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This resource is designed to help NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education (NCSCaLE) stakeholders communicate consistently and confidently about who we are, what we do, and why it matters. Whether you’re creating a presentation, drafting an email, or talking with a partner, you’ll find guidance and tools to support your work here.
Brand Support
We’re here to help. These materials are intended for official NCSCaLE communications. If you have questions or want support from the Marketing and Communications Team:
- Email us at ncscale_brand@ncsu.edu
- Complete this support request form, or
- Attend a future Brand Workshop: Save the date for April 9, 2026 (check back for more information)
You’ll also see that we use the NCSCaLE abbreviation in these materials. This abbreviation should only be used internally within the division to refer to ourselves. This abbreviation should not be used publicly.
Who We Are
A positioning statement is a clear, concise way to show how an organization wants to be seen and what makes it unique. Here’s ours:
NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is the gateway to lifelong learning at NC State University — providing programs, services, conference facilities and community initiatives that empower individuals, organizations and communities throughout their lifelong learning journey.
Really simply put, when someone asks what our division does, you can say:
We help people and organizations keep learning, adapting and leading — at every stage of life.
What Sets Us Apart
Our value lies in creating learning experiences that truly make a difference. With proven expertise, flexible programs, and a focus on community and innovation, here’s what sets us apart:
| We Provide | What it Means |
|---|---|
| Proven Excellence | 100+ years of impact through programs taught by leading experts. |
| Accessible Pathways | Flexible delivery and a commitment to serving all North Carolinians. |
| Industry Aligned | Practical, applicable learning that meets workforce needs. |
| Community Centered | Connecting individuals, organizations and communities across NC. |
| Innovative Approach | Pioneering new models for lifelong learning. |
For detailed messaging, elevator pitches and audience-specific language, see the full Brand Messaging Guidelines.
Writing Guidelines
Clear, consistent writing strengthens our brand. Follow these guidelines to ensure professionalism and alignment with NC State and NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education standards. More can be found on the NC State Brand Site.
Voice and Tone
As part of NC State, we reflect the university’s voice — one that is inventive, driven, collaborative, supportive and confident.
We communicate with clarity, conviction and purpose. We simplify the complex. We highlight real outcomes and real-world impact. And we always speak in ways that match the practical, learner-focused work we do.
Our tone adjusts based on the audience, but our voice remains consistent: bold, clear and grounded in NC State’s mission.
Editorial Style Essentials
Using Our Division Name:
- Use the full name — NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education — on first reference to our division, and always in external communications. No abbreviations should be used in external communications.
- When “NC State” appears nearby, “Continuing and Lifelong Education” used alone is acceptable.
- The division name should always be used in conjunction with the department name. The goal is to help people understand that each of our departments (OLLI, OPD, MCTC, the Print Shop, etc. is part of the broader NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education division.
Example: The Office of Professional Development, part of the NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education, offers many programs and courses. - NCSCaLE (the abbreviation) is only acceptable in internal or informal communications. Even when using the abbreviation, spell out the full name of the division first, with the acronym in parentheses.
Example: NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education (NCSCaLE) is a great place to work. NCSCaLE has lots of resources for employees.
Unit Names:
- OLLI:
Use “Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State University” on first reference; “OLLI” or “OLLI at NC State” thereafter. This designation is required by our contractual relationships with the national organization.
General Style Guidelines:
- Follow NC State Editorial Style Guidelines, which are based on AP Style.
- Use title case (uppercase letters) for our unit name; use lowercase when referring to the general concept of continuing and lifelong education. Example: NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education is dedicated to providing continuing and lifelong education for all learners.
Visual Identity
We follow NC State’s approved color, typography, imagery and design conventions. You’ll find details on the NC State Brand Site.
Logo Downloads
Use these approved logos and marks in your materials. Do not alter the files or use them in ways that are inconsistent with the brand standards. A couple of reminders:
- Only use logos on official NC State communications
- Units may not create their own logos
- The NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education lockup should be used on all public-facing communications. You may also opt to include your department or unit lockup, in addition to the NCSCaLE logo, depending on the audience. You should not create a new mashup of the two logos. Instead, you can place each logo separately within the communication. (If you have questions on appropriate use, contact the Marketing and Communications team.)
- You may use two logos (or more) on a communication if necessary, as long as brand guidelines are followed.
Not seeing the logo you need? Contact ncscale_brand@ncsu.edu.
When to use a specific file type for logos:
The logo files are organized into folders for Print and Digital usage.
Print logo files should be used for items intended for printing. These may include posters, flyers, booklets, swag materials, and more. These file types tend to be .eps, but may include other file formats.
Digital logo files are best for use in PowerPoint presentations, digital PDFs, websites, and more. Digital file types are best for anything NOT printed. Digital files are generally .jpg or .png.
