Campus Signage and Environmental Graphics
Campus signage is one of the most visible expressions of Loyola’s identity. From banners and murals to window decals and wayfinding, every graphic element influences how the university is perceived by students, visitors, faculty, and staff.
To protect brand integrity, ensure aesthetic consistency, and uphold institutional credibility, all signage and environmental graphics must be reviewed and approved by the Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC) prior to design, production, or installation.
OMC will conduct periodic audits of campus signage. Outdated, off-brand, or unauthorized materials—including wall graphics, pull-up banners, window decals, and DIY signs taped to doors—may be removed without notice. Signage over three years old is subject to automatic review and may be discarded.
1. Approval Requirement
No building signage, environmental graphics, or wayfinding elements may be created or installed without prior approval from OMC.
This policy applies to, but is not limited to:
- Indoor and outdoor building signage
- Promotional banners and flags
- Vinyl wall wraps, murals, and window decals
- Permanent or semi-permanent wayfinding (used for more than two weeks)
- Event-related environmental graphics
- Branded installations involving external sponsors or partners
Departments may not contract with vendors independently. All signage projects must be routed through OMC, who will determine whether work is produced in-house or by an approved vendor.
OMC retains full authority over creative direction, production specifications, and campus coordination. While stakeholder input may be considered, final design and content decisions rest with OMC.
Projects initiated without OMC approval are subject to delay, removal, or disposal without notice. Any costs associated with damage from installation or removal of unapproved signage will be charged to the initiating department.
Vendor access for site assessment or installation will not be granted without prior OMC authorization.
2. Budget Considerations
Signage and environmental graphics are expensive. Costs typically range from $100 to $2,000+ per piece, depending on materials, size, installation method, and vendor scope.
Before submitting a request, ensure that:
- Your department has confirmed budget for design, production, and installation
- The project has been approved internally
- You are prepared to follow OMC’s production timeline and review process
3. Timeline Expectations
Signage projects require significant lead time:
- 6 weeks minimum for small-scale banners, decals, or printed graphics
- 3–6 months for multi-surface installations or exterior signage
- 6–24 months for large-scale environmental projects involving Facilities or permitting
OMC will not compress timelines for last-minute requests. Submit projects via the Project Request Form.
4. Yard Signs
Yard signs are strongly discouraged due to visual clutter, environmental impact, and their temporary nature.
They are prohibited for event promotion except under rare, pre-approved exceptions (e.g., directional wayfinding).
To qualify for approval, yard signs must:
- Serve a necessary, time-bound purpose
- Be submitted at least one week in advance
- Be installed and removed within one week (preferably same day)
- Follow brand standards and use approved vendors
Unauthorized or overdue signage will be removed without notice.
Personal, political, or non-university signs are strictly prohibited.
No yard signs are permitted in the Horseshoe or along Calhoun Street or St. Charles Avenue.
5. Banners
Banner installation is coordinated through Facilities in partnership with OMC. OMC determines placement, timing, and priority based on institutional needs.
Units must follow brand standards and exercise sound judgment. Sensitive topics (politics, crises, closures) must be coordinated with OMC in advance.
OMC retains final authority and may modify or remove banners that violate policy or conflict with institutional priorities.
6. Campus Digital Displays
This section is under development.
7. Architectural and Code-Required Signage
Room numbers, ADA signage, and life safety graphics are managed by Facilities and are outside OMC scope.
8. Flyer and Poster Placement Policy
Flyers and posters may only be displayed on designated bulletin boards.
Posting on doors, windows, walls, elevators, stairwells, bathrooms, and other surfaces is prohibited. Improperly placed materials will be removed without notice.