Welcome to FHSU Professional & Continuing Education Brand Guidelines
Our brand reflects our dual mission, serving Western Kansas and beyond while embracing innovative educational approaches. Our Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) division exemplifies our commitment to flexible, future-focused learning. Use this guide to articulate the unique value and vision of FHSU PCE—accessible education that transforms lives, strengthens our communities, and meets the evolving demands of the modern workforce.
01 The Brand
Defining PCE
Fort Hays State University’s Professional & Continuing Education is a driving force for empowering lifelong learners through flexible, market-responsive programs.
Professional & Continuing Education (PCE) at Fort Hays State University is a dynamic division that bridges campus and career. PCE offers a range of programs designed to empower learners to upskill and reskill at various stages of their personal and professional journeys. Our unique value lies in our ability to adapt swiftly to changing needs while maintaining the academic quality for which FHSU is known.
At its core, PCE serves as a catalyst for growth within the university and the wider community. By offering microcredentials, certificates, and tailored professional skill development programs (including customized training programs to meet partner organizations’ needs), PCE helps learners acquire specific, in-demand skills quickly and efficiently. Aligning these opportunities for personal development with industry needs triggers a ripple effect of success: advancing careers, closing skill gaps, and propelling economic progress regionally and beyond.
Brand
In all communications, illustrate how FHSU PCE programs create an interconnected environment for growth, demonstrating the real-world impact of professional development.
Vision & Mission
FHSU Professional & Continuing Education’s primary outlook is to be the premier provider of transformative continuing education and professional learning through our innovative programs. Our mission is to deliver accessible, high-quality learning experiences that nurture individual growth and professional excellence in a dynamic world.
Strategy
Our strategy centers on five key pillars:
• To develop cutting-edge programs that address emerging workforce training needs
• To provide flexible opportunities that accommodate diverse schedules and career stages
• To foster partnerships with industry leaders and campus and community partners to ensure impact
• To equip learners with knowledge and necessary skills for long-term success
• To provide credentials that validate learning and serve as a record of skill attainment
Brand Values
At FHSU Professional & Continuing Education, these values are not just words—they’re the principles that shape our programs and define our interactions with learners and partners.
Leadership
We pioneer innovative approaches to education.
Collaboration
We foster partnerships that meet partners’ needs
Passion
We’re driven by a contagious enthusiasm for learning.
Diversity
We celebrate the rich perspectives of our learners.
Tone of Voice
Inspirational
We motivate learners to reach their full potential with encouraging language.
Knowledgeable
We demonstrate expertise in our field with valuable insights and guidance.
Approachable
Our communication is welcoming, making education feel accessible to all.
Forward-Thinking
We use language that reflects our innovative approach and openness.
When crafting communications, balance these elements to reflect a voice that is distinctly FHSU PCE: knowledgeable yet approachable, confident yet humble, professional yet enthusiastic about the transformative power of education.
Inclusive
Our language embraces diversity and makes everyone feel respected.
Confident
We speak with assurance about our programs and their impact.
Clear
We explain concepts in straightforward and easy-to-understand terms.
Enthusiastic
Our passion for learning shines through in our positive communication.
Professional
While friendly, our professionalism reflects the quality of our programs.
Authentic
We communicate honestly and transparently to build trust with our audience.
02 Logos
Logos
Do not strech or remove elements. Also don’t apply any stroke. Always use a vector format or SVG when possible.
Size
Print: 10mm height
Digital: 30px height
Minimum
Logos Safezone
To ensure the logo remains within its safe zone, maintain a margin of one character’s width around it.
Logos
Use the logo primarily in black and yellow. White may be used if needed for clarity or contrast.
Ensure the primary colors—yellow and black—are dominant in the design elements, always taking precedence over the secondary colors.
Yellow Black
#FDB913
#000000
Secondary Colors
Use secondary colors to create contrast and visual interest in the design, but ensure they remain secondary to the primary colors in terms of priority.
Blue White
#253C78 #FEFFFE
Color Usage
Below is a guide outlining the recommended prioritization and usage of colors relative to one another.
Yellow Black
Blue White
#FDB913
#000000
#253C78 #FEFFFE
05 Graphic Elements
Brand Elements
The bookmarks serve to illustrate the hierarchy of courses and also function as a key branding element.
Photography
Opt for candid, natural photos and avoid posed shots or unnatural color schemes.
Icon Set
Choose fine line icons for a clean and streamlined look. Avoid overly complex, rounded, or three-dimensional icons.
06 Badges
Badges Hierarchy
Below is the badge hierarchy system that categorizes the courses.
Badge Design
Competency Level Icon
Below is the badge structure design. All new badges should adhere to this same format.
Course
FHSU Logo
Foundational Badges
Below, you’ll find the foundational level badges offered by FHSU.
Intermediate Badges
Below, you’ll find the intermediate level badges offered by FHSU.
Advanced Badges
Below, you’ll find the advanced level badges offered by FHSU.
Digital Certificate Badge
Below, you’ll find the digital certificate level badges offered by FHSU.
The addition of blue to the badge signifies that this is a credit-bearing certificate.
Robbins Banking Institute
07 Applications
Social Media
Below is an example of the logo grid and safe zone guidelines for use on social media profile images.
Application grid
Fort Hays State University
Social Media
Below are examples of social media designs incorporating FHSU’s brand elements.
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University
Fort Hays State University
Website
Below are examples of user interfaces incorporating FHSU’s brand elements.
Website
Below are examples of user interfaces incorporating FHSU’s brand elements.
Below are examples of letterheads and related letter designs.
Application
Below are poster designs that utilize the bookmark hierarchy to differentiate between designs and courses.
Application
Below is an example of branding applications on a billboard.
Thank You
Thank you for taking the time to explore and understand the FHSU Professional & Continuing Education brand guidelines. Your commitment to maintaining our brand integrity is integral to our mission to provide transformative, accessible educational experiences. Our brand reflects the promise we make to our learners. Every interaction is an opportunity to bring this promise to life. We encourage revisiting these guidelines often. Together, we ensure that the FHSU PCE brand inspires and empowers learners to upskill, reskill, and thrive in an ever-changing world.
Thank you for joining us as we champion lifelong learning.
