University Campus-Wide External and Internal Signage Policy

External Signage Overview

As stewards of the campus environment, the Office of the University Architect oversees exterior signage for the University. The University commenced a campus-wide signage replacement project in 2003. The design aesthetic is intended to unify all campus signage with an appropriate vocabulary for a premier 21st Century research and teaching institution. There are three types of public signage at the University of Pennsylvania, used for the following purposes:

Building identification signage

Helps members of the campus community find buildings and locations on campus, provides addresses for emergency response personnel, and notes the architect and the construction date of significant works of architecture.

Prototypical Building Identification Plate (PDF)

Prototypical Building Identification Blade (PDF)

Prototypical Installation (PDF)

Directional signage

Provides guides for first-time visitors to key public destinations, and identifies accessible entries to buildings that do not have accessible front doors.

Prototypical Direction Blade (PDF)

Public information signage

Indicates campus areas equipped for wireless computer communication, and alerts visitors to areas where bicycles, skateboarding, and other specific activities are prohibited.

The determination of text and symbols, inclusion in directional signage inventory, and placement of signage is the responsibility of the Office of the University Architect. The aim is to have as few signs as possible, each with clear and consistent graphics, typography, and message. The placement of signs is likewise intended to be consistent across the campus, and ordered to maximize effectiveness. Signs are placed perpendicular or parallel to building pathways and buildings, oriented for visibility. Each type of signage follows specific design guidelines. The guidelines and the University’s full exterior signage policy can be downloaded here (PDF).

Signage Request

All proposed exterior signage must be submitted to and approved by the Office of the University Architect. Prominent installations may require the additional approval of the Design Review Committee, the Cultural Resources Subcommittee and the Philadelphia Department of Licenses and Inspections. Requests for signage may be directed to the Office of the University Architect.

University Election Posters

There are approved locations for University election posters. Please follow the rules and procedures outlined in the UA election poster policy (PDF).

Temporary Event Signage

There are approximately 13 Kiosks located throughout the campus that serve for the display of temporary signage. Signs and posters attached to buildings, structures or landscape elements such as fences, trees, etc., are not permitted. Pre-approved temporary event signage may be placed in lawns. Sign content and schedule for all lawn based temporary signage must be submitted, approved and permitted by the Office of the University Architect, prior to installation and removed by the user at the end of each event. Non-compliant signage shall be removed immediately by Facilities and Real Estate Services. Tempoarary Lawn Signage policy and procedure may be downloaded here. (PDF)

Requests for temporary signage should be directed to the Office of the University Architect.

Vendor Signage

Vendor signage is subject to the regulations that govern any and all vendor presence on campus. See: University policy no: 711.

Interior Signage

Interior signage shall be in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, which encompasses the 2004 ADAAG including signage and any and all subsequent updates and revisions as enacted. See: ADA Standards Homepage.

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