USI Identity Standards

USI Style Guide

This quick reference is for your use in writing University documents. The frequently used items are identified here for your convenience. Please follow the correct style established for USI when preparing items for the Internet, printing, or for other targets.

Capitalization            
Do not use unnecessary capitalization of words in body text. When writing text for your own area, resist the natural temptation to capitalize words key to your interest but that should not technically be capitalized.

Other points to remember when writing:

Use words that are simple and clear; resist jargon and corporate-speak; write in an active voice.

Use fewer words when directing a reader to a web site. Listing the site is usually sufficient.  
                Avoid:   Please visit us on our web site at www.usi.edu/xxxxxxxxxxx
                Try:        Visit www.usi.edu/xxxxxxxxxxx

Limit use of the words "please," "that," and "very." Also limit the use of an exclamation (!) point.
                Avoid:   Please contact us at 812/464-XXXX to update your information!
                Try:        Call  812/464-XXXX to update your information.

USI standard fonts

Goudy                  Standard serif font

Goudy Italic        Standard italic font

Futura                  Standard sans serif font

Futura Italic        Standard sans serif italic font

Optima                Secondary sans serif font

Note:  If Goudy is not available, Times New Roman is an acceptable substitute.

To maintain a consistent identity, USI’s standard fonts should be used on all documents. As much as possible, avoid the temptation to use unusual or stylized fonts.

Documents should contain a maximum of two different fonts, one if using different “faces” of that font will suffice (such as book, bold, italic, etc.).

Never combine more than one serif fonts on the same page, and never combine more than one sans serif font on the same page.

When printing “University of Southern Indiana” on any document, remember the following:
                -Goudy font
-Upper and lower case
-Extended 110%
-Always in one single color (all black, all USI blue, all white, etc.)

USI address

When using the USI address in documents always spell out “Boulevard,” do not abbreviate.
                
University of Southern Indiana
                8600 University Boulevard                           (not 8600 University Blvd.)
                Evansville, IN 47712

The USI address should appear on the bottom of the back panel of a brochure, preferably immediately under the logo or the bug.  The USI web address should appear with the address block as follows:

University of Southern Indiana
8600 University Boulevard
Evansville, IN 47712
www.usi.edu

Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Statement (AA/EEO)

All brochures and many other documents should contain an AA/EEO Statement. In some cases the full statement is necessary, but in many cases and where space is an issue, the abbreviated statement is acceptable. Departments must be careful to always reference a current, accurate statement.

Documents submitted to Publishing Services for design/print will be reviewed to determine if the statement is necessary. If clients have not applied the statement and it is necessary, the office will add it and it will then become part of the document.

The abbreviated statement is:
University of Southern Indiana is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity institution.

The full statement is:
The University of Southern Indiana is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is the policy of the University of Southern Indiana to be in full compliance with all federal and state non-discrimination and equal opportunity laws, orders, and regulations relating to race, sex, religion, disability, age, national origin, sexual orientation, or status as a disabled veteran or veteran of the Vietnam era. Questions or concerns should be directed to the Affirmative Action Officer, USI Human Resources Department, 8600 University Boulevard, Evansville, IN 47712.