Branded Merchandise Policy
Policy Number: 02.0003
Introduction
The brand of The New School (“University”) represents intellectual freedom and creative thought while encouraging academic freedom within our rapidly changing world. We are an inclusive community of creative thinkers focused on making the world a better place for all. The Branded Merchandise Policy sets forth the requirements and restrictions for all purchases of branded or custom merchandise bearing a likeness of the University or using University funds.
Purpose
The Branded Merchandise Policy ensures the use of the New School name and other Marks accurately represents the University, its activities, programs, and affiliations. Additionally, the procedure confirms that purchases of branded merchandise are made in alignment with our other institutional policies and procedures, and that only vendors who adhere to our university mission and commitment sustainability and ethically minded fair labor practices are utilized.
Scope
This policy applies to schools, programs, departments, clubs and organizations, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external organizations, collectively referred to as “Requesters.”
Definitions
Brand Guidelines: Parameters and rules regarding the use of logos, brand colors and the overall visual identity.
Preferred Vendors: Manufacturers approved to create products. Preferred Vendors must demonstrate commitment to fair labor standards and corporate responsibility practices.
Marks: Any mark, logo, insignia, seal, crest, design, symbol or any combination of these that have come to be associated with the University, but not limited to those registered marks.
While the following are not official Marks, they are considered “Brand Assets” and fall under the purview of this policy: depictions of the university’s mascot, Gnarls, art collection pieces, posters, Marketing & Communication materials, digital assets, and custom graphics which incorporate the New School name or logo, reproductions of student, staff, faculty, and alumni-produced artwork which incorporate the New School name or logo.
Responsibilities
Marketing & Communications: Manages Brand Guidelines; creation of all logo Marks and most Brand Assets
Office of the General Counsel: Manages all Marks
Requesters: Responsible purchasing
Retail & Merchandise: Policy owner; manages relationships with Preferred Vendors; approval of artwork; approval of non-standard merchandise requests; facilitates order fulfillment
Policy
All purchases of branded or custom merchandise that utilizes Marks or Brand Assets must be made through The New Store, a division of Business and Resource Services. Requests will be evaluated by The New Store in conjunction with Marketing & Communications and the Office of the General Counsel as needed.
Official Marks may only be used within the New School’s Brand Guidelines (e.g. font, colors) and orders must be fulfilled by Preferred Vendors, where possible. Marks cannot be used in any manner that suggests or implies the endorsement, approval, or sponsorship by the University or any of any products, activities, services, projects, points of view, or endeavors of any other organization without the prior written consent of the above stated departments.
Departments must use an approved and allocated budget on merchandise orders. University funds may not be used to purchase merchandise that does not comply with this policy or other University Policies, such as The New School's Trademark Policy, Business Expense Policy, Conflicts of Interest Policy, and Intellectual Property Rights Policy. In such cases, the University reserves the right to cancel unauthorized orders and restrict future discretionary funding.
Procedure
See Guidelines for Branded Merchandise.
Policy Administration
Responsible University Official: Lisa Bonner
Responsible Office: Retail & Merchandise
Contact Information: thenewstoresupport@newschool.edu
Policy History
Effective Date: November 4, 2024
Last Reviewed Date: November 4, 2024
Next Review Date: November 4, 2029
Revision History: N/A