1. Consider the magazine cover layout when creating your artwork. Download and review the UConn ECE Magazine Cover Template before creating your submission to ensure important elements will not be obscured by magazine text and graphics.
2. Eligibility: The contest is open to current and former UConn ECE students, certified instructors, site representatives, principals, and alumni.
3. Theme: All submissions must align with the Winter 2026-27 magazine theme, Leading the Pack. Artwork should feature an original interpretation of Jonathan the Husky and/or concepts related to leadership, achievement, opportunity, community, academic excellence, and the UConn ECE experience.
4. Original Artwork Only: Submissions must be the entrant's original work and may not be traced, copied, recreated, or substantially derived from existing artwork, logos, mascots, or copyrighted images.
5. One Submission Per Person: Only one artwork submission may be entered per person. If multiple submissions are received, only the first submission will be considered.
6. Photography Not Accepted: This contest cycle is limited to original artwork and illustrations. Photographic submissions will not be considered.
7. UConn Brand Considerations: Artwork should adhere to the spirit of the UConn Brand Standards. Students are encouraged to draw inspiration from Jonathan the Husky, UConn traditions, and historical mascot artwork; however, submissions should not reproduce or function as official University logos, marks, or athletic branding.
8. Historical Mascot Inspiration: Participants are welcome to explore Jonathan's evolution throughout UConn history as creative inspiration. Historical mascot artwork may inform the design process, but the final submission should be a unique artistic interpretation rather than a recreation of a historical logo or mascot image.

1. File Requirements: Artwork must be submitted in a format suitable for professional print reproduction. Minimum resolution is 150 dpi; 300 dpi or higher is strongly preferred.
2. Appropriate Content: Artwork must not contain material that is unlawful, infringing, defamatory, obscene, discriminatory, hateful, harassing, violent, offensive, or otherwise inappropriate for publication by the University.
3. Commercial Content Prohibited: Artwork must not advertise, endorse, or appear to endorse any commercial product, organization, or service.
4. Submission Deadline: Entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2026.
5. Selection Process: One or more winning pieces may be selected by a panel appointed by the Office of Early College Programs. Entries will be evaluated based on originality, creativity, artistic quality, thematic relevance, visual impact, and suitability for a magazine cover.
6. Notification: Winners will be contacted by UConn on or before Monday, December 28, 2026.

1. License to Use Submitted Artwork: By submitting artwork, entrants grant UConn ECE a royalty-free, worldwide, perpetual, non-exclusive license to display, reproduce, distribute, adapt, and publish the artwork for educational, promotional, and University-related purposes. To the extent feasible, published artwork will be credited to the artist.
2. Copyright Ownership: Artists retain copyright ownership of their original artwork.
3. Publication and Retention: UConn ECE is under no obligation to publish, return, or retain submitted artwork.
4. Responsibility for Content: Entrants are solely responsible for the content, originality, legality, and appropriateness of their submissions.
5. Contest Modifications: UConn ECE reserves the right to modify, suspend, or cancel the contest and to interpret these rules. All decisions made by the Office of Early College Programs are final.
6. Artist Recognition: The artist(s) whose work is selected for publication will receive a complimentary copy of the UConn ECE