What is a “Brand” Anyway?

The organizational brand is more than a logo.

North Orange Continuing Education’s (NOCE) brand is what people say, feel and think about our institution.

The brand is conveyed in everything from the visual identity (logo, colors, design treatments, etc.), to the voice and tone of our content, to the way we answer our phones, serve our students, and conduct our everyday business.

Brand Pillars & Attributes

NOCE Brand Pillars:
Who We Are

  • Empowering
  • Pathways to Opportunities
  • Celebrating Diversity
  • Dignity of Every Student
  • Accessible and Flexible
  • Leadership and Innovation

NOCE Brand Attributes:
What We Do

  • Totally Committed
  • Warm and Inviting
  • Determined
  • Enthusiastic
  • Supportive

Visual Resources

NOCE color logo
NOCE black logo
Preview of NOCE white branding logo

Primary & Alternative Logos

The logo is the default mark for the majority of applications, from digital media to printed publications to advertising.

Three different color varieties of NOCE logos are available.

View guidelines on the proper use of the NOCE logo.

Primary Typography

Lato should be used as the primary typeface for North
Orange Continuing Education. If Lato is not available, either from lack of access or technological
limitations (like on the internet), the substitute fonts that may be used include:

  • Arial
  • Calibri
  • Times New Roman
  • Times
Example of Lato font

Examples of different Lato font

Secondary Typography

Lora may be used for headlines and in other uses where
it is the primary focal point. The usage of this
typeface should be used sparingly.

Example of Lora font

Example of different Lora fonts

 

Primary Colors

NOCE’s colors of dark and light blue comprise the primary color palette. These colors, in combination with white, black, and gray, are the most prominent and widely used colors.

Color CMYK RGB HEX PANTONE
NOCE dark blue brand color
Dark Blue
100, 54, 33, 13 0, 94, 131 #005d83 634 C
NOCE light blue branding color
Light Blue
69, 11, 18, 0 58, 175, 200 #39afc7 631 C

Secondary Color

NOCE’s secondary color is yellow, which should be used to support the primary colors of dark and light blue. It can be used liberally, yet not heavy-handed, to provide a bit of variety to designed materials.

Color CMYK RGB HEX PANTONE
NOCE yellow branding color
Yellow
0, 14, 78, 0 255, 216, 86 #ffd756 121 C

Accent Colors

NOCE’s accent colors include green, orange, and dark gray. These colors should be used as supporting colors to the primary and secondary colors. They should be used sparingly to provide a bit of variety to designed materials.

Color CMYK RGB HEX PANTONE
NOCE green branding color
Green
40, 0, 81, 0 0, 54, 93, 0 #a3d55d 367 C
NOCE orange branding color
Orange
0, 54, 93, 0 250, 142, 42 #fa8d29 715 C
NOCE dark grey branding color
Dark Grey
61, 53, 48, 19 100, 101, 105 #646469 Cool Gray 10 C

Accessible Color Usage

Why do we check color contrast in our print and web documents?

High contrast helps users distinguish between text and the background on which the text appears. Checking the color contrast in our documents ensures that people with some visual disabilities can read our PDFs.

Regarding accessibility compliance, the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.0 AA is the most-used standard worldwide. There are three levels of WCAG compliance; A, AA, and AAA. NOCE is required to comply with the 2.0 AA standard, however, NOCE strives to reach WCAG 2.1 AAA: Optimal compliance.

Tools can test for the proper contrast ratio of 4.5:1 provided between the text (foreground) and its background. WebAIM provided a free contrast checker online: webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/

NOCE Accessible Color Usage

Get more detailed information on which NOCE colors are accessible.

WASC and the NOCE Style Guide work together to create brand consistency

All flyers and publications must use the WASC logo and statement in tandem with the NOCE logo and nondiscrimination statement.

  • This provides a consistent message.
  • Not all noncredit schools are stand-alone institutions that have their own accreditation, so we are providing a unique benefit for students.
  • This helps educate/remind our students and community partners that NOCE is fully accredited.
  • A standardized footer with this information (NOCE logo, WASC logo, disclaimer statement) was developed and should be used on all publications.
Example of NOCE standardized footer

WASC Logo & Statement

NOCE is fully accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges (ACS WASC or WASC).

