After drawing a wide-range of criticism from students and critics over their new logo, University of California officials announced that the new design will remain suspended until they look into the concerns raised by many.
Daniel M. Dooley, senior vice president for external relations at the University of California Office of the President, made this announcement in a statement.
He also expressed his belief that the design, which is in the middle of the brewing controversy "would win wide acceptance over time."
"The controversy has been fueled in large part by an unfortunate and false narrative, which framed the matter as an either-or choice between a venerated UC seal and a newly designed monogram," Dooley said in a release.
Meanwhile, he noted that its new visual identity racked up praises from accomplished design experts not affiliated with the university.
"Since it debuted in the past year, this new "look" has served the UC system well, replacing what was a clutter of dated materials that varied from UCOP department to department. And it has received praise from an array of accomplished design experts not affiliated with the university," he said.
He also said that the university respects the response of the students on the new logo. "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," he added.
"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," Dooley announced.
The university's move to change its brand identity was not received well by many of the students and critics. It also provoked taunts against the university over re-designing its prestigious logo.
The new logo has a fading "C" resting inside a big "U" in a myriad of colors. Some found it way too corporate in design.
However, the university continued to draw flak, despite confirming that the century-old seal of the university will not be replaced with the new monogram. "The graphic element in question was never intended to replace the official seal that still graces diplomas and other appropriate documents. Rather, it was to provide a graphic cue to distinguish systemwide communications materials from those of individual campuses," Dooley said.
