STUDENTS
Capture the right attention and make a strong first impression. Properly representing the Wharton brand is crucial for the success of your student organization. By adhering to these standards, you can ensure that your student-led events and communications reflect your connection to Wharton with pride and accuracy. P.S. Did you know that Wharton has a logo specifically designed for students?
We have a special version of the Wharton logo for student use:
Horizontal Logo
Vertical Logo
Important Note: Students may only use the “Wharton Student Initiative” logo with approval. Please avoid copying the School logos from sources like Google image search or taking screenshots to use without approval. Using the logo without proper authorization can lead to issues and might not reflect the brand in the best way. It’s always best to go through the proper channels to ensure everything looks great and aligns with our guidelines.
Branding Your Event at Wharton
Wharton often leads events with themes similar to conferences hosted by students. To avoid confusion with official Wharton activities, it’s important that you market your conference as a student-led Wharton event, not simply a Wharton event.
Please follow the guidelines below when using the Logo on event materials:
Identifying Your Conference as a Student-Led Event
- Official Wharton-affiliated events may use the Wharton logo with permission from the relevant Wharton department (Note: sometimes it may require additional text e.g. “sponsored by” to clarify the relationship). All other student-led events use the student-specific Wharton logo (shown above) on collateral such as merchandise, presentation slides, signage and websites. (Note: for event correspondence, follow the guidelines below in the “Student Correspondence & Signatures” section).
- Refer to your event as “student-led” whenever describing the event, preferably within the first paragraph. The main description (home page on the website) and “about/contact” section should clearly state it is a student-led effort.
- Be sure to include a disclaimer noting that the content of the event expresses your views only, not those of Wharton. Feel free to use either of these disclaimer templates:
- This website/event is produced and administered by the [Name of Club], an independent student-led organization of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. All contents are the responsibility of the club.
- The [Name of Club] is an independent student-led organization of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. All content is the responsibility of the club.
Branding Your Event at Wharton
- When first being mentioned, you should refer to Wharton as “the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.” You can use “Wharton” or “the School” once the full name has been introduced.
- If you’re talking about Wharton online, be sure to hyperlink Wharton’s name to the main website.
- Clearly identify your connection to Wharton. If you have an event website, be sure to include the “About Wharton” text in the About Us or Contact Us section, along with some background about your club.
ABOUT WHARTON
Founded in 1881 as the world’s first collegiate business school, the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania is shaping the future of business by incubating ideas, driving insights, and creating leaders who change the world. With a faculty of 235+ renowned professors, Wharton has 5,000+ undergraduate, MBA, executive MBA, and doctoral students. Each year 18,000+ professionals from around the world advance their careers through Wharton Executive Education’s individual, company-customized, and online programs. 108,000+ Wharton alumni form a powerful global network of leaders who transform business every day. For more information, visit www.wharton.upenn.edu.
- When corresponding with external constituencies as a Wharton student, the signature on your official emails should follow the format:
Affiliation [xx candidate, Class of xx] and the School [“The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania”]. For a more in-depth look at how you should structure your correspondences, refer to the Student Correspondence & Signatures section below.
Can I Use the Wharton Logo?
Can I use the Wharton name/marks for student organizations?
Naming
Student organizations and events should be named such as to cause no confusion with an official entity or activity of the School. Official student clubs are granted the use of the Wharton name for their club name only.
Logo Guidelines
The Wharton logo, or parts thereof, cannot be used or combined with student organization logos.
Student organization logos may use:
- The School Name: i.e. “Wharton Hiking Club” or “Hiking Club at Wharton”
- The University primary colors:
Penn Red (PMS: 201, RGB: 153/0/0, Hex: #990000, CMYK: 24/100/100/25) & Penn Blue (PMS 288, RGB: 1/31/91, Hex: #011F5B, CMYK: 100/93/32/32 )
Student organization logos may NOT use:
- The University Shield, wordmarks, and typography
- Any elements (dolphin, books, chevron) of the Penn Shield
- The University Shield with banner
- The University Shield with flourish
- The Athletic Split P or all-caps Athletic PENN
- The University Seal
- UPENN or UPenn or UofPenn
Examples
Correct usage and incorrect usage:
Social Media Accounts
Student organizations should include a disclaimer in the bio/description of their social media accounts that clearly indicates they are “student-run” and not officially affiliated with the Wharton School.
Clubs are allowed to promote School-sponsored events on their social media accounts using approved graphics or logos that meet the guidelines on this page.
Application & Approval Process
- Undergraduate students, please contact undergradinfo@wharton.upenn.edu for more information.
- Graduate students, please see the Wharton Graduate Association (WGA) for more information.
Can I use the Wharton name/marks on my event?
