The UWaterloo leaked logo is not on the UWaterloo website because it is not yet official. The University is neither confirming or denying that this leaked logo is a true representation of a so to be released logo.

Having spoke with my contacts in higher education across the world (being a higher education reporter and having traveled to international tertiary education conferences, I have a good network of contacts), their review of the logo is mixed.

They give UWaterloo credit for trying something different but wondering how they will use the new logo on B&W letterhead. They also believe the W is too busy.

That said, there is a slight majority whom believe it is an improvement on the plain old coat of arms logo.

But what I don't understand is why the Universities feel a need to move away from their traditional and time honoured coat of arms/crosses/other medieval looking logos! From Most American Ivies and English Oxbridges down to smaller colleges , most places still have a traditional logo.
But I dunno Since Waterloo is a progressive Science based University they felt they need to move into the 21st Century? I think even places like Caltech and Devry have some wierd logos being modern Science Universities!


But the lasers/rave thing still confuses me!

Originally Posted by huzaifa47

But what I understand is why the Universities feel a need to move away from their traditional and time honoured coat of arms/crosses/other medieval looking logos! From Most American Ivies and English Oxbridges down to smaller colleges , most places still have a traditional logo.
But I dunno Since Waterloo is a progressive Science based University they felt they need to move into the 21st Century? I think even places like Caltech and Devry have some wierd logos being modern Science Universities!


But the lasers/rave thing still confuses me!

One of the problems with the UWaterloo coats of arms is that its bland. Three lions?

UWaterloo's new logo is to try and create an instantly recognizable symbol internationally. This means it has to be different, but people don't like change, especially significant change.

Originally Posted by adrian

Is this one better?

I attached the pic...

I believe the laser show may be a representation of UWaterloo's Institute for Quantum Computer (www.iqc.ca) which is an institution of international distinction.

If UWaterloo is going to see a Nobel, it will be out of the IQC.

Are there actually people who go "Oooooh, lasers! That's cutting edge!"

And, perhaps more importantly, would you want these people coming to your school?

I actually like the new logo. I guess I am the minority.

So do I. Waterloo is not known for being one of those old-school ivy league schools. Its known for being very 21st century and cutting edge. I dont think the old symbol reflected that but I think the new one does.

Originally Posted by fullsmash26

One of the problems with the UWaterloo coats of arms is that its bland. Three lions?

1 Rampant Lion of Scotland is on the Royal Scottish Flag and represents Scotland on the British Coat of Arms. Are you discriminating against Scots by insulting our national symbol by calling it bland?

I'm not really outraged, I just don't get many opportunities to play devil's advocate, I mean victimised minority very often... although the Kilt does get a few looks, the Dirk (large knife) tends to keep the insults at bay.

Originally Posted by fullsmash26

I believe the laser show may be a representation of UWaterloo's Institute for Quantum Computer (www.iqc.ca) which is an institution of international distinction.

If UWaterloo is going to see a Nobel, it will be out of the IQC.

The "lasers" on the new logo are meant to be representative of fibre optics.

I forget where I read that, I'm trying to find a link to it.

Hahaha! Oh my goodness. That logo is really awful. Makes me think "University of Waterloo - we have lasers!"

I feel I might have stolen that from Family Guy or something though


Anyway that looks terrible. I'm not even going to be nice about it. It. Looks. Terrible.


Reminds me of this for some reason:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18cXl8MgoZs

It's really difficult to rebrand such an old institution with a "classic" logo.

But newer universities like York and UOIT probably had less of an issue that their logos are more "modern" because there wasn't anything to compare to.