The University of California, reacting to the widespread unpopularity of the logo it recently introduced (right), is giving up.
According to a piece by Jon Brooks at KQED:
In a press release, Daniel Dooley, Senior Vice President for External Relations, says of the UC monogram that has received so much criticism over the past few days:
“(W)hile I believe the design element in question would win wide acceptance over time, it also is important that we listen to and respect what has been a significant negative response by students, alumni and other members of our community. Therefore, I have instructed the communications team to suspend further use of the monogram. For certain applications, this process could require a measure of time to complete. In due course, we will re-evaluate this element of the visual identity system. “
And so UC will return to (or rather maintain) the use of its historic seal (above) for marketing purposes. As Dooley also explains, however, it might be possible to get something useful out of this particular UC fiasco.
My hope going forward is that the passion exhibited for the traditional seal can be redirected toward a broader advocacy for the University of California. For it is only with robust support from the citizens of this state that the university will be able to serve future generations of Californians as well as it has those of the past.
California’s recent financial problems have led to dramatic declines in state funding for the system, leading to institute tuition hikes and admission of more out of state students, who pay more.
One hopes the concern over the system’s direction, and support for its traditional logo, will result in renewed support for the UC’s traditional role in the state.
We shall see. [Image via]
