SF State’s spring Bulletin and class schedule will have something the past versions didn’t, the school’s new logo.

The prior logo had been in use since 1999. SF State introduced the new logo on Nov. 1. The new logo is expected to be incorporated into all university stationary, publications and Web sites by the end of next semester.

Fifteen different designs were commented on in focus groups. After open discussions, surveys, and revisions, the final decision was made.

The Office of Public Affairs and Publications spent the last year and a half working with Philippe Becker Design Inc. to create a logo that would convey SF State’s reputation as a respected institution in the Bay Area.

“We hope students feel a sense of pride about this new logo,” said Miles Orkin, manager of marketing and communications, “just as they feel proud to attend an institution as diverse, dynamic, and socially relevant as SF State.”

"It's not a huge issue like war," said Caitlin Fountain, 19, a sophomore studying history. "It's fine by me."

According to Orkin, the cost of creating a new logo was minimal because most of the work was done by either SF State employees or pro-bono work done by outside sources. An exact amount wasn't available at the time of print.

"I don't know the exact amount because I wasn't here," Orkin said. "Hopefully most of the costs will be folded into existing budgets for ongoing materials development and updating."

The new logo has two varieties, one vertical and one horizontal. The vertical version has the abbreviation “SF State” underneath it and is used on material that is distributed locally.

The other version is horizontal and the school’s full name is written in white lettering on the right side. This version is used on materials viewed by regional, national and international audiences.

Both versions include a picture of a goddess in front of two of San Francisco’s landmarks, the Marin Islands and the Golden Gate Bridge. According to SF State’s Web site, the goddess represents commitment to enlightenment and learning.

This isn’t the first time a goddess has been a part of SF State’s logo, which is one of the reasons administration decided to include it in the new logo.

Some SF State students thought the new logo should have included the school’s mascot, an alligator, instead of a classical goddess of wisdom.

“I don’t really like gators as a mascot,” said Blake Hritz, 22, a junior studying English, “but I think they should have included it.”

Others disagreed, saying the exclusion of the mascot was justified.

“Without it, people will take it more seriously,” said Yuri Kagan, 22, a senior studying speech communications.

According to Orkin, mascots are not commonly used in universities’ official logos. However, they are used in athletic logos and secondary logos.

“The gator is SF State’s mascot and not suitable to be defining art element in the official university logo,” Orkin said. “There might be some exceptions but for the most part, universities don’t include mascots.”