Greek Life Organizations

Fraternities and Sororities (Greek Life) Organization Names

Greek Life Organizations should include the word “club” or similar identifier in the name of the organization.  Identifiers include but are not limited to:  “Club,” “Society,” “Association,” “Sorority,” “Fraternity,” “Council,” “Institute,” “Group,” “Committee,” “Students,” “Students For…,” “Campus Ministry,” “Ambassadors,” “Recruiters,” “Fellowships,” “Community,” Greek Letters, and/or “Chapter.”

Greek Life Organization names may include the words “at Auburn University” along with or as part of the organization’s name. Acceptable alternatives include “at Auburn” or “at AU”. This designation may not appear larger than the Greek Life Organization name.

Greek Life Organization Logos

Greek Life Organizations may create their own graphic logo that includes “at Auburn University,” “at AU,” or “at Auburn” but may not incorporate any additional Auburn trademark or references into the logo. The organization name must be included with this graphic. The text “at Auburn University,” “at AU,” or “at Auburn” may not appear larger than the rest of the organization name.

Logos must be approved by the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Trademark Management and Licensing. Submit your proposed logo here.

Greek Life Organization Product Designs

Greek Life Organizations may use the interlocking AU, Auburn University, and Aubie, but no other Auburn University logos, including seal or vintage logos. However, depictions of Aubie need to be reasonably consistent with university’s then current depictions of Aubie, including with respect to size/portion and current demeanor and characteristics.

Designs may contain graphics that reflect the Auburn campus, but the design cannot incorporate the student organization’s logo into the graphic or verbiage or alter the Auburn graphic or verbiage to reflect the purpose of the student organization.  Symbols that represent the organization may not surround any Auburn graphic or verbiage or be overlaid on the graphic or intersect with the graphic or verbiage.  No patterns or designs may be placed inside Auburn marks.

Licensed Vendors

Any product bearing Auburn University trademarks or references, despite the use, must be purchased from a vendor that has a license agreement with Auburn University Office of Trademark Management and Licensing and is royalty bearing.

No contract printing is allowed.

Promotional T-Shirts; Sponsors

Promotional t-shirts distributed in bulk for an event must be white.  Organizations may not use orange or navy promotional t-shirts without prior approval by the Division of Student Affairs and Office of Trademark Management and Licensing.

If any proposed design includes sponsor names/logos, the list of sponsors must be submitted for prior approval using the form below. Sponsor names or logos on product must be separated from any Auburn related design element.

Third-Party Intellectual Property

Use of intellectual property owned by a third party must be approved by that entity in writing and submitted to the Licensing Office along with the desired artwork. For example, if you wish to use another entity’s logo (i.e., professional sport team, clothing brands, food and beverage items, etc.), a written release allowing for such use is required before Auburn will grant design approval.  This type of approval process often takes weeks, so allow enough time for such approval to be obtained.

Student Organization Events

Events sponsored by a recognized student organization may not contain a University trademark or reference in the event name without permission from the Division of Student Affairs and the Office of Trademark Management and Licensing.

Prohibited Uses

Organization products and other designs that incorporate Auburn University’s name and/or trademarks may not reflect any of the following:

• Elements that state or imply Auburn University’s endorsement of or affiliation with non-university entities, products, services, viewpoints, and/or political candidates, parties and activities, except that a student organization with a political reference in its name may use the Auburn University name as permitted by this policy;
• Discrimination against any person or group based on age, race, ethnicity, disability, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status;
• References to gambling, alcohol (in a non-educational manner), tobacco, illegal substances, illegal activity, violence, weapons (that are not germane to the organization’s official activities), profanity, or sexually explicit designs or products; and
• Use of a current Auburn University student-athlete’s name or likeness.

Procedure

1. Complete and submit the online Licensing Authorization Form below to the Office of Trademark Management and Licensing for approval.
2. Select a university licensed vendor.
3. Upon approval, present a fully executed authorization form in person or via e-mail to the licensed vendor manufacturing the product with your order.
4. The licensed vendor will then submit your artwork to the Office of Trademark Management and Licensing for review and approval. Any necessary changes to the design will be communicated directly to the licensed vendor.