Logos/Branding

UNC Brand Transition – Guidance for School of Medicine Editors & Communicators

TL;DR: We have completed rolling out the new, planned brand elements. These updates have been applied globally to the School of Medicine WordPress sites. Web Editors/Authors should continue to focus on web accessibility improvements (April 26, 2026 deadline), content cleanup, and removing legacy “Old Well” logos where used.

As many of you are aware, the University of North Carolina has rolled out a new institutional brand identity – “First. And For All.” This transition included updates to core website brand assets such as logos, color palettes, typography, and other usage standards.

Currently (as of 3/16/2026), School of Medicine-specific web standards have been established with all planned elements implemented across the network. We are asking all web editors, designers, and communicators to review the official branding pages (University Website Branding) (School of Medicine Brand Resources) and to follow the recommended steps to maintain compliance.

What Has Been Implemented So Far

The following global updates have been applied to School of Medicine WordPress websites:

• The global School of Medicine WordPress header has been updated to use the UNC Utility Bar, which includes the interlocking NC logo and the “University of North Carolina” name.
• The website title area has been updated to remove image logos and instead use only typeset for the website title.
  • This new setup applies the text “UNC School of Medicine” above the site title and before any department/parent site name (if used.)
  • Header fonts and font sizes have been updated
• The global School of Medicine WordPress footer logo has been updated to the new interlocking NC logo

What You Should Do Now

Editors and communicators should prioritize the following work to maintain compliance:

Continue Advancing Web Accessibility Compliance

• The WCAG 2.2 standard and the April 26, 2026 compliance deadline remain in effect (per official UNC policy).
• Accessibility improvements should continue and will not be impacted by branding changes.

Streamline and Improve Content

• Consolidate outdated material
• Remove duplicative pages
• Improve clarity, navigation, and readability

Remove Legacy “Old Well” Logos and Brand Elements

All content below the Website Title and above the global footer (the Carolina Blue bar with interlocking NC logo) is the responsibility of the website’s Primary Admin and/or designated Content Editors (see responsibilities guidance).

Legacy “Old Well” logos, departmental identity marks, and outdated brand elements should be removed from:

• Website content
• Digital materials
• Print materials

Departments should not introduce new custom logos or brand variations.