Throughout this process we received a number of questions related to the new brand. Answers have been provided, and we will continue to update this page as we receive new questions. If you have a question that isn't answered below, email us.
You asked, we answered
New this week: Check out the answers to questions coming in from our researchers.
Questions researchers are asking
NEW: How do I refer to the university in my research grant applications?
The research portals for external funding agencies, including the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada Research Chairs (CRC) Program, Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) and the Canadian Common CV, will retain the legal name of the university in their organizational drop-down menus.
In the written component of research grant proposals, use the name Ontario Tech University in first reference and Ontario Tech for all subsequent references to the institution. Do not use the acronym OTU. For further clarity to reviewers unfamiliar with the new brand, you may include the statement, 'Ontario Tech University is the brand name used to refer to the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.'
NEW: I need to inform my funding agency about the new brand. What should I say?
The Office of Research Services has contacted a number of our external funding agencies (including NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, CRC and CFI) about our new brand. You don't need to contact these agencies.
NEW: I need to inform my research partners about the new brand. What should I say?
Before you contact your research partner(s), please speak to your research partnerships contact in the Office of Research Services, or email researchpartnerships@uoit.ca.
If you have a question about a legal agreement, please note: the legal name of the university remains the University of Ontario Institute of Technology. This is the name that must be used on legal documents.
NEW: I am submitting an article for publication. What name should I use for the university to ensure my publication is included in the university's research impact scores?
The Campus Library has updated our institutional affiliation to include the new brand name variants in two major citation indexes: Clarivate's Web of Science and Elsevier's Scopus/SciVal.
Publications submitted under the name Ontario Tech University or Ontario Tech will all be automatically affiliated with our official name, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, for bibliometric purposes.
NEW: How do I refer to the university when attending conferences, symposiums, conventions, etc.?
When attending conferences, symposiums, conventions, etc., researchers should use the name Ontario Tech University in first reference and Ontario Tech for all subsequent references to the institution. Do not use the acronym OTU.
NEW: How do I refer to the university when preparing conference materials, such as presentations, speaker's notes, conference profiles, etc.?
The Communications and Marketing department can help you use the new identity correctly in presentations, speaker's notes, conference profiles, etc. If you have any questions, contact brand@uoit.ca. For information on purchasing new business cards, see the New stuff: Where to get branded materials section on this page.
NEW: How do I refer to the university online, either on a personal or professional website or social media platform that references my academic work with the university?
See the Digital assets: Social media, websites, emails and more section on this page for more information/instructions.
Our new brand explained
Why the new brand identity?
Since its founding in 2002, the university has quickly established itself as one of Canada's newest publicly funded research universities; it has enjoyed many successes and is well-positioned for the future. We have a great story to tell. Unfortunately, the university has struggled with developing a definitive identity. A unified brand platform will strengthen our ability to significantly enhance our image and reputation going forward.
Our new brand is:
Simple, unique and identifiable: stands out in a crowded academic landscape.
Technology-focused: consistent with our mandate, communicates our positioning as an innovative and leading-edge technology-focused institution.
Modern and relevant: approachable, untraditional and confident.
Flexible: useable across multiple applications that range in scale and touchpoints.
Why invest in a new brand at a time when the university is exercising restraint in its expenses?
This change will take time and investment. We will be fiscally responsible in every decision we make and this will be a common thread in the implementation. We are being strategic in the changes we make to minimize the impact to the campus community. This means that the brand will be implemented during a time when university communications are being updated as a normal course of business. And, it's an investment that has not happened in the 17-year history of the university. Many of the signs that you see on campus were intended to be temporary and have already outlived their useful purpose. Now is the time to make this right.
What are we trying to accomplish with the new brand?
The new brand aims to create a new and exciting platform on which we can share the story of the university, facilitate improved engagement with our various stakeholders, and bring us closer to the original mandate of the university.
Why should the brand matter to me?
Strong brands get noticed. Awareness and familiarity of the university remains lower than we'd like. This affects recruitment efforts, donations, research grants, partnerships and more. Together, with this new brand platform, we will build general awareness, support and excitement for the university.
Has the university changed its name?
We're not changing the university's formal name through this brand initiative; we're changing the way we refer to the university so that it is clear and consistent. We're adopting a similar approach to that of some other universities, such as Western (official name: University of Western Ontario) and Virginia Tech (official name: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University). The official university name will remain University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
Will the university's degree change?
No, the official name for the university is not changing. Our degrees will continue to be conferred by the University of Ontario Institute of Technology.
How we got here, and what's next
How did the university arrive at this new brand?
September 2018 - New potential moniker introduced to campus community
October to November 2018 - Consultations and engagement with campus community
December 2018 - New brand design initiated
January to February 2019 - Brand Advisory Group reviews new brand options
Monday, February 25 through Friday, March 1, 2019 - Brand Preview Week
Wednesday, March 27, 2019 - New brand announcement
Phased introduction April to August 2019 - Campus rollout and implementation (marketing, communications, branded items, brand opportunities)
August through Fall 2019 - New brand external launch (2019-2020 admissions cycle, all marketing communications, website)
How was the feedback collected from all consultations, including the Preview Week, used to finalize the brand?
