Uniting Oberlin’s Many Voices Under One Brand

Oberlin College and Conservatory is a single institution with many dimensions, including academic, artistic, athletic, and cultural life. Our brand architecture explains how these dimensions fit together visually and verbally, so every message feels distinctly “Oberlin” while still allowing room for individuality.

Brand Relationships at a Glance

Brand Level Example Relationship to Oberlin Brand Managed By Notes
Central Brand Oberlin College and Conservatory Core institutional identity: logo, core palette, typography Office of Communications Foundation for all visual and institutional messaging
**Integrated
Sub-brand** Oberlin Conservatory of Music Fully aligned to central brand (uses same wordmark and assets) Office of Communications Conservatory communications use central brand assets with tailored imagery
Academic / Administrative Areas Admissions, Advancement, Departments Lockups under central brand; no independent marks Office of Communications Areas request approved lockups and templates
Programs & Initiatives Sustainability, CED Organizational or strategic efforts with own message and goals Office of Communications (coordination) + sponsoring unit Programs may commission or create unique graphics to support their work
Events / Campaigns Homecoming, Commencement, Reunion Weekend Time-bound activities with specific audiences Sponsoring unit + Office of Communications Events may use program graphics or temporary event graphics
Unique Campus Graphics (cross-cutting) Homecoming identity, Carbon Neutrality campaign, Connect Cleveland, Artist Recital Series Expanded visuals that programs/events/
initiatives can activate; uses Oberlin palette and typography but is not a logo or new brand. Office of Communications (Design) + Facilities (for installed work) Can be event-based, initiative identity, or site installation. Must be approved; time-limited or versioned
Independent Sibling Brands Oberlin Athletics, Allen Memorial Art Museum Separate visual systems that report/coordinate independently Athletics / AMAM Coordinate for joint projects; do not adopt central visual system unless cobranded per rules.