The UM brand

Since 2011, the "I am a trailblazer" initiative has been the foundation of the University of Manitoba narrative, enabling us to share the stories and achievement of our students, faculty, staff, alumni and donors to great success, and enhancing the university’s reputation around the world. It’s now time to evolve how we share our story to sustain and support us through efforts to deliver on the university’s strategic priorities.

The new logo is the result of extensive consultation with students, staff, faculty, alumni, donors and community members. We heard from 400 members of our community at 20 focus groups sessions in Winnipeg, Winkler, Selkirk, Brandon, Toronto and Calgary. We also received 7,000 responses through online surveys and through an online feedback tool. Further, a Brand Advisory Council was formed – co-chaired by Catherine Cook, vice-dean, Indigenous, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences; Dayna Spiring, president and CEO, Economic Development Winnipeg; and Jakob Sanderson, president, University of Manitoba Students’ Union and made up of a diverse group of alumni, students, faculty and staff – who were instrumental in providing valuable input and insight into the process. These responses from our community shaped and informed the design.

Not at this time.

Yes. We recommend that areas use up any existing materials wherever possible.

Each area within the university has a unique story to tell. We encourage you to work with your communications officer and the Marketing Communications Office to explore how the new brand story can best be told from your unit’s perspective.

The new logo is available for download in the Resources section of this page. Please consult the new Brand Guidelines for how best to implement the logo into your materials. Contact the Marketing Communications Office with any questions.

The new visual identity will be applied and integrated in the new wayfinding system that has already been planned for our campuses.

Yes. Brown and gold are still the official U of M colours. However, the shade of the brown has changed. The two new blues that make up the sky element in the logo are also now part of the University’s secondary colour palette. Please see the Brand Guidelines for the full updated colour palette.

Accessibility has been a key consideration throughout the visual identity development process to ensure we are meeting the needs of our community. There will be direction within the Visual Identity Guidelines that notes how the new identity can be applied accessibly.

The 'I am a trailblazer' brand provided the foundation for our new brand position to build on. It is now time to start telling a new story about ourselves. One that positions the University of Manitoba as a welcoming and inclusive community uniquely strengthened by Indigenous knowledge and perspectives. This story will provide a new way to talk about ourselves and we encourage our entire community to embrace it.

Anyone wishing to order clothing or merchandise should work directly with The BookStore and in consultation with the Marketing Communications Office. Please contact the communications officer in your faculty or unit to start the process.

The transition to the new brand and visual identity is expected to take one to two years. Units are encouraged to use up their existing materials during this time wherever possible.

Please connect with the communications officer in your faculty or unit. If you don’t have a communications officer please contact the Marketing Communications Office.