University Name

Accepted Uses

The California State University, Dominguez Hills brand is much more than a visual identity; the university’s name represents an important component in its unique character and identity. It is important to use the name correctly and consistently to distinguish the university from others in the CSU system and around the country. This ensures that CSUDH will continue to establish name recognition locally, regionally, and on a statewide and national level.

CSUDH

The acronym CSUDH is the preferred usage. The first reference to the university should utilize the full California State University, Dominguez Hills usage, but subsequent references should refer to the school as CSUDH.

California State University, Dominguez Hills

This is the university’s formal name that identifies it as part of the California State University system. California State University, Dominguez Hills is one of 23 campuses in the CSU system.

The Comma—When the formal, full name appears on a single line title or in copy, the comma is always used, separating California State University from its location at Dominguez Hills. It is incorrect to replace the comma with “at” or “of” or any other connecting word or symbol. In addition, when California State University, Dominguez Hills appears in a sentence such as this one, there is no comma following Dominguez Hills.

CSU Dominguez Hills

This is an acceptable shorter, less formal name for the university (although not preferred). It is acceptable as a first text reference, or in subsequent references.

Cal State Dominguez Hills

This usage is used by CSUDH Athletics for team branding. It is the preferred usage when referring to any Toro Athletics teams, but should not be used in any other context.

Examples of Correct and Incorrect Usage

Formal Name

CORRECT	INCORRECT
California State University, Dominguez Hills	California State University Dominguez Hills
	California State University at Dominguez Hills
	California State University of Dominguez Hills
	California State University in Dominguez Hills
	California State University – Dominguez Hills
	California State University: Dominguez Hills
	Cal State University Dominguez Hills

Informal Name

CORRECT	INCORRECT
CSUDH	Cal State Dominguez Hills College
CSU Dominguez Hills	Cal State Dominguez Hills University
Cal State Dominguez Hills	Dominguez Hills
	DH
	D.H.
	CSDH
	C.S.D.H.

Ownership of the California State University Name

Adapted from “The CSU Name” at calstate.edu.

The name of the California State University is a significant asset of the CSU institution, and the CSU Office of General Counsel has the responsibility to protect the CSU name against misuse and infringement. This information is provided to educate students, staff, and members of the public about the following policies and law related to the use of the CSU name.

Ownership and Appropriate Use

The California State University is committed to protect against the misuse of its name, not to prevent its appropriate use.

Ownership of the CSU name

Education Code section 89005.5 provides that the name “California State University,” and the names of all of the CSU campuses, nicknames and abbreviations belong to the State of California. Examples of the CSU name include Cal State; California State University, Dominguez Hills; CSUDH; San Diego State University; San Diego State; SFSU; Cal Poly; Sonoma State University; Sonoma State; the California Maritime Academy; Cal Maritime; CSU; and so on.

Misuse of the CSU name

It is inappropriate to use the CSU name without the written permission of the institution for any purpose, including:

Designating a business, social, political, religious, or other organization;
Claiming an affiliation or endorsement of the California State University, where none exists;
Advertising any meeting or activity that has the purpose of supporting or opposing any strike, lockout, boycott, or political, religious, sociological, or economic activity; and
Any other commercial purpose.

Appropriate uses of the CSU name

It is appropriate to use the CSU name to describe a current or past affiliation with the institution or any of its campuses (e.g. employment or enrollment) or otherwise to describe the location of events.

Additional Information

If you have any questions regarding the use of the CSU Dominguez Hills or CSU names, please contact University Communications and Public Affairs at (310) 243-2001 or contact the CSU Office of General Counsel.