Only the special version of the Wharton logo created for students may be used. Because the Wharton brand is a reflection of the Wharton community as a whole, it may only be used for student events which reflect Wharton’s mission and the values embodied in our brand.
If you feel your event aligns with our values, you can contact your Program Office or fill out the Student Logo Request Form.
Can I use the Wharton name/marks for my own activities?
The School retains the right to control use of the Wharton name in any activity that affiliates itself with the Wharton School.
The University or School name must not be used in any announcement, advertising matter, publication, correspondence, or report, in connection with personal or non-University/non-School activities, unless previously authorized. In some cases, a disclaimer of University or School endorsement may be required.
Social Media Accounts
As a student, you are allowed to indicate your affiliation with the Wharton School on your personal social media account(s) as it relates to your School activities. Students are encouraged to use filters, stickers, hashtags, and other branded content provided by Wharton.
Can I use the Wharton Student Logo on merchandise?
The University Business Services Office reviews all merchandise using official marks/names of its Schools. Please use only the approved vendors.
When approval is given for use of the student-initiative version of the Wharton logo, that approval does not automatically include use of the logo on merchandising associated with the event. Only an official division of the School can authorize use on co-branded products – in this case, your relevant Wharton Program Office.
To order plain Wharton-branded merchandise, see the links below for retailers authorized by the University.
PENN BOOKSTORE
Available in the store for pickup. Penn and Wharton merchandise are also available online.
CC BRANDS
For larger orders of Wharton merchandise.
M. LAHART AND CO
High-end products including watches and jewelry.
Penn’s AMAZON Store
Domestic shipping only.
How do I handle sponsorship from external entities?
Student organizations that receive sponsorship for their events can add sponsor logos to their materials. The use of sponsor logos on materials should in no way suggest endorsement by the Wharton School. In addition, use of any sponsor/company logo on student organization materials should be accompanied by permission from the relevant entities.
The Wharton (student) logo should not share space with other logos, except in a clearly labeled sponsor lockup where sponsor logos are grouped separately and do not imply endorsement.
Ordering Wharton-Branded Merchandise
Wharton’s Events Team has branded materials to lend students for their events. To borrow event material for your student-led event, please fill out the form.
- Pop-Up Banners
- Lectern /Podium Signage
- Table cloths
- Directional Signage
Purchasing and Approvals
Only an official division of the School can authorize use of any marks/logos – in this case, your relevant Wharton Program Office.
Note: University brand guidelines are subject to change, and products bearing Penn’s trademarks are always subject to larger University review.
If students pay for the items themselves, they are not exempt from royalties. If they pay through a University/internal account, then it is exempt from royalties.
All requests must go through a licensed vendor. This way the design and vendor are checked and approved. Penn Purchasing Services has selected preferred suppliers to purchase promotional items and apparel. Visit the list of licensed suppliers who are approved to sell promotional items.
Student Correspondence & Signatures
Student Signatures
When corresponding with external constituencies, please use the exact information provided on your student academic card. Refer to the layout examples below to ensure your signature aligns with these school-wide standards.
Correct Layout for the Student Signature
Jane R. Wharton
Undergraduate Candidate, Class of 2027
The Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania
UNDERGRADUATE FORMAT
Full-time day program
BS Candidate or BS in Economics Candidate
Coordinated dual-degree programs
Student Name
Management Technology Program
Class of 2016
BS Candidate, Wharton
BSE Candidate, Engineering
Other dual-degree programs
Student Name
BS Candidate
Or
Student Name
BS in Economics Candidate
Class of 2009
BA Candidate
School of Arts & Sciences
GRADUATE FORMAT
Dual-degree programs
Student Name, Professional Titles
MBA Candidate
Class of 2016
JD Candidate
The Law School
Lauder students
Student Name, Professional Titles
Lauder Institute of Management
and International Studies
Class of 2016
MBA Candidate, Wharton
MA Candidate, Arts & Sciences
Doctoral students
Doctoral Division: Name of Division
PhD Student in Marketing
PhD students are also allowed to add their departmental office address.
Email Signature
Set up the defaults in
Outlook > Preferences.
- Font style of signature: Arial, size 12pt
- Name: Font color black and bold
- Title: Font color black and italic
- Address block: Darkest gray color (RGB 68, 68, 68), and not bold
Special Groups
Learn about the brand guidelines for your specific group.
The Brand Guideline Sheet is included with each logo system. This essential resource offers a clear visual and technical breakdown of the logo architecture, including the approved color palette and specific usage requirements. Created with accessibility in mind, these guidelines empower all team members — regardless of design expertise — to apply the Wharton visual identity with precision, ensuring brand consistency across every platform. The PDF is editable (similar to an EPS file); just ask your vendor to open the file in their vector software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator or Figma).
PennKey login is required.