If the specific file type you need is not available, please contact the Marketing and Communications team.
Brand Architecture
The units within NCSCaLE have different requirements for logo usage based on where they fall in the university brand architecture.
- NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education – Core Brand
- Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State – Extended Brand
- McKimmon Conference and Training Center – Extended Brand
- Office of Professional Development – Core Brand
- The Print Shop – Core Brand
- Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council – Extended Brand
- The Collaborative – Extended Brand
- Center for Urban Affairs and Community Services – Core Brand
How to Use Logos
This section clarifies how to use logos across NCSCaLE subbrands, ensuring:
- Brand consistency across the university
- Compliance with external partnership requirements
- Clarity for real-world audiences and use cases
- Appropriate use of judgment
Core Guiding Principle
Design for clarity first, compliance second when necessary. Brand standards should be followed, but not at the expense of:
- Audience understanding
- Readability
- Usability in real-world formats
If strict application of a logo creates clutter, confusion or reduces effectiveness, use informed judgment to simplify while preserving brand intent.
Core Brand – Logo Guide
- NCSCaLE branding and logo leads
- Unit name supports hierarchy
- Avoid overcomplicating with multiple competing marks
Extended Brand – Logo Guide
- Subbrand identity must be present
- NCSCaLE affiliation should be clear unless there is a strong policy or other reason to not include the NCSCaLE affiliation designation or logo
Special Brand and Logo Guidance by Unit
OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at NC State)
External foundation requirements apply. We must refer to OLLI as OLLI at NC State and NOT OLLI at NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education. This is a contractual obligation.
Required:
- OLLI logo
- NC State logo (per approved lockup system)
Optional:
- NCSCaLE identifier only when space and audience clarity justify it. Try to put NCSCaLE identifier in written text versus logo form.
Important:
- Any additional NCSCaLE branding added to OLLI materials must be approved by the Osher Foundation prior to publication.
UCPLC (Upper Coastal Plain Learning Council)
No external legal branding restrictions.
Preferred:
- UCPLC logo + NCSCaLE logo
Fallback (when space is limited):
- UCPLC logo + NC State logo only
Non-negotiable:
- UCPLC must always appear with some NC State identity
Principle:
- Maintain institutional affiliation clarity in all use cases.
The Collaborative (NCSCaLE + ECU Partnership)
Current state:
- Joint venture with East Carolina University
- No finalized co-brand standards with ECU yet
- Shared branding standards are under development
Interim approved approach:
- Use The Collaborative logo alone
Why:
- Avoids visually favoring one institution over the other
- Prevents premature or incomplete co-branding structure
- Ensures equitable representation during the transitional phase
Required supporting language:
“The Collaborative is a joint initiative of NC State University and East Carolina University (ECU), administered through NC State Continuing and Lifelong Education.”
Future state:
- Co-brand system will be updated once formal ECU agreement is established
McKimmon Conference and Training Center
Default:
- Use McKimmon Conference and Training Center branding and logo system as the default
In most all applications, use the McKimmon Conference and Training Center branding. This may be the opposite of what was previously shared, but we have consulted with University Communications and are moving away from using “Jane S.” except for in formal or highly official communications. This decision reflects established NC State naming conventions (e.g., commonly used facility names in public-facing communications like Hunt Library), supports clarity and recognition for external audiences, and reduces unnecessary complexity in everyday usage. It also aligns with a people-first communications approach that prioritizes accessibility, consistency, and ease of application across audiences. In most all applications, use the McKimmon Conference and Training Center branding.
Use the McKimmon Conference and Training Center Logo as the default for all materials. If possible, in the written communications, you may include the Jane S. McKimmon Conference and Training Center reference in the text, but it is not required.
For very formal events – such as a graduation, or reception – or for very official university communications, we may choose to use the Jane S. McKimmon logo and full name.
Creative Assets
Download templates and other resources to help you bring our brand to life — consistently, easily and creatively.
Downloadable Fonts
Roboto, Roboto Condensed and Roboto Slab are open-source fonts developed by Google. They require no license for use. They are free to download and use on projects of any nature, for any period of time.
Templates
Photography and Video Resources
Use approved imagery and video elements to enhance your messaging while maintaining consistency. Below are some pre-selected images and galleries to help you choose your photos.
Meet Your Division Brand Ambassadors
Division Brand Ambassadors are the connectors and champions of the division’s brand. They help translate the brand into everyday practice by modeling brand values, sharing key messages, providing feedback from their units and supporting consistent, clear communication across teams. In short: they help make the brand real, understood and lived—inside and outside the division. Feel free to reach out to them if you have questions or need support in implementing the brand.
| Sandy Slezak | Lindsey Hale |
| Rob Chapman | Chris Heggie |
| Ryan Savin | Chris Starbird |
| Hilen Flores | Sophia Crudup |
| Lucas Sherry |