University of North Georgia Athletics

• Nighthawk Athletics CLC Art Sheet (Logo Variations)
• Nighthawk Athletics Branding Historical Timeline
• UNG Institutional Brand Identity Guide



The University of North Georgia and Nighthawk Athletics benefits from the public recognition of its name, symbols, logos and other identifying marks giving UNG a unifying image that distinguishes its programs from other universities. North Georgia has a responsibility to protect the use of its trademarked logos and identifying marks to ensure the quality and consistency matches the University. All royalties from the licensing program benefit the University to support the department's overall strategic mission. All vendors using any of the trademarked logos or wordmarks that represent UNG Nighthawk athletics must be licensed.

All uses, print or electronic, must be approved by the athletics department prior to application. Questions and approvals can be directed to Lee Glenn, Senior Associate Athletic Director/Chief Communications Officer at lee.glenn@ung.edu.

Trademarks & Licensing
A University of North Georgia athletics trademark is any mark, monogram, logo or derivative that can be associated with UNG and can be distinguished from those of other institutions or entities. North Georgia trademarks are the property of UNG, and their unauthorized use is prohibited. Headquartered in Atlanta, Collegiate Licensing Company (CLC) assists collegiate institutions in protecting, marketing and managing their brands through a customized, strategic approach focused on each individual client. CLC and UNG reviews all brand applications for a number of variables, including whether the product meets the goals, strategy and need of the licensing program. The university, in cooperation with CLC, manages the enforcement of our trademark rights.

CLC offers two primary licenses - internal and retail. To become a licensed vendor, click here.
 
The Internal License allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of North Georgia and related entities for internal consumption only. An Internal Licensee is not permitted to sell product(s) to retailers, directly to consumers or to any entity unrelated to UNG. All production of art from internal licensees must be pre-approved in writing by UNG Athletics by submitted through CLC’s Brand Manager 360 online licensing system.
 
The Retail  License allows a company to produce products bearing the trademarks of the Institute for sale in designated retail channels and directly to consumers. This license is intended for companies that are capable of extensive production and retail distribution of their product(s) and/or are introducing a unique and commercially viable product to the collegiate market. Product artwork then must be submitted through CLC’s Brand Manager 360 online licensing system for review by North Georgia.

New Athletics Monogram, Wordmarks & Font
The new NG monogram pulls inspiration from the brand legacy of North Georgia Athletics by reverting back to the staggered letters that were used to represent athletics for the larger part of its athletics history (1970 to the late 1990's). The custom Nighthawk font and the N and G of the monogram are pulled from the typeface used in the 2013 rebrand during institutional consolidation. The center spine of the logo centrally points north and the monogram has five terminating endpoints to represent the power of five UNG campuses. Finally, the distinct state of Georgia outline is hinted in the negative space of the G. The new brand set (NG monogram, wordmarks and the custom Nighthawk font) are property of, and exclusive to, the Department of Athletics. 
 

It’s important that the logo always be used correctly. The Athletics logo set should be prominent and legible, using proper spacing and sizing. To ensure consistent use of the logo, here are some general practices to avoid. • Do not combine logos (Athletics marks & UNG institutional marks) • Do not use Gold unless it is secondary design support to the three-color hawk  • Do not use a blue NG on a dark background – single color white is preferred, two-color NG (outline in white) is allowed • Do not add thicker borders or additional subtext to the NG • Do not typeset NORTH GEORGIA or NIGHTHAWK(S). Use wordmarks in this instance. • Do not reference Lady Nighthawks • Do not reference sport gender (i.e. women's basketball), just basketball • Do not reverse out Nighthawk head

Athletics Brand Historical Timeline
• Dating back to the inception of intercollegiate athletics in 1970, stock variations of the NG letters were used on uniforms and a Saint Bernard mascot was used as a mark.
• Until the late 1990's, the staggered NGC and NG were used on athletics uniforms before variations of a stacked NG emerged in the 90's. 
• Around 1995 an initial concept of an interlocking NG began to emerge and in 1997 the three-color stacked NG was used on athletics apparel.
• During institutional consolidation in January of 2015, the blue, white and gold Nighthawk logo was introduced.
• The new brand package was rolled out in phases beginning with block and script wordmarks in 2023 with the final piece being the new staggered monogram launched in July of 2024. 
 

1970 to 1997 (27 years)	1970 to 1997 (27 years)	1997 to 2013 (16 years)	2013 to 2024 (11 years)	2024 to current