  • We have one WASC logos. Changing the color is not permitted.
  • We are authorized to utilize this phrase: “Fully Accredited by (or) Accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges”. Do not alter this phrase in any way. 

 WASC black logo

Accredited by the
Accrediting Commission for Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
533 Airport Blvd., Suite 200,
Burlingame, CA 94010
Website: acswasc.org

NOCE Disclaimer

The North Orange County Community College District’s (NOCCCD) North Orange Continuing Education (NOCE) Administrative Offices are located at 1830 W. Romneya Drive in Anaheim, California 92801. For more information, call 714.808.4645 or visit noce.edu. It is the policy of NOCCCD to provide an educational, employment, and business environment in which no person shall be unlawfully subjected to discrimination or sexual harassment, nor unlawfully denied full and equal access to the benefits of District programs or activities on the basis of ethnic group identification, national origin, religion, age, gender, race, color, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status or physical or mental disability as defined and prohibited by state and federal statutes. The District is also committed to maintaining campuses that are free of harassment, drugs, and alcohol. To read the entire NOCCCD nondiscrimination statement, see the policy in the General Information section in the back of the NOCE class schedule or at noce.edu/disclaimer.  

 

Virtual Branding Resources

NOCE E-mail Signatures

Email Signature
NOCE Logo First Last Name
Job Title | Department
(Pronouns: she/her)
714.808.0199
email address
1830 W. Romneya Drive
Anaheim, CA 92801
www.noce.edu
Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Instagram 
Email Signature
NOCE 50th Logo First Last Name
Job Title | Department
(Pronouns: she/her)
714.808.0199
email address
1830 W. Romneya Drive
Anaheim, CA 92801
www.noce.edu
Facebook  Twitter  YouTube  Instagram 

*Please copy & paste from either a Firefox browser, from the files, or the President’s e-mail message for the best results.

  • How To: NOCE E-mail Signature Through Outlook Website

    Step-by-Step Guide:

    A PDF version of this guide is available.

    Step 1:

    Log in to your Office 365 account and go to Outlook, or use the direct Outlook link.

    A screenshot of the NOCE Brand webpage, with both email signatures.

    Step 2:

    Next, open the Settings by clicking the gear icon in the top-right corner. Then, click View all Outlook settings at the very bottom of the pop-up window:

    A screenshot of the Microsoft Outlook web setting window.

    Step 3:

    Go to Mail > Compose and reply. Here, you can create or edit your email signature, and choose whether it should appear automatically in your new messages and replies/forwards respectively.

    Outlook on the web email signature editor

    If you leave both drop-down menus with their default values (No signature), you will have to add the signature manually when composing an email. The Settings window should also be accessible using this Outlook Settings link.

    Step 4:

    Go to the NOCE Brand page and scroll down to Virtual Branding Resources. Two NOCE branded signatures will be available for everyone, select the one you like by highlighting it and select copy.

    A screenshot of the NOCE Brand webpage, with both email signatures.

    Step 5:

    Use the NOCE branded signature to quickly create a well-formatted email signature and paste it into the Outlook on the web’s signature editor.

     

    A screenshot of an email signature is pasted in the Microsoft settings.

    After you finish setting up the signature, hit Save. The signature settings should be applied right away.

  • How To: NOCE E-mail Signature Through Outlook Application

    Step-by-Step Guide:

    A PDF version of this guide is available.

    Step 1:

    Open Outlook, then open a new email message.

    Step 2:

    On the Message menu, select Signature > Signatures.

    Depending on the size of your Outlook window and whether you’re composing a new email message or a reply or forward, the Message menu and the Signature button might be in two different locations.

    Screenshot of Outlook top menu with message selected

    Screenshot of Outlook top menu with message selected

     

     

    Step 3:

    Under Select signature to edit, choose New, and in the New Signature dialog box, type a name for the signature.

    Step 4:

    Under Edit signature, compose your signature. You can change fonts, font colors, and sizes, as well as text alignment. If you want to create a more robust signature with bullets, tables, or borders, use Word to format your text, then copy and paste the signature into the Edit signature box. You can also use our NOCE Branded signature. Go to the NOCE Brand page and scroll down to Virtual Branding Resources. Two NOCE branded signatures will be available for everyone, select the one you like by highlighting it and select copy.

    A screenshot of the NOCE Brand webpage, with both email signatures.

     

    Paste the signature and then customize them with your personal information, and then copy and paste them into the Edit signature box. 

    Screenshot of the Outlook Signature setting window

     

    Step 5:

    Under Choose default signature, set the following options for your signature:

    In the E-mail account drop-down box, choose an email account to associate with the signature. You can have different signatures for each email account.

    Screenshot of the Outlook Signature setting window with the NOCE branded signature

     

    If you want your signature added to all new messages by default, in the New messages drop-down box, select one of your signatures. If you don’t want to automatically add a signature to new messages, choose (none). This doesn’t add a signature to any messages you reply to or forward.

    If you want your signature to appear in the messages you reply to and forward, in the Replies/forwards drop-down, select one of your signatures. Otherwise, accept the default option of (none).

    Step 6:

    Choose OK to save your new signature and return to your message. Outlook doesn’t add your new signature to the message you opened in Step 1, even if you chose to apply the signature to all new messages. You’ll have to add the signature manually to this one message.

    All future messages will have the signature added automatically. To add the signature manually, select Signature from the Message menu and then pick the signature you just created.

  • NOCE Zoom Backgrounds

    NOCE Anaheim Campus Zoom background Blue Overlay Anaheim Campus Zoom Background NOCE Cypress Center Zoom background Blue Overlay Cypress Center Zoom BackgroundNOCE Wilshire Center Zoom backgroundBlue Wilshire Center Zoom Background NOCE Logo Pattern Zoom Background Light blue Zoom background with a school icon patternNOCE school icons in a pattern Zoom background Yellow Zoom background with a school icon pattern Basic simple dark blue Zoom background with NOCE logo Basic simple light blue Zoom background with NOCE logo Basic simple white Zoom background with NOCE logo Basic simple yellow Zoom background with NOCE logo2021 Opening Day Zoom background2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Accountability"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Diversity"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Equity"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Excellence"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Innovation"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Integrity"2021 Opening Day Zoom background "Learning"Black History Month Zoom BackgroundLatinX Heritage Month Zoom BackgroundUndocumented Student Support Zoom BackgroundAsian Pacific American Heritage Month Zoom BackgroundAsian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Zoom BackgroundLGBTQ+ History Month Zoom backgroundNOCE Pride Month Zoom backgroundSupporting Ukraine Zoom BackgroundHappy Holidays Zoom backgroundNOCE Snowman Zoom backgroundVeterans Day Zoom backgroundSt. Patricks Day Zoom BackgroundSt.Patrick's Day Zoom backgroundNOCE March Zoom backgroundDark Blue Spring NOCE Zoom backgroundNOCE Spring Zoom backgroundNOCE Easter Zoom backgroundNOCE May Zoom backgroundNOCE Cinco de Mayo Zoom background  Classified Staff Appreciation Week Zoom Background Happy Administrative Professionals Day Zoom Background Thank You Classified Staff Zoom Background2022 NOCE Teacher Appreciation Week Zoom Background2022 NOCE Opening Day Zoom BackgroundNOCE International Women's Day Zoom BackgroundNOCE International Women's Day Zoom BackgroundNOCE Hello August Zoom BackgroundNOCE Happy August Zoom BackgroundNOCE Welcome Back to School 2022 Fall Semester Zoom BackgroundNOCE Hello September Zoom BackgroundNOCE Hispanic Heritage Month Zoom BackgroundNOCE National Disability Employment Awareness Month Zoom BackgroundNOCE Halloween Zoom BackgroundNOCE Fall Zoom BackgroundNOCE Fall Leaves Zoom BackgroundNOCE Happy Thanksgiving Zoom Background

Writing Style Guide

These guidelines represent North Orange Continuing Education’s house style, to be used in non-academic writing for organizational consistency on web pages, marketing materials, and publications.

NOCE Writing Style Guide

Get more detailed information within the compiled style guide. 

Top Writing Style Gems for Organizational Consistency

  • Certificate Program Names

    Capitalize specific certificate program names: Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program.

    Example: Rachel is a student in the Pharmacy Technician Certificate Program at NOCE. 

    Do not capitalize certificates when using it in a generic manner.

    Example: Rachel will receive her certificate from NOCE.

  • English as a Second Language vs. English as a second language

    No dashes between words; always lowercase the words as and a. Because it is a proper noun, English is always capitalized. 

    • Capitalize the phrase if referring to the specific department or course: NOCE has an English as a Second Language Program to assist students. (a specific division/department).
    • Do not capitalize if used in a generic manner: NOCE is offering several levels of English as a second language (ESL) courses in the fall. (generic)   
  • Full-Time vs. Full Time; Part-Time vs. Part Time

    Hyphenate only when used as an adjective preceding a noun.

    Example:

    • Lynda is a full-time instructor.
    • We considered having an intern full time, but four days worked better.
  • NOCE Centers

    In formal documentation, use Anaheim Campus, Cypress Continuing Education Center, and Wilshire Continuing Education Center. 

    For more informal writing, the shortened version is accepted:

    • Anaheim Campus (stays the same)
    • Cypress Center
    • Wilshire Center

    Use NOCE Centers when discussing all three. Not campuses. 

  • Noncredit vs. Non-credit

    Noncredit is one word. 

    Noncredit should be spelled as one word with no hyphen.

  • Numbers & Dates

    Numbers 0 through 9 are spelled out in any reference except time or ages.

    Numbers 10 and above should use numbers, except when the number is at the beginning of the sentence and should then be spelled out.

    • Jane Doe has registered for three classes.
    • John Smith has worked for NOCCCD for 20 years.
    • Twenty-five students are enrolled in the painting class.

    Following dates omit th, rd, st, nd: not December 21st, but December 21, 2021.

  • Phone Numbers & E-mails

    When spelling out phone numbers, we use parenthesis around the area code and a dash between.

    Example: (714) 808-4679

    For e-mails, please make sure to spell out in all lowercase.

    Example: Contact Campus Communications at communications@noce.edu.

  • Program Name Abbreviation/Acronym

    Always spell out the full program name first, then use the abbreviation acronym in parenthesis.

    Use abbreviation acronym in document after first reference is spelled out such High School Diploma Program (HSDP) or English as a Second Language Program (ESL).

    Example:

    Sheri took classes in the High School Diploma Program (HSDP) in the 2020 Fall Term. Last semester, she completed 30 credits in the HSDP toward her diploma.  

  • Seasons, Semesters, and Terms

    Capitalize when referring to a specific term or season: 2022 Fall Term.

    Do not capitalize it when referring to the season in a generic manner:

    • Our program has a larger enrollment in the fall term than in the winter term. 

    Term date should be before season: 2022 Spring Semester.

  • Time

    Use lowercase a.m. or p.m. with periods.

    Noon and midnight are acceptable and preferred to 12 noon or 12 midnight (repetitious).

    Use times of just hours to read 9 a.m.

    • Wrong Examples: 9:00 a.m. or nine a.m.
  • Waitlist vs. Wait List vs. Wait-list

    Waitlist is one word.

    Correctly used as one word, no hyphen.

Publication Approval

All publications need to be approved by Campus Communications before print or electronic distribution. This includes anything printed with the NOCE logo. To get started with the approval process, please use the marketing request form.

Publication Approval Timeline

Marketing Request Form Received

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Director of Campus Communications will delegate request

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Requests are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis, unless there is an institutional priority. Below are approximate turnaround times by business day for specific requests:

  • Flier review/edits: 3 days
  • Flier development: 4 days for draft development, review, and editing process
  • Social media posts: 3 days in advance, but no less than 2 days in ​advance
  • Program newsletter/digital e-mail review: 3 days
  • Program newsletter/digital e-mail development: 5 days for draft development, review, and editing process
  • Website updates – simple edits: 1-2 days
  • Website updates – extensive changes or development of new pages: 5 days
  • Website news story: 2 days
  • Website updates – addition of events to the calendar: 1-2 days
  • Canvas announcement message: 1-2 days
  • Campus TV graphic: 3 days
  • Video: for video review: 1-2 days
  • Video: for video editing/captioning: 5 days
  • Video: for video development: 6-week lead time for script development, video filming, editing, captioning/music, review and editing process
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A follow-up email will be sent over to the requestor. Emails could be a completion notice, an approval notice, or a draft of a requested project requested.