brand-guidelines

name	brand-guidelines
description	Applies UNH CCOM/JHC official brand colors, typography, naming conventions, and editorial style to documentation and artifacts. Use when writing or updating project documentation, README files, web content, presentations, or any material that should reflect the Center's institutional identity.

UNH CCOM/JHC Brand Styling

Overview

This skill provides the official brand identity and editorial standards for the Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping / Joint Hydrographic Center (CCOM/JHC) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH). Apply these guidelines when creating or updating documentation, web content, presentations, or any project artifacts.

Keywords: branding, CCOM, JHC, UNH, visual identity, editorial style, brand colors, typography, documentation styling, ocean mapping

Naming Conventions

Official Names

Context	Usage
First reference	Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping / Joint Hydrographic Center (CCOM/JHC) at the University of New Hampshire (UNH)
Subsequent references	CCOM/JHC, or "the Center"
Component names	CCOM (mapping focus), JHC (hydrographic focus)
Parent institution	University of New Hampshire (UNH)
School	School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering
College	College of Engineering and Physical Sciences (CEPS)

Naming Rules

• Always use the full name on first reference in any document, followed by the abbreviation in parentheses.
• Use "the Center" (capitalized) as shorthand in running text after the first reference.
• The slash in "CCOM/JHC" has spaces around it in the full name but not in the abbreviation.
• Describe as "a national center of expertise in ocean mapping and hydrographic sciences."
• Reference the NOAA partnership: "a partnership between the University of New Hampshire and NOAA."

Brand Guidelines

Colors

UNH Institutional Colors:

Color	Hex	Usage
UNH Blue	#003594	Primary brand color, headings, navigation
UNH Dark Navy	#001D52	Dark backgrounds, emphasis
White	#FFFFFF	Text on dark backgrounds, page backgrounds

CCOM/JHC Accent Colors (Ocean/Coastal Palette):

Color	Hex	Usage
Ocean Blue	#4A90D9	Links, interactive elements, accents
Coastal Teal	#2E8B8B	Secondary accent, data visualization
Deep Sea	#1B4F72	Subtle backgrounds, secondary headings
Sand	#C2B280	Warm accents, highlights
Seafoam	#A8D8D8	Light backgrounds, info boxes

Typography

• Headings: System sans-serif stack -- Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif
• Body Text: System serif stack -- Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif
• Code/Technical: Monospace stack -- "Courier New", Courier, monospace
• Note: UNH's logo wordmark uses Glypha Bold, which is reserved for official logo artwork only -- never recreate it with fonts.

Logo Usage

• The CCOM/JHC logo and UNH Shield must never be altered, redrawn, or recreated.
• Maintain clear space equal to the height of "NH" in the UNH shield on all sides.
• The UNH Shield requires the registered trademark symbol.
• The University Seal is reserved for diplomas and designated official documents only.

Editorial Standards

Style Guide

CCOM/JHC follows AP Stylebook with UNH-specific exceptions:

Rule	Standard
Serial/Oxford comma	Permitted for clarity
Em dashes	With spaces: -- (not --- or —)
Numbers	Spell out one through nine; numerals for 10+
Times	Lowercase with periods: 3:30 p.m.
Months with dates	With a specific date, abbreviate Jan., Feb., Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.; spell out March, April, May, June, July. Spell out all months when they stand alone.
Phone numbers	(603) 862-XXXX format
Websites	Omit "www" prefix; lowercase "website," "web," "internet"
Degrees	Lowercase generic: bachelor's, master's, doctorate
"Dr." title	Only for licensed medical professionals, not PhDs
Singular "they"	Accepted

Tone of Voice

• Professional and academic -- formal without being stiff
• Research-forward -- lead with capabilities and achievements, not promotional language
• Factual and accomplishment-oriented -- demonstrate expertise through what has been done
• Accessible -- technical when describing research, but provide context for non-specialists
• Third person -- use "the Center" or "CCOM/JHC," not "we" in formal documentation
• Collaborative -- emphasize partnerships with NOAA, agencies, universities, and industry
• Educational -- "train the next generation" is a recurring theme

Writing Patterns

• Emphasize the dual mission: developing ocean mapping tools and training the next generation of hydrographers.
• Position within institutional hierarchy when relevant: "a key component of UNH's School of Marine Science and Ocean Engineering."
• Research areas in navigation/headings may be capitalized (Autonomous Systems, Data Visualization); use lowercase in running text.
• Define technical terms on first use for general audiences (e.g., "hydrography -- the science of measuring and describing the physical features of bodies of water").

Mission Statement

Use when a mission reference is needed:

To develop tools to advance ocean mapping and hydrography, and to train the next generation of hydrographers and ocean mappers.

Institutional Details

Detail	Value
Founded	1999
Location	Chase Ocean Engineering Lab, Durham, NH
Phone	[phone]
Email	[e-mail]
Website	ccom.unh.edu
IHO Recognition	Category A (highest level)

Application Rules

When applying brand styling to documents or artifacts:

1. Colors: Use UNH Blue (#003594) for primary headings and emphasis. Use accent colors for data visualization, diagrams, and supporting elements.
2. Text hierarchy: Headings in sans-serif (bold), body in serif, code in monospace.
3. First reference: Always expand "CCOM/JHC" on first use, then abbreviate.
4. Tone check: Ensure content is professional, third-person, research-forward, and accessible.
5. Style compliance: Apply AP Stylebook rules with UNH exceptions listed above.
6. Dual mission: When describing the Center's purpose, include both the tools/research and education/training aspects.