CAMARILLO — Cal State Channel Islands (CSUCI) on Aug. 24 unveiled a refreshed brand that celebrates the University’s distinctive sense of place while giving CSUCI a unified voice, visuals, and digital presence for the future.
The refreshed brand is part of a broader effort to strengthen how CSUCI communicates its distinctive value to prospective and current students, employees, alumni, donors, community partners, and the region. More than a new visual identity, the work clarifies CSUCI’s institutional identity, the value of a CSUCI education, and the experiences that distinguish the University.
The University’s new visual identity brings that institutional identity to life through a new primary logo featuring two landmarks closely associated with Cal State Channel Islands: the University’s iconic Bell Tower and sathwiwa, the Chumash name for Round Mountain that overlooks the campus. Together, the elements connect CSUCI’s visual identity to the history, landscape, and communities that surround the University.
“Our refreshed brand is ultimately about who we are as a university and the experience we create for our students,” said CSUCI Interim President Sue Andrzejewski. “At Cal State Channel Islands, academic excellence and opportunity go together. Students are known by name, work closely with our faculty, and have opportunities to put what they are learning into practice. Our refreshed brand gives us a clearer and more compelling way to tell that story.”
CSUCI’s institutional identity and messaging were developed over the past two-plus years through an extensive process of research, listening, and refinement.
The new visual identity introduces a color palette inspired by CSUCI’s natural and regional surroundings. Channel Blue, drawn from the ocean waters surrounding the nearby Channel Islands, serves as the University’s dominant institutional color. Islands Teal, inspired by waters and landmark features on campus, provides a vibrant supporting color. Berry Red, inspired by regional flora and the area’s agricultural connections, will appear selectively including in versions of the University logo that highlight “Cal State.”
Also new is the Dolphin Spirit Mark, a spirited extension of the CSUCI identity designed to celebrate campus pride and community. Featuring a stylized Dolphin in Channel Blue and Islands Teal, the mark can be used for student organizations and clubs, intramural sports, apparel, retail merchandise, and select on-campus signage and banners.
The new brand will begin appearing across the CSUCI website, digital communications, publications, signage, merchandise, and other materials.