Signage, Plaque, and Wayfinding Maps Policy & Guidelines
Title: Signage, Plaque and Wayfinding Maps Guidelines
Effective Date: July 1, 2022
Revision Date: First Version
Responsible Office: University Operations
I. Scope
This policy applies to all exterior signage, exterior or interior plaques and exterior wayfinding maps (System Element) installed in/on owned or otherwise within the care, custody or control of the university - William & Mary and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (W&M). This policy applies regardless of the source of funds used to perform such work.
II. Purpose
A coherent and consistent System Element concept is essential to the creation of a visually unified campuses. The guidelines and System Elements must provide information about university facilities and features in a clear, unified fashion for general wayfinding as well as routine services and emergency response. Additionally, the guidelines and System Elements must be consistent with the university’s core initiatives and brand guidelines.
III. Definitions
University Entry Signage – Any object that reflects a designated point of entry to a primary campus location. Currently identified as College Corner, Compton Drive, Henry Street, Jamestown Road and Richmond Road in Williamsburg and Greate Road for Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Other locations to be determined.
Donor Guided Signage and/or Plaques – Any permanent fixture that reflects association with the university and/or donor and is intended to communicate information or identification through the use of letters, numbers, pictures, patterns, size, symbols or words.
Sign – Any object that reflects association with the university and is designed to be seen from outdoors. Any object that is intended to communicate information, identification or direction through the use of letters, numbers, pictures, patterns, size, symbols or words.
System Element – Any exterior signage, exterior or interior plaques and exterior wayfinding maps installed in/on owned or otherwise within the care, custody or control of the university.
Wayfinding Map – Any exterior object that reflects association with the university and is designed to be used as a way to find locations across the university and is intended to communicate information, identification or direction through the use of letters, numbers, pictures, patterns, size, symbols, words or GIS coordinates.
University Facility – Any improvement (roofed or non-roofed), to include fields and infrastructure, owned by or otherwise entrusted to the university for maintenance, repair, modification or construction. The facility typically includes all attached systems and components. Detached equipment, such as furniture, are not typically considered part of the facility for the purposes of this directive. Specialty equipment, such as ovens and dishwashers, are not typically considered part of the facility for the purposes of this directive. Installation of specialty equipment is, however, subject to this directive.
University Grounds – Any land owned by or otherwise entrusted to the university for stewardship.
IV. Policy
University Operations serves as the administrative unit responsible for management of System Elements. In partnership with University Web & Design, University Operations establishes and maintains standards of design, construction, modification and renovation for the System Elements.
A. All requests for maintenance, repair, modification, and construction of a System Element must be submitted via the FAMIS work order system for review and approval. Facilities Management will coordinate appropriate review and action by internal and external stakeholders and governing bodies.
B. The need for a System Element is generally driven by construction or renovation activity. As a result, text for building plaques will initially be drafted by the corresponding University Operations team in conjunction with the Secretary to the Board of Visitors and appropriate approval/advisory parties.
C. Donor recognition System Elements are intended to recognize significant support for W&M and its programs. Therefore, individual department requests for donor recognition signage and/or plaques will be forwarded to the Secretary to the Board of Visitors and Vice President for University Advancement for approval and drafting of appropriate text as defined by gift agreements and/or Board of Visitors resolutions.
D. To ensure consistency and legibility, System Element messaging has been standardized, providing a general framework within which System Elements are to be constructed and positioned for actual installation. Alternative design and location recommendations will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Design and installation standards and example System Elements are included in Appendices.
V. Approval, Amendment, and Interpretation
This policy was approved by the Chief Operating Officer. University Operations is charged with interpretation of this policy and its periodic review in conjunction with the President’s Office, Facilities Management, University Real Estate and the Design Review Board to ensure continued effectiveness.
VI. Related Policies and Other Documents
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Approval of Maintenance, Repair, Modification, and Construction of University Facilities or on University Grounds Policy
Living Remembrance Tree and Bench Policy
Board of Visitors Resolution W-13, Policy and Plans on Naming of College Buildings and Other Campus Locations (Adopted in April 1979)
Board of Visitors Resolution W-24, Gift Guidelines for Named Gift Opportunities (Adopted April 1987)
