Controversial new logo was created at ‘no cost’ claims University of California administrator

The University of California’s (UC) controversial new logo was assembled by a small internal staff at zero cost, a university spokesperson told Campus Reform on Wednesday.

University of California officials told Campus Reform their new controversial logo was assembled at no cost.

“The logo was created at no cost by [an] in-house staff during their regular work hours,” said UC spokeswoman Brooke Converse.

According to Converse, the team that created the logo included four staff members who spent approximately ten-percent of their time over a period of four to six months creating the symbol which has created a firestorm on campus.

Converse did not say whether the team included an graphic designers or provide the names, or salaries of those involved. She also declined to say whether or not the university had expended funds only saying the “campus community was consulted throughout the development process.”

She did, however, note the UC spent $150,000 to implement the logo on their website.

The new logo abandons the 144-year-old emblem affixed with the “let there be light” motto for a minimalist look aimed at carrying the UC into the digital era.

It has spurred uproar from students, faculty, and alumni since it was officially unveiled last week, with thousands of concerned individuals signing online petitions demanding the UC abandon its new look.

The new symbol also comes on the heels of rising tuition. According to the UC’s Budget for Current Operations, tuition and fees were just $1,624 in 1990-91 compared to $12192 in the 2011-12 school year.

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