The Masthead

Owned by Melissa Chavira
Last updated: Jun 14, 2023
2 min read

All New Mexico State University websites and digital products should include a masthead. There are several components that make up a masthead:

  1. The Global Navigation - The global navigation is a page element that is required for all NMSU websites. It includes important links and the dropdown search field.

  2. NMSU logo

  3. Website Name - The “Website Name” should not be the identity or logo of a school or college, department, or unit. You have the option to customize what is presented above your site name such as including the name of the university or creating a hierarchy with listing the reporting department or college.

  4. Call-to-action buttons - You can include optional buttons to highlight important actions you want your audience to take.

  5. Navigation Bar

Page elements that make up the Masthead. The top example — shows a collapsed global navigation.
The bottom example— shows the expanded global navigation with University-wide links and search bar.

The masthead is part of a branding strategy Marketing and Communications maintains to identify all NMSU System digital products. This strategy ensures a consistent identity across all NMSU digital and/or web products. Following the recommended guidelines for the masthead will support the branding strategy and strengthen the University's online presence and overall brand recognition.

For proper use and specifications, see Logos and Website Titles, which explains acceptable color variations, correct viewport presentation for website and mobile, downloadable generic vector-based informal signature logos, and design specifications.

To download the official New Mexico State University logos for non-digital content, please visit the Official University Logo resource page on the Brand Website.