University of Central Lancashire launches logo consultation
A largely forgotten coat of arms could play a key role in helping the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) to refresh its brand identity and logo.
And to help with the process the University is calling on staff, students, business partners and the local community as it decides whether to phase out the current red rose moniker and instead place greater prominence on the University Coat of Arms, either in its original or in an updated form.
On Monday, 14 March 10am-5pm the University will be asking for the opinions of the Preston public when the different logo options will go on display at UCLan’s city centre shop in the St George’s Centre (on the site of the former Britannia Building Society).
Last year the University announced its £200 million Campus Masterplan redevelopment but as competition between universities grow, UCLan is keen to capitalise on the momentum built and strengthen its brand recognition nationally and internationally.
"I think our Coat of Arms is a major asset and we should be making more of it. It really helps to symbolise our pride at being at the heart of the community and emphasises our educational ethos."
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas explained: “Last year we consulted widely with staff, students and stakeholders over the development of our new Corporate Strategy. This process prompted questions about who we are and consciously thinking about how to position ourselves in a sector of worldwide higher education institutions which now numbers over 9,000.
“I think our Coat of Arms is a major asset and we should be making more of it. It really helps to symbolise our pride at being at the heart of the community and emphasises our educational ethos which encourages people from all walks of life to make the most of their talents.”
Director of Marketing Joel Arber said that updating UCLan’s visual identity was just one element of a strategy focused on strengthening the University’s market position.
“This refresh is much broader than logo development and is about ensuring that UCLan can successfully compete in an increasingly global environment but we recognise that the logo is important to all those who care passionately about the University."
"This refresh is much broader than logo development and is about ensuring that UCLan can successfully compete in an increasingly global environment but we recognise that the logo is important to all those who care passionately about the University."
Joel continued: “Our Coat of Arms was first unveiled at the University’s Founder’s Day celebration on the 6 October 1993. It is hugely symbolic and rooted in historical relevance but apart from printing it on University degree certificates we’ve never used it to its full potential. Now is the opportunity for everyone to have their say and we will take their views seriously.
“Whatever is decided we certainly won’t be tearing down UCLan logos from the frontage of all our buildings. We anticipate that design costs for this project will amount to no more than £10,000 and we have commissioned the designs from a local Preston company set up as a graduate start-up business from this University. We anticipate some initial promotional costs, however, the whole process will be largely cost neutral.”
Following the consultation, a report will go to the UCLan Board for approval at the end of March. Should the University and Preston community decide that the logo should be changed, further design work to the concepts will be implemented. Any changes will be signed off for implementation on 1 September to coincide with the new academic year.