Over the past four months we have benefited from more than 9,000 contacts across all stakeholder groups providing feedback and reactions throughout the process.
The feedback has helped us develop a short name as well as to refine the visual design that supports our new brand.
The new brand was announced on March 27. Why do I still see old logos all over campus?
Following the new brand announcement, we will work on the transition in support of the new visual identity. Our Communications and Marketing department will lead this transition, with the support of stakeholders across the campus, in a phased approach. We expect to introduce significant changes to the identity across our campus after convocation in June and leading up to September, when we will host a celebratory launch as we welcome our campus community back for the new academic year. Over the next several months, the Communications and Marketing department will keep the campus community up to date and informed through our Brand Central website, where you will find the resources needed to help us through this change.
What are the phases of the brand transition?
The new brand changes will not happen overnight. Following the announcement on March 27, 2019, the new brand will roll out in stages. After convocation, you will begin to see the new brand implemented.
April – Collateral and template development and campus clean up.
May, June, July – Preparation and implementation.
September – Launch the new brand.
See Brand Implementation Timeline for details
How can I help with the brand transition?
We are all brand ambassadors. There are many ways you can assist with the brand transition:
Learn about the brand (identities, colours, key messages, fonts, etc.) at Brand Central.
Update your materials with the new logo.
Contact the Communications and Marketing department when you see an old logo, or the new one used incorrectly.
Use the templates available on Brand Central (available in June)
When can we start to use the new logo and new brand?
You can begin using the new logo effective immediately. However, be aware that it will take time to transition all the university's branding over the coming months. This means that while you may be using the new logo in some of your communications, other communications across the university will still carry the current branding until they are scheduled to change.
It is also important to note that the new brand is much more than a new logo, and the visual elements to support our new identity are very different than our previous look. Our Communications and Marketing department can help you with usage of the new identity. If you have any questions, email brand@uoit.ca.
I don't like the new logo; can I use the full name of the university instead?
Strong brands rely on consistency. It is important that everyone uses the new logo and follows the brand standards. This will help us to build general awareness, support and excitement for the university.
Where can I get the new Ubuntu font?
Ubuntu is a free, open-source font that can be downloaded from the Ubuntu website .
There are many tutorials online on how you can install new fonts, including one at How-To Geek , which walks through installing a new font on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.
Do I have to use the Ubuntu font on all written material, or can I use the default Arial or Times New Roman, etc.?
Ubuntu is a free, open-source font and we recommend using Ubuntu as much as possible within your communications documents. We will share more details about a secondary font as we continue with the implementation process.
When I use the Ubuntu font in a document and share it externally, the font changes. What should I do?
If you are using the primary font (Ubuntu) or secondary font (Franklin) in Word or PowerPoint, be sure to save the document as a PDF before sending it externally; otherwise the receiver's system may convert it to a default font.
If you would rather send your document in Word or PowerPoint presentation format, please use Arial or Calibri.
I work in a department with an existing logo; how will this be used with the new identity?
Consistency is important for brand recognition. We're following a ONEbrand strategy to ensure we take a unified approach to improving our brand presence. This means we're not using or creating independent logos or signatures unique to divisions or initiatives.
Our Communications and Marketing department will help you position your department or program while working within the brand guidelines.
What are the university's new official colours?
The university's three primary brand colours are dark blue, orange and light blue. The dark blue and orange is the most prominent and distinctive colour for identifying the university's brand.
How do the faculty colours fit within the new identity system?
Consistency is important for brand recognition. We're following a ONEbrand strategy to ensure we take a unified approach to improving our brand presence.
Faculty colours for external purposes (e.g. promotional giveaways, marketing and collateral materials, etc.) will be replaced with the new brand colours (see the Our Primary Colours section on page 7 of our Quick Reference Guide). Faculties can continue to use their independent colours for spirit-based event materials (Orientation t-shirts) and should refer to the logo guidelines for proper logo use.
Can I still use the logo with the official university name?
We've retired all logos used prior to the Ontario Tech University logo. Only this identity will be used moving forward.
Can I still use the university wordmark – University of Ontario Institute of Technology?
There is no plan to change the legal name of the university – University of Ontario Institute of Technology. However, in all our marketing and promotional materials, websites, and media relations materials, we will call ourselves Ontario Tech University.
How will the brand change affect the Coat of Arms?
The university's Coat of Arms is not affected by the new brand. The university reserves the use of this emblem for commemorative and ceremonial purposes.
Will the Athletics brand change?
Yes. The Athletics brand has changed. The paw identity and dog identity have been updated as part of the new brand. This update provides consistency and strengthens the university's brand.
What will happen to signage on campus?
Last year an audit was conducted for interior and exterior signage. We are now ready to move forward with the design and production of interior signage. A request for proposal (RFP) is in development.
Over the summer, exterior signage will be updated to reflect the new logo, and some signs will be removed altogether.
Help us tell our story
When should I use the full name of the university versus the new branded name?
You should use the name Ontario Tech University in all your references to the institution going forward in your communications.
In all our marketing and promotional materials, websites, and media relations materials we will be calling ourselves Ontario Tech or Ontario Tech University.
The legal name of the university remains unchanged as the University of Ontario Institute of Technology and will be used on diplomas and legal documents.
I am a graduate of the university. What name should I use on my resume and on my LinkedIn profile?
Your resume should refer to the university as:
Ontario Tech University (University of Ontario Institute of Technology)
Our central LinkedIn account will update your profile accordingly.
How do I introduce myself during speaking engagements?
"Hello, my name is XXXXX and I am from Ontario Tech University, the newly branded University of Ontario Institute of Technology."
How should organizers of events refer to our university?
You should instruct event organizers to say you are from Ontario Tech University.
I need to inform my partners about the new brand. What should I say?
The university's Partnership office has contacted a number of our partners about our new brand. Before you contact your partners, please contact Lindsay Coolidge, Manager, Government and Community Relations or Jennifer Alsop-Lee, Strategic Partnership Officer, and provide them with information using this template. This will help to avoid duplication.
Once you submit this information, they will double-check that the partner has not already been contacted. They will provide you with a letter that includes information about the new brand.
Is there a French translation for Ontario Tech University?
The preferred translation is Université Ontario Tech.
This translation is for text only. When a logo is required, you should use the Ontario Tech University logo.
Is the acronym 'UOIT' being replaced with 'OTU'?
No, we will not use an acronym when referring to the university. Ontario Tech University is used in the first reference, and Ontario Tech in subsequent references.
UOIT is in the name of the service/program I work on. Do I need to change the name?
Yes. UOIT must be removed from the naming convention. Please consider a simpler approach and not include the university's name when choosing how you'd like to reference your service/program.
UOIT Ambassadors to Ambassadors
UOIT Research Ethics Board to Research Ethics Board
Quite often services/programs appear on the university's website or along with the university's logo so adding the university's name may not be necessary.
How do I refer to the university on letters of reference and what letterhead do I use?
When naming the university in a letter of reference, please refer to it as:
Ontario Tech University (University of Ontario Institute of Technology).
Faculties and departments are encouraged to use up their old stationery (letterhead, envelopes, etc.). New stationery will be available for purchase on the Estore in early June.
If I am writing a cheque to the university do I make it out to UOIT, University of Ontario Institute of Technology or Ontario Tech University?
Cheques should remain payable to University of Ontario Institute of Technology as this is the legal name of the institution. This will help to avoid any issues, especially through our transition to the new brand.
New stuff: Where to get branded materials
When can I purchase new stationery (letterhead, envelopes, etc.) and business cards?
Updates to the eStore are underway and products will be available for purchase in early June. Once these items are available, a notification will communicated through the Weekly Report. The Communications and Marketing department will also contact everyone who has an account for the eStore.
In the meantime, you should continue to use existing stationery and business cards. When naming the university in a letter, please refer to it as:
When you give out your business card, use this as an opportunity to let people know about the new brand.
What should I do with my old stationery (letterhead, envelopes, etc.)?
Faculties and departments are encouraged to use up their old stationery (letterhead, envelopes, etc.). New stationery will be available for purchase on the eStore in early June. Once these items are available, a notification will communicated through the Weekly Report. The Communications and Marketing department will also contact everyone who has an account for the eStore.
Digital assets: Social media, websites, emails and more
Will our email addresses, URLs and social media accounts change to reflect the new brand?
The new domain to access university websites is ontariotechu.ca. The current uoit.ca domain will continue to work through a transition period while forwarding URLs and other references to that domain are still in place. Once transition to the new domain is complete, uoit.ca will simply forward all traffic to ontariotechu.ca.
Social media handles have been changed to reflect our new identity. The university's new handles are:
Twitter: @OntarioTech_U
Instagram: @OntarioTechU
Facebook: @OntarioTechU
Our official hashtag is #OntarioTech
These handles must be used when referencing the university's social media or for tagging the university in your social media posts. If you have any questions, please contact socialmedia@uoit.ca.
Email address changes are still being evaluated. More information about this will be communicated once available.
Why has the website not changed yet from uoit.ca?
The new domain to access university websites is ontariotechu.ca. The current uoit.ca domain will continue to work through a transition period while forwarding URLs and other references to that domain are still in place. Once the transition to the new domain is complete, uoit.ca web pages will forward all traffic to ontariotechu.ca.
Is there an easy way to update department/faculty/program website content to Ontario Tech University?
To update your section of the university's website, you can complete the following searches to find replaceable content (using hr.uoit.ca):
site:hr.uoit.ca "University of Ontario Institute of Technology"
Navigate to your site and put the term in the search box (for instance, University of Ontario Institute of Technology)
From these searches, the content can be identified and replaced.