentation to Procurement. Once you have received two estimates, you may proceed to Step 3 and with development of your material. Note that IT-related services (such as digital marketing, website design, and development) over $5,000 must also be approved by IT.
  • Purchases above $75,000: If you have received an estimate from an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor that your purchase will be above $75,000, you are required to issue a formal bid (if for a commodity such as printing) or solicit proposals (if for a service such as photography, videography or digital advertising). Please reach out to University Marketing & Communications for next steps.

Step 3: Work with the Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor to create your material

Work with the vendor to create your material. If you plan to work with an Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor on materials such as apparel, merchandise and promotional items, you are required to . Note that IT-related services (such as digital marketing, website design, and development) over $5,000 must also be approved by IT.

Step 4: Your vendor will submit your material for review

After your approval, your Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor should submit your material for brand review by completing this form in its entirety and uploading the file for review.

Step 5: The review

Your material will be reviewed within two (2) business days using the criteria listed on the Brand Review Process page. Note that University Marketing & Communications reserves the right to extend review of submissions for larger and more complicated projects, if necessary.

Step 6: Notification

Should your material be approved, the person submitting your material for approval will receive formal Brand Approval via email from brand@olemiss.edu. Be sure to save this formal notification as it will be required for the Procurement process.

If your material is not approved, a member of our Brand Services or Creative Services team will notify the person via email with a list of recommended revisions.

Once revisions are made, that person will be required to submit another brand request review form. Please select the “re-submission” option and follow the instructions. Expect another two (2) business days for review.

Step 7: Work with the selected Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor to purchase your deliverable

Once you have received brand approval, work with your selected Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor to purchase your deliverable based on anticipated costs:

  • Purchases under $5,000: You may use a University Procurement card to purchase the material. Submit the Brand Approval Form along with your reconciliation documentation to Procurement.
  • Purchases between $5,000-$75,000: Create a purchase requisition in SAP. Reference the Brand Approval Form and the submission file number in the header of your purchase requisition and no fewer than two estimates. Procurement will create a purchase order. Note the vendor’s official University vendor number. This number will be required for your purchase requisition.

Step 1: Visit our Digital Storefront

Step 2: Login with your Ole Miss WebID

Faculty and staff should select "Login with SSO" and enter your Ole Miss WebID credentials.

Step 3: Acknowledgement

Select "I acknowledge" to acknowledge that if you are seeking certain lockups that do not appear to be available, you will reach out to University Marketing & Communications.

Step 4: Choose your deliverable

Select from the available business stationery options on screen. Faculty and staff may purchase business cards, letterhead, envelopes, note cards, notepads, and name tags within the digital storefront. Select the option that best fits your need.

Step 5: Choose your preferred template

Click on the preferred template of your deliverable. All of these items have been pre-approved by the Brand Services team, so no brand approval is necessary. Please note the minimum quantities and stock availability. For letterhead, envelopes, business cards, and note cards, choose "Personalize." For note pads and nametags, choose "Add to Cart." If you have chosen note pads or nametags, proceed to Step 8.

Step 6: Personalize your selection

Select "Personalize" on the left side of the screen. Once you have completed your entry, select "Build Proof." Select "Continue" once complete.

If you are seeking to purchase letterhead, note that you may purchase letterhead with your respective unit's lockup. You may use the "Search" tool on site, or browse the entire inventory. These options may also be personalized.

Step 7: Approve Proof

If you approve your proof, enter your initials and title the document. Select "Accept."

Step 8: Complete your order

Once you have completed your purchase selections and approved all proofs, select "Checkout." Complete the form provided for shipping and billing information as well as your desired ship date. Please note that orders may be delivered within seven (7) business days.

Select "Review and Place Order."

Confirm your order, shipping, and billing information and select "Credit Card" or "PO." Note that you should use a university Procurement card.

Select "Place Order"

Step 1: Determine whether your final deliverable will require brand review and approval.

Brand review is only required for apparel, merchandise or promotional material that includes Note that phrases such as "Ole Miss" and "University of Mississippi" are also registered marks, so any materials including those phrases would be included in the review process and will be required to have registration marks.

Examples of apparel, merchandise or promotional materials include but are not limited to all types of clothing, drinkware, equipment, toys, games, collectibles, personal accessories, etc.

Step 2: Know your budget. Get estimates.

Make sure you gather estimates on the product you wish to purchase from official licensees at the beginning of the purchasing process.

Step 3: Work with a licensee to create your artwork.

If necessary, work with a official licensee to create your artwork.

Step 4: Submit your artwork for brand review.

Submit your artwork for brand review. Be sure to select the “Representative of a Registered Student Organization” option when prompted in the form. Remember: if your artwork does NOT include a , you are NOT required to submit your artwork for brand review.

Step 5: The review

Your material will be reviewed within two (2) business days using the criteria listed on the Brand Review Process page. Note that University Marketing & Communications reserves the right to extend review of submissions for larger and more complicated projects, if necessary.

Step 6: Notification

Should your artwork be approved, you and the ASB Treasury will receive formal Brand Approval via email from brand@olemiss.edu. Be sure to save this formal notification as it will be required for the Procurement process, if applicable.

If your material is not approved, a member of our Brand Services or Creative Services team will notify you via email with a list of recommended revisions. Once those revisions are made, you will be required to submit another brand request review form. Please select the “re-submission” option and follow the instructions. Expect another two (2) business days for review.

Step 7: Work with the official licensee to purchase your deliverable

Once you have received brand approval, work with your selected licensee to purchase your deliverable.

Ensure Quick Review

The Brand Services team will review and provide a response on all submissions within two business days. To best ensure your submissions are approved within that timeframe, please consider the following actions.

Review all appropriate brand guidelines, the logo architecture, and watch the brand training videos available on our Resources and Downloads page.

It should be an authentic representation of our campus and all its communities.

Submit your materials to be reviewed sooner rather than later. While the team will review all submissions within two business days, you'll need additional time to work through any pre-production needs with approved vendors. Note that if your submission needs to be altered, it will need to re-enter the brand review process. It is your responsibility to ensure your production or delivery deadlines are met.

Upon submission of your materials, you'll receive an automatic reply that we've received your form. You'll receive formal notice of approval or if your submission needs attention within 48 business hours.

Brand Services is not responsible for:

Additional Brand Resources

  • Using a Non-Approved Vendor for Printing

    Refer the vendor to the Approved Marketing & Communications Vendor page for guidance.

    Learn about using vendors
  • Order Pre-Approved Business Stationery

    University of Mississippi faculty and staff may visit our digital storefront to purchase pre-approved business cards, letterhead, envelopes, notecards, notepads, and nametags. Select "Login with SSO" and enter your WebID credentials. University Procurement cards or purchase orders may be used to acquire these items and our printing provider will deliver orders within seven business days.

  • Request Brand Consultation or Training

    Reach out to brand@olemiss.edu for brand-related consultations or to request training sessions for departments or groups.

    Contact us
  • Provide Feedback or Suggestions Regarding Brand Guidelines

    Feedback and suggestions for brand guidelines improvements can be sent to brand@olemiss.edu for consideration by the Brand Services team.

    Contact us

FAQs

The Brand Review Process

Materials like scholarly work produced by faculty (academic articles, presentations, books, other writings, etc) and pre-approved business stationery are exempt from review.

Submissions are typically reviewed within two (2) business days. Complex projects may require extended review time.

Approval notifications will be sent via email from brand@olemiss.edu. Retain this notification for Procurement payment processing.

Upon Brand Approval notification, proceed with the Procurement process.

Feedback on necessary revisions will be emailed to you. After revisions, resubmit using the "re-submission" option on the . The second review will be completed within two (2) business days. Note that University Marketing & Communications reserves the right to extend review of submissions for larger and more complicated projects, if necessary.

Any University-associated deliverable requires approval, including word marks and logos for University-funded events.

No need if the material was designed by the University Marketing & Communications team. Your assigned graphic designer will submit your material for brand review.

Ensure all files are production-ready, with print files converted to PDF with crops and bleed included.

No, presentations for academic conferences don’t require review. are available for use.

RSOs don't require review unless using University trademarks in their submissions.

Brand Review ensures adherence to brand guidelines, while Licensing oversees use of University marks on licensed merchandise.

Approved Marketing & Communications Vendors complete brand training and have agreed to follow the brand review process while Licensees are approved by the Department of Licensing and the Collegiate Licensing Company to use University marks.

No, it's essential to await Brand Approval before publicizing or printing materials to ensure alignment with University guidelines.

No, social media posts are not subject to Brand Review. However, we encourage university personnel to inquire about enterprise access to Canva for Teams, a software program the university uses with several brand assets including fonts, colors and templates for graphics.

Minor edits, such as correcting typographical errors or adjusting contact information, may not require re-submission. Contact brand@olemiss.edu for guidance.

Submit revisions when significant changes occur to previously approved materials or when updating content to ensure continued alignment with brand guidelines.