Cal Poly will be getting a new institutional logo, messaging and website in May 2019 with the debut of the yakʔitʸutʸu Welcome Center.
Three new brand concepts have been proposed, each embodying a different concept — “The Power of and,” “Ready Day One,” and a new take on “Learn by Doing.”
Last week, higher education marketing agency SimpsonScarborough sent a survey to campus stakeholders asking for feedback on the latest iteration of the brand update. Cal Poly Vice Provost for Enrollment Development and Chief Marketing Officer James Maraviglia also sent an email to students explaining the survey.
The goal is to receive input in order to make branding decisions that will accurately represent the Cal Poly population. Details about specific changes to Cal Poly’s branding are not yet confirmed, as research is still being conducted.
“The university’s contract with SimpsonScarborough began December of 2017 and runs through May 2020,” University Spokesperson Matt Lazier said. “The brand strategy work is ongoing, but we anticipate the cost to run approximately $340,000.”
The survey takes about 12 minutes to complete. It includes details on the three new ideas and examples of marketing materials for each, followed by questions about how well those specific images represent Cal Poly and how they make the viewer feel.
“This initiative is intended to help Cal Poly keep pace with competing institutions and ensure that our university can continue to live out its mission to serve the state of California with the best education possible,” Lazier said.
The survey responses will be directly submitted to SimpsonScarborough and participant identities will be kept anonymous. Everyone who takes the survey will be entered into a raffle to win one of five $100 Amazon gift cards.
The university plans to launch a new homepage first and will continue to develop parts of the website through 2020 to ensure audiences have a consistent digital experience.
“I’m excited to see how Cal Poly will rebrand, and I think it will bring about positive change,” environmental management and protection sophomore Sarah Miller said. “I just want an inclusive brand where everyone is supported and represented.”
Students can take the survey linked in the SimpsonScarborough email through Dec. 5.