Our official logos are the visual cornerstone of American River College's brand. Acting as a signature, an identifier, and a stamp of quality, they represent us at the very highest level. To maintain a clear and cohesive identity, please follow the standards outlined below.
Please note: All logos on this page have been federally trademarked by Los Rios Community College District for American River College and ARC Beaver Athletics use only; no outside entities are permitted to use without express written consent from ARC's Public Information Services Office (pioa@arc.losrios.edu).
Our Identity
American River College's main logo visually references the widely recognized and magnificent oaks native to campus and the surrounding area.
Official Logo
The logo functions as the primary identifying element of the college and is to be used on materials related to college business, official signage, or official merchandise.
Logo Composition
The logo is comprised of both a graphic element (the tree) and a wordmark (the text). These elements should always be used together.
Download Horizontal Logo Package (2.7MB)
Download Stacked Logo Package (2.7MB)
Download Symbol Logo Package (3.2MB)
Los Rios and ARC Logos: Side-by-Side Lockups
American River College is a member of the Los Rios Community College District. Logo lockups are available in two orientations to ensure wide implementation in a variety of end uses and dimensions.
College Seal
The purpose of the college seal is to authenticate the official actions of the college’s president, and it is usually accompanied by the president’s signature.
The seal is only used in formal and official documents as described below. It is not intended for promotional purposes. Permission from the Public Information Office or President’s Office is required for use of the college seal.
Allowable uses for the College Seal include: commencement program, diplomas, certificates, transcripts, legal documents, and official records.
The College Seal authenticates official college actions. Please contact pioa@arc.losrios.edu for permission to use the seal and, if approved, the files will be sent to you.
Athletic Logo
American River College's athletics logo uses interlocking initials to represent American River. The athletics logo functions as a secondary identifying element of the college and is to be used as such for college departments and functions related to athletics and merchandising. Please contact pioa@arc.losrios.edu for permission to use for licensing purposes.
The athletic logo is reserved for official use by the Athletics department and the Bookstore. As result, the Public Information Office must first review and approve all athletic logo use requests.
Logo Usage Guidelines
Clear Space
It is crucial to protect the space around the logo in order to retain its integrity and impact. The minimum clear space must be used and maintained throughout all college materials. Use the height of the tree when measuring for the proper clear space. This measuring tool is always in relation to the size of the logo on the page.
Color
Downloaded logo packages contain full-color, black, and/or white versions. These color guidelines should be followed:
- Make sure there is enough contrast for the white logo on a color background
- CMYK color logos are for print use (for example: printed flyers or posters)
- RGB color logos are for screen use (for example: email, web, or video)
See our color guide for official color values.
Logo Misuse
The logo must be used with consistency in order to keep brand continuity and visual impact. Here are some examples of how not to use the logo.
Don't use an old version of the logo.
Don't stretch or distort the logo.
Don't use a low-resolution logo.
Don't enlarge only one part of the logo.
Don't use an unapproved color for the logo.
Don't alter the logo's typeface.
Center Logos
Center logos combine the ARC tree logo with the center name. They provide brand consistency and are available by request. A logo package will be provided for print and web use.
Submit a Marketing and Website Support Request to get an off-campus center logo.
Secondary Logos
To properly present your department, area, or program at American River College, it is important to maintain consistency with the college's branding. Secondary logos are an excellent way to visually communicate the relationship between the college and your area.
Custom department/area/program logos combine the stand-alone ARC tree symbol with the area or program name above the text "American River College." They provide brand consistency and are available by request. Brands can be printed in full color, black, or white (reversed). For assistance in creating a secondary logo, please complete a Graphic Design Request via the Marketing and Website Support Request Form.
Which College Entities Are Allowed To Use These Secondary Logos?
The following entities are permitted and should use the official secondary logo:
- Educational centers
- Academic departments/divisions
- College libraries
- Student support services
- Instructional support services
Specialty Logos
Official college logos—including side-by-side lockups and approved secondary logos—are designed to maintain a clear, consistent, and recognizable American River College brand. The creation of numerous unique logos weakens brand recognition, reduces effectiveness, and can create confusion for students and the community. For these reasons, additional logos are strongly discouraged and approved only in limited circumstances.
Are There Any Exceptions?
A limited number of college departments or programs may require a specialty logo due to specific functional or programmatic needs. Approved exceptions may include affinity programs, student life initiatives, or programs with established trademarked identities (such as MESA or NextUp).
All specialty logos must clearly connect to American River College and are subject to review and approval by the Public Information Office prior to use. Requests can be submitted to pioa@arc.losrios.edu.
If You Have an Approved Specialty Logo
- The specialty logo may be used on its own for internal campus communications.
- For all external marketing and communications, the specialty logo must appear alongside the official college logo.
- Once approved, the specialty logo must be retained for a minimum of three years to support brand continuity and integrity.
Please note: A small number of specialty logos were legacied in prior to the implementation of these guidelines on March 1, 2026.
How Else Can I Promote My Program, Service, or Event?
The college and district offer a wide range of marketing and promotional support options that do not require the creation of a specialty logo. Departments are encouraged to submit a Marketing and Website Support Request Form to explore available resources, including graphic design, event promotion, and web services, all provided at no cost by the Los Rios Marketing and Communications team.
Need Help?
If you are unsure as to whether your desired use of the college logo is allowable, please email the Public Information Services Office or call (916) 608-6993.