Guidelines For Using Name and Shield

Correct Name

  • Harvard Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
  • Harvard's Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology
  • Harvard OEB

Correct Abbreviations

  • OEB (public documents when context is obvious or implied)
  • OEB (internal documents)
  • Harvard OEB

Affiliations

For the purpose of publications, biographies, name tags, etc. the preferred protocol is to use the full name, Harvard Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, rather than simply Harvard University. The Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University is also acceptable.

We acknowledge that faculty, students, and researchers are also members of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and of Harvard University.

Examples:

Jane Brown, Alexander Agassiz Professor of Zoology, Harvard Department of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology 

John Doe, Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology, Director of the Harvard Forest, Harvard University

Use-of-Name Policies

The Harvard Trademark Program administers Harvard University’s Use-of-Name policies and guidelines, which govern the manner in which Harvard schools, departments, units, and the wider Harvard community may use the Harvard name through representations that are appropriate, accurate, and in accord with the following applicable policies: The Use of Harvard Names and Insignias, Electronic Contexts, Endorsement Guidelines, Harvard’s Name and Alcoholic Beverages and, as it relates to the use of the “Harvard” name, Principles Governing Commercial Activities.

In its commitment to make certain that all uses of the Harvard name by the Harvard community are in accord with the above referenced policies, the Trademark Program works closely with representatives from Harvard’s schools, departments, and units to address issues pertaining to the policies.

All inquiries about the Use-of-Name policies or any other “name-related” matters should be directed to the Trademark Program; in some cases, the review process may involve consultation with relevant administrators from Harvard Schools, departments and units.

Please contact the Communications Specialist if you have any questions related to the use of the OEB name or identity.

To access the various policies related to the use of Harvard's name click here.

Use of Name Policies for Affiliated Student Groups

As per the Trademark Office, all student organizations associated with OEB must clearly identify their affiliations in printed and electronic publications, including websites, and do so in light of the following guidelines:

Publications

A student organization should visibly display its affiliation with a school on the front page of any publication it is producing by stating that it is “a student-run publication at [your school’s name],” (or something along these lines).  And, on its copyright page (or relevant section), the publication must also state: “The [your school’s] name and/or shield are trademarks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used by permission of Harvard University."

Websites

As is the case with publications, a student organization should visibly display its affiliation with the school by stating that it is “a student-run organization at [your school’s name]” or “an officially recognized student-run organization of [your school’s name]” (or something similar to these). This identity tagline needs to be placed in a prominent location on the main page of the website (typically in conjunction with the student organization’s name) and in a font size comparable to other fonts being used on the website. In addition, the website’s main page should also state: “The [your school’s] name and/or shield are trademarks of the President and Fellows of Harvard College and are used by permission of Harvard University.”