The branding re-colouring and what looks like will be a proper functioning web design I think are actually really great ideas. I mean it can be argued what is t

The branding re-colouring and what looks like will be a proper functioning web design I think are actually really great ideas. I mean it can be argued what is the best looking logo. I think they are taking something from the USA Today rebranding with that giant circle. I used to work in higher education, and the web is amazingly decentralized at large universities and that means look and feel are often as well. It is very hard to police or even gain the power to police look and feel across multiple faculties, departments, and associations, so you have to provide them with a template that allows some freedom. Think of it as the tug-of-war between state and federal laws. Often the team in charge of the top level domain will be in charge of look and feel but are given surprisingly little resources. They often can't attract top web-talent because they can't compete on wage and excitement (but can slay on benefits and working hours). They would probably have had to fought for years with higher ups to get a 1 time pool of money to do this re-branding initiative, but often after that is gone so does the upkeep, and evolution of the brand. I was involved on a large re-branding committee almost the exact same as this. They paid big money for what was considered a goofy tag line. Students immediately graffiti'ed jokes and wrote protest articles about it. But years later with the new undergrads now graduating under it, it has stuck, and from what I can tell has been successful. Same thing will happen here, it is to attract and brand to a new generation. Also they will still have a classic seal, that won't go away. That will be gold leaf stamped on your diploma.