Donor Recognition Signage

Plaques include any ornamental or engraved flat or low relief plate, slab or disc that can be affixed to a base, indoor or outdoor building surface or other object.

Please refer to section 775.12 of the SUNY Cortland Handbook for details about plaque policy.

Policy administration

All requests for plaques for SUNY Cortland, including the location of and designs for all plaques throughout the university, will be reviewed. The scope of considerations shall include exterior and interior permanent, commemorative and decorative works of art such as memorials, class gifts and sculptures.

Records

A list of all official designations and locations of plaques shall be maintained in the Vice President for Institutional Advancement Office.

Procedures

Proposals for plaques

Proposals may be made by departments, alumni classes, “Friends” groups or any group, organization or individual from within or outside the university.

Submission of proposals

Proposals must first be submitted to the appropriate dean, director or department supervisor, who may then recommend it to the vice president for institutional advancement for review. If approved, the vice president shall forward proposals to the Facilities Planning, Design and Construction Office.

Funding source

The source of funding must be identified as part of the proposal. 

Plaque standards

Building or space (interior)

• Cast bronze plaque
• 16”w x 16”h
• Borderless
• Concealed fasteners
• Dark oxide background
• Raised copy - Brushed Helvetica, upper and lower case
• Content
  • Formal name
  • AKA: optional in quotations
  • Statement: maximum 50 words
  • Date donated: upper and lower case 

For smaller spaces such as labs, classrooms, conference rooms, etc., a 10" x 10" cast bronze plaque with the same standards will be used.

Object (interior only)

• Cast bronze plaque
• 14”w x 9”h
• Borderless
• Concealed fasteners
• Dark oxide background
• Raised copy - Brushed Helvetica, upper and lower case
• Leatherette finish
• Content
  • Formal name
  • AKA: optional in quotations
  • Statement: maximum 50 words
  • Date donated: upper and lower case 

Object (interior or exterior)

• Cast bronze plaque
• 18”w x 12”h
• Single-line border (raised)
• Concealed fasteners
• Dark oxide background
• Raised copy - Brushed Times, upper and lower case
• Content
  
  • Formal name
  • AKA: optional in quotations
  • Statement: maximum 25 words
  • Date donated: upper and lower case

Building or space (exterior only)

• Cast bronze plaque
• One of SUNY Cortland's main graphic identifiers, such as the primary university logo, primary athletics logo or university seal
• 18”w x 18”h
• No edge treatment
• Straight-cut edges
• Copy cut into granite
• Classic style chisel cut
• Clear chromalight sealer inside letters
• Content
  
  • Formal name
  • AKA: optional in quotations
  • Statement: maximum 25 words
  • Date donated: upper and lower case

Standard item plaque (interior only)

•   Screen printed
•   5”h x 7”w x 3/8” thick flat back
•   Plaque mounted to cherry wood

Other examples

16"w x 11"h cast bronze plaque

9"w x 7"h cast bronze plaque

For this size plaque, lettering must be all capital letters.