New Logo & Visual Identity

As WashU Medicine, we unite medical education, research and clinical care under one name and visual identity.

Connecting our identity across all departments, divisions and programs will help demonstrate our incredible scope and global impact on medical innovation and health.

Jump to: Messaging points | Frequently asked questions | Branded resources

Messaging points

• WashU Medicine is the name and logo unifying medical education, research and clinical care.
• Attaching the WashU Medicine name and logo to all departments, divisions, institutes, programs, faculty, students, physicians and staff will help show the vast breadth and impact of this medical institution.
• To maximize resources and limit disruption, a mix of “old” and “new” visual identities will exist for a while longer.
• WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications is holding regular sessions with marketers across the departments to offer guidance and resources. If you don’t have marketers in your area, you may contact WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications or Operations and Facilities Management teams for additional support.
• Early research shows that unifying our departments, centers, institutes, programs and people as WashU Medicine is worth the effort. It will help clarify our role in providing clinical care locally and regionally and will make it easier for us to grow national and global awareness for the innovations and innovators here that are changing the world.
• Our future as WashU Medicine will be built together. Stay tuned for updates as new resources to support this transition are made available.
• For more information, view the WashU Medicine brand guidelines.

Frequently asked questions

What is changing?

WashU Medicine is the name and logo unifying the clinical, research and educational activities of Washington University School of Medicine.

The name WashU Medicine will be added to department, division, institute, program and initiative names to unify our exceptional efforts and amplify the vast collective impact of this medical institution. The nomenclature and editorial style guide provides direction for these naming conventions.

Do we ever use our legacy names?

Washington University in St. Louis remains the university’s formal name and can be used in formal situations. Washington University School of Medicine will also still be used at first reference in press releases.

Washington University (use WashU), Washington U, WUSTL, WU, WUSM, and other derivations of the university and school names should no longer be used. Legacy logos for the university and schools should be retired.

How do I plan for the rebrand?

Here are some guiding principles for a phased implementation with minimal financial impact:

• As items are ordered, they should be replaced, including letterhead, business cards and branded apparel.
  • Use up existing branded materials. No need to toss everything and replace.
• For front-line employee uniforms and vehicles, replace in annual contracts as part of new year planning, as applicable.
• Align rebranding with other implementations and project launches.
• Prioritize based on impact and visibility.

What about signage?

Please work with Operations & Facilities Management and WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications for all sign updates and needs as they arise in the meantime.

Why are we doing this now?

The university as a whole is moving to WashU. Also, research shows that unifying the medical school brand across its tripartite mission will help clarify our role in clinical care locally and make it easier for us to grow national and global awareness for the medical innovations and innovators here that are changing the world.

What about the affiliation agreement between WashU and BJC?

Planning for affiliated clinical practices is ongoing. Updates will occur as plans are made available.

I noticed the WashU Medicine primary Twitter, Instagram and Facebook accounts have the new name and logo. Should I change the handles and graphics for our departmental social channels?

Reach out to WashU Medicine Marketing & Communications so they can explain the new guidelines and naming structures.

I noticed the WashU Medicine website has the new logo. Should I begin making changes to my web pages?

It is time to update our websites in the following ways:

• Replace “Washington University School of Medicine” and “Washington University Physicians” logos with “WashU Medicine” logo.
  • The WashU Medicine web team is updating the logo in the header of all websites built using the current WashU Medicine WordPress theme.
• Replace “Washington University School of Medicine,” “Washington University,” and/or “Washington University Physicians” with “WashU Medicine” in copy throughout your website.
• Add “WashU Medicine” to your group’s name upon first reference, and in the web footer.
  • See the nomenclature and editorial style guide for reference.
• Remove all logos or graphics in the footer, except for social media icons and university sustainability program marks (Green Lab, Green Office).
• Please ensure your area leaders are informed of these changes in advance.

Due to the scale and complexity of the WashU Medicine digital environment, we will take a phased approach to ensure all websites comply with university guidelines as we develop a new digital strategy.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Gabe Watson at watson@wustl.edu.