STAR Scholars

OVERVIEW

Brief

STAR Scholars Program is a University of Michigan LSA Psychology initiative that supports underrepresented undergraduates in research, graduate preparation, and academic mentorship.

The STAR Scholars Program (Scholarship, Transferable Skills, Academics, and Research) is an evidence-based academic initiative at the University of Michigan designed to increase research participation among underrepresented undergraduate students. Through mentorship, skill-building, and access to research opportunities, the program prepares students for graduate study and careers in research fields, especially those who are often left out of traditional academic pipelines.

My Contribution

This brand identity redesign was completed as a solo class project, with a focus on creating an academic and mission-driven visual system. After researching the program’s goals, audience, and institutional context, I developed a full brand package that included a logo system, type and color palettes, layout guidelines, and visual applications. My goal was to produce a brand that not only looked cohesive and professional but also amplified the program’s visibility and affirmed its values of equity and academic excellence.

Why was the

Redesign Needed?

Prior to this redesign, STAR Scholars lacked a consistent visual identity. Existing materials used default university branding or were designed ad hoc for specific events, leading to a fragmented and less recognizable presence. For a program that supports students who often feel like outsiders in academic spaces, having a strong, affirming identity is crucial. The redesign offers STAR a unified look that conveys legitimacy, aspiration, and a strong connection to the University of Michigan.

FINAL BRAND GUIDE

Voice & Tone

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The voice of the STAR Scholars Program is confident, supportive, and aspirational. It speaks directly to students who may be unfamiliar with academic research, offering encouragement while maintaining a tone of professionalism. The language is clear, informative, and approachable as the goal is to demystify research pathways while celebrating student growth. Rather than using heavy academic jargon, the tone reflects mentorship, equity, and the belief that all students deserve access to scholarly opportunities.

Logo System

The STAR Scholars logo is rich in layered meaning. The core symbol integrates a stylized letter “A,” an abstract neuron, and a myelin sheath to form a distinctive star representing both academic achievement and the development of research knowledge. This fusion of typography and scientific imagery reflects the program’s focus on research, psychology, and intellectual growth. Three main logo lockups were created: a full wordmark, a monogram for small-scale uses, and a horizontal combination mark for presentations or banner-style applications. Spacing, alignment, and misuse guidelines ensure clarity and consistency across all uses, especially within LSA’s branded environment.

Guidelines

To ensure brand consistency and clarity, the STAR Scholars identity follows a defined set of usage rules. The logo should never be stretched, rotated, recolored, or altered in ways that compromise its integrity. A system of lockups including the wordmark, monogram, and a horizontal orientation offers flexibility for different formats while preserving structure and spacing. Following the guidelines for color, typography, and sizing helps maintain a professional, cohesive look across all applications and aligns the program with the larger University of Michigan brand system.

Style Guide

To maintain a strong connection with the University of Michigan’s visual identity, the brand uses Maize (#FFCB03) and Blue (#00274C) as its primary color palette. These familiar tones reinforce credibility while offering vibrancy and contrast. Typography is led by Montserrat, a versatile sans-serif typeface used for headers and body content. It’s paired with Playfair Display, a serif font that adds a refined academic tone to printed and digital materials. Together, these typefaces provide structure and personality while supporting accessibility and readability—key for a student-focused initiative.

Applications

The brand was applied to a range of real-world materials to showcase its adaptability. Branded merchandise like T-shirts and notebooks was created to help foster cohort identity and increase program visibility on campus. Event flyers and workshop slide templates give STAR a polished and consistent presence across informational sessions, mentoring events, and research workshops. These applications reinforce the program’s commitment to academic excellence while creating a welcoming visual language that students can feel proud to represent.

Next Steps

The most immediate next step would be to present this branding system to the Department of Psychology and the STAR Scholars Program coordinators. A tailored proposal could demonstrate how the identity integrates with the department’s academic goals while providing a cohesive and professional toolkit for communication. If adopted, the system could be implemented in stages, starting with workshop materials, outreach communications, and internal slide decks, and then expanding to campus-wide promotions or collaborative projects with other LSA programs. Partnering with current scholars or peer mentors could also bring valuable insight to future refinements and help the design resonate more deeply with its audience.

Takeaways

This project revealed just how essential design is in academic spaces, especially for programs aimed at equity and inclusion. One key learning was the importance of visual credibility: when students see well-crafted materials, it signals that the institution values their experience. Additionally, designing within a university ecosystem taught me how to balance originality with brand consistency, especially when working alongside strong legacy identities like Michigan’s. Finally, this experience reinforced the idea that even small changes in branding can reshape how people perceive and connect with educational opportunities. Thoughtful design can not only elevate an organization but also empower the people it serves.

STAR ScholarsProgram