Corporate design: templates and rules

The application of the logo is based on very precise elements, it is therefore essential that all requests for producing graphic materials be submitted to the Graphic Design service for professional assistance ([email protected], see also creation of printed material).

A static version of the logo is available (horizontal or vertical, see below) for activities in which USI is a partner and for which the communications are managed by third parties. In any case, changing the graphic style of the logo is strictly prohibited, and the following usage rules shall apply:

• all elements of the logo are inseparable;
• additional images cannot be inserted in the logo;
• proportions and fonts must be maintained;
• the name Università della Svizzera italiana is always in Italian;
• the colors of the logo cannot be changed;
• the smallest diameter size of the logo allowed for web uses is 60px;
• the smallest diameter size of the logo allowed for printed (e.g. offset) uses is 10 mm

Guidelines for the use of the static model are available in this document.

In special cases, the Graphic Design service ([email protected]) can provide a negative version of the logo when required for dark backgrounds.

It also possible to complete the institutional framework of a communications activity by using also the logotype of swissuniversities, a brand that is shared by all accredited universities in Switzerland. The purpose of swissuniversities is to strengthen and extend the cooperation between Swiss academic institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences, and universities of teacher education) and their coordination throughout the country. The use of the logo must be approved by [email protected], who is also responsible for ensuring its correct application.

Download the Logo (static model)

For print materials:

(15mm)

• Logo USI black static model print horizontal-15mm (pdf)

• Logo USI black static model print vertical-15mm (pdf)

(10mm) only for offset printing

• Logo USI black static model print horizontal-10mm (pdf)

• Logo USI black static model print vertical-10mm (pdf)

a 30mm version is available for large print material. Please contact [email protected]

For web (60px)

• Logo USI black static model web horizontal (svg)

• Logo USI black static model web vertical (svg)

• Logo USI black static model web horizontal (png)

• Logo USI black static model web vertical (png)

For any further formats, please contact [email protected]

• Logo swissuniversities

Guidelines for the use of the static model (pdf).

For the purpose of achieving a harmonised editorial and typographical style, as well as consistent names in Italian and English, the following guidelines have been established and will be gradually supplemented.

Language

USI official language is Italian.
English is used as the second official language, following British English rules and spelling (use “-ise” and “-yse” instead of “-ize” or “yze”, for words such as organise o analyse, or finals “-re” instead of “-er”, in words such as centre. Always write programme, unless you refer to computer program).
Please refer to the following online dictionary: https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/

Numbers

In a text, words should be used when writing numbers from one to ten. Numerical digits are to be used for larger numbers.
Example: Università della Svizzera italiana is one of the 12 public universities officially recognised by the Swiss academic system, coordinated by swissuniversities.

Date

For dates use the following format: day (cardinal, numerical digit) – month (in letters) – year (numerical digit).

• Italian: 1 gennaio 2019
• English: 1 January 2019

Ordinal numbers are used for formal documents such as diplomas and certificates: 1st January 2019

For abbreviations of dates please use cardinal numbers as follows: 01.01.2019

Italics

When reporting words in another language in your text, please use Italics. This typographic style is also used to stress a term.
It does not apply to commonly used foreign words such as honoris causa, etc.

Gender

The University promotes equal rights and opportunities. All members of the community are asked to comply with this principle when writing text. Please refer to the following guidelines (in Italian).

Names of USI and USI Faculties:

Ulteriori informazioni sui titoli e le denominazioni in ambito accademico in Svizzera, nelle tre lingue nazionali e in inglese // Link to further information on academic titles and names in Switzerland, in the three national languages and in English.

Word Templates

A variety of templates are available to the academic and administrative staff: letterhead, agenda and minutes, short documents or documents with cover pages.
A preview of those templates is available here (link). 

Templates are available directly when opening Word, thus ensuring the most up-to-date version.
The files can still be accessed from the shared folder as well:

• within the Lugano campus network: copy and paste the address \\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli (folders directory)
  The folder is also directly reachable from ‘This PC’ in R: disk
• outside the Lugano campus network: through VPN USI, then access \\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli.
  A guide for installing VPN (on Mac and PC) is available on www.serviceportal.usi.ch

A manual for using the Word templates is available here (link).

To request new models, please contact : [email protected]

Mail cards (A5) are available. In Lugano, they are available directly in the mailroom (West Campus, Main Building, 161). In Mendrisio, contact the reception desk.

To order business cards, please refer to the following instructions: https://www.desk.usi.ch/en/business-cards

The E-mail signature available to all USI employees (see model)  can be modified to suit your needs and can be used as promotion tool for your conferences/events/news.

The consistent use and correct application of the model enables a coherent, professional and coordinated representation of USI.

An alternative model without image is available for internal correspondence or for plain-text emails. For external correspondence, we recommend to use mainly the model with logo.

Template download

• within the Lugano campus network: copy and paste the address \\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli (folders directory)  
  The folder is also directly reachable from ‘This PC’ in R: disk 
• outside the Lugano campus network: through VPN USI, then access \\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli.
  A guide for installing VPN (on Mac and PC) is available on www.serviceportal.usi.ch  

The E-mail signature can be copied from the model directly to the mailbox. Create and add an email signature (tutorial)

We remind you to check the default font of your email client and if necessary change it in Arial 10pt, black- setting for signature but also for new mail messages, replying or forwarding messages (tutorial).

For other e-mail clients, please contact [email protected].

USI provides a set of virtual backgrounds for online courses or meeting (for Teams, Zoom and Wonder.me).
The backgrounds are offered as a potential useful tool, and are not to be considered compulsory.

Template downloads

- within the Lugano campus network:
copy and paste the address \\usi\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli in Windows Explorer (folders directory) or Internet Explorer

- outside the Lugano campus network:
through  https://vpn.usi.ch (the folder "USI Documentazioni e Modelli" is visible in File Bookmarks in Home)

- in the course #USIeLearning on iCorsi (https://www.icorsi.ch/course/view.php?id=9050).

Should you have any technical request, please contact [email protected]
For online events and conferences that require further personalisation, we invite you to contact the graphic designers in advance ([email protected]).

Template downloads

• within the Lugano campus network: copy and paste the address "\\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli" (folders directory) 
  The folder is also directly reachable from ‘This PC’ in R: disk 

• outside the Lugano campus network: through VPN USI, then access \\usi.usilu.net\dfs\USI-Documentazione e Modelli\Modelli. 
  A guide for installing VPN (on Mac and PC) is available on www.serviceportal.usi.ch  

The following models are available to academic and administrative staff members:

• Template power point USI 16:9

• Template power point Accademia di architettura 16:9

• Template power point Facoltà di scienze biomediche 16:9

• Template power point Facoltà di comunicazione, cultura e società 16:9

• Template power point Facoltà di scienze economiche 16:9

• Template power point Facoltà di scienze informatiche 16:9

• Template power point Facoltà di Teologia di Lugano 16:)

Templates in 4:3 are no longer available. In case of need, please contact [email protected] 

The font chosen to represent the Institution is Akzidenz-Grotesk®. This font is in line with the Swiss Graphic tradition and is, thanks to its neutral features, the perfect mean to give a common voice to the different entities. It is not affected by trends, and it can ensure stability over time. Akzidenz-Grotesk® is not a free font, therefore is not available on all devices.

The other character that guarantees a correct visualisation in shared environments, where the use of the institutional font is not possible, is Arial. It is used on stationary, power point presentations, emails and on other materials available to the USI community for their daily use (without the help of the Graphic Design Service).

Preview of the institutional fonts (pdf- in italian)

The visual communication of USI is expressed mainly in black and white colour, an approach that enables space for iconography, which is a significant element of the new corporate graphic design, thus reinforcing the sense of unity. The chromatic coding of the Faculties has been maintained, reviving the colours to express the dynamism of the university. The prevalence of white - the sum of all colors - thus becomes a transversal and unifying element.

Iconographic style is essential to the visual expression of the University. A selection of high-resolution images of USI, in line with the defined iconographic style, are available for download at: www.foto.usi.ch.

Portraits

All portrait pictures of the academic and administrative staff need to comply with quality and format styles. Professors, researchers and USI collaborators can request an institutional photo shoot at the link “update data” in the personal page on www.search.usi.ch. In compliance with the rules imposed by the Data Protection Law (LPD), USI reminds of the obligation for the subjects portrayed in the photographs to sign a release (document available upon request at [email protected]).

The new diploma model, introduced in October 2017, offers several distinguishing elements, both physical and digital, to guarantee its authenticity. Among others, a URL that allows the user (other universities or employers) to access a platform to verify the authenticity of the data.

USI provides material designed according to the new graphic style that can be used for conferences and events (notepads, pens, lanyards, document folders).

Samples and instructions to place your order are available at the Study Advisory and Promotion Service (Lugano) and at the Campus reception (Mendrisio).

In the case of public events that involve video recording or photography of the public, USI reminds the organizers of the obligation to display this sign, in compliance with the rules imposed by the Data Protection Law (LPD). If you have any questions: [email protected].

The new identification card keeps the same functionalities, but with a new design.

The first cards have been introduced in September 2017.

The identification cards with the old layout are still valid and will not be automatically replaced.

More details about the student’s card and its uses: https://www.desk.usi.ch/en/tessera-studenti and the employees' card https://www.desk.usi.ch/en/tessera-collaboratori-badge

The USI stamp is available to administrative departments for official documents.

Orders: https://www.desk.usi.ch/en/materiale-di-cancelleria

Mailing address

• Lugano (West Campus and East Campus):

Mailing is centralised on the main site (Via Buffi).

Università della Svizzera italiana
Faculty/Institute/Service/etc
Via Buffi 13
6900 Lugano
Switzerland

• Mendrisio

Università della Svizzera italiana
Faculty/Institute/Service/etc
Largo Bernasconi 2
6850 Mendrisio
Switzerland

• Bellinzona

Università della Svizzera italiana
Institute/etc
Via Francesco Chiesa 5
6500 Bellinzona
Switzerland

Geographic address (directions)

• Lugano

West Campus
Via Buffi 13
6900 Lugano

East Campus
Via la Santa 1
6962 Lugano-Viganello

• Mendrisio

Largo Bernasconi 2
6850 Mendrisio
 

• Bellinzona

  Via Francesco Chiesa 5
  6500 Bellinzona
   

https://www.usi.ch/en/university/where-to-find-us 

When will the new corporate design be available?

Starting September 18, 2017, the first elements of the new corporate design are made available to academic and administration staff members, followed by all other units and materials in due course.

What will happen to all materials with the old design?

In terms of sustainability, before ordering the new materials, it is recommended to use up all remaining stock of materials with the previous design (envelopes, business cards, etc).

For any further question: [email protected]