University of Iowa banners displayed on and adjacent to campus are an important extension of our environmental branding efforts, branding physical locations both on and off campus, and enhancing the visual identity to create a cohesive sense of community.
Types of banner installations
Institutional banners
Institutional banners prominently display our most recognizable brand identifiers, including the logos of University of Iowa, University of Iowa Athletics, and University of Iowa Health Care. These banners are designed for long-term or permanent display and will be featured consistently across the entire campus and in select off-campus locations.
Event/celebration banners
Event banners are specific to a single event or celebration (e.g., a unit anniversary) and will primarily be limited to installation on Madison Street. The duration of the installation depends on a review of the proposed artwork, as well as the communication and marketing plan that supports the event.
Banner requests and review process
All banner installation requests, regardless of content or location, must be submitted for review at least 5 weeks prior to the desired installation date.
Review process
The Office of Strategic Communication is responsible for the review and approval of all on- and off-campus banner requests. Requests are evaluated based on artwork, content and messaging, location, and duration of display, with some requiring additional review and approval by the Vice President for External Relations.
Installation and removal
The Office of Strategic Communication will partner with Engie, and where necessary the City of Iowa City or City of Coralville, on installation, removal, and maintenance.
Production and installation costs
Requesting units are responsible for all costs associated with their banner request. Banner production and installation/removal are billed separately.
Banner production is billed directly by the vendor upon artwork approval. OSC will provide vendor information once a request is approved. Units should not order banners before receiving approval.
Installation and removal are performed by Engie, the University of Iowa's facilities contractor, and billed separately through a departmental Purchase Order. A PO number is required at the time of submission. To obtain an estimate of installation and removal costs, contact OSC at osc-brand@uiowa.edu.
Event/celebration banner artwork guidelines
Follow brand guidelines
- Use university brand colors, fonts, and design elements.
- Use a black background for banner designs to ensure they complement the existing gold banners featuring the block IOWA logo.
- Follow unique campus graphic guidelines to develop event and milestone artwork.
Keep it simple and legible
- Most banners will be read from a distance and should be quickly readable for people passing by in vehicles. Keep text to a minimum and scale design elements larger.
- Avoid unnecessary elements that add clutter or take away from your message.
Unit identification
- Ensure the sponsoring unit name is included to clarify the relationship with the milestone or anniversary.
- Use plain text rather than lockups, as the block IOWA logo will appear on the adjacent banner.
Ensure high-quality design
- Involve a designer with knowledge of brand standards and experience in preparing files for production.
- A list of preferred vendors is available for units without a professional designer.
Event/Celebration Banner Specifications
- Location: Madison St. between Burlington St. and Washington St.
- Size: 67" x 29"
- Material: 22 ounce block out vinyl double-sided (no wind holes/slats)
- Fabrication: Pole pockets – 3" top, 3" bottom, #2 Grommets Left Side of Side 1, Above and Below Pocket
Review specifications for other locations.