The official seal of Michigan State University represents the university’s founding in 1855 as the nation’s premier land-grant university and its legacy of democratizing higher education. College Hall — Michigan State University’s first academic building — is at the center of the seal. Above it, rays of the rising sun represent the new era in education that dawned in the mid-19th century with the bold experiment of teaching the mechanical and agricultural arts alongside the liberal arts. The sweeping walkway leading to the steps calls to mind the egalitarian welcome extended to ordinary citizens to reap the benefits of higher learning.
- The seal appears on official academic documents and on all official university stationery (letterhead and business cards) except for those of Intercollegiate Athletics, which bear the Spartan helmet.
- Display the seal only in Spartan green (Pantone Matching System ink color 567 or hex code 18453B for web), black or white and metallic representations.
- Do not substitute the seal for the Michigan State University wordmark, which should appear on all external MSU publications, websites and other visual communications.
- Use only approved, unaltered versions of the seal.
- The seal may be used on certain high-end items approved by University Trademarks and Licensing (See Use of Trademarks on Promotional Items). Do not use the seal on general giveaway promotional items such as T-shirts, mugs, key chains, etc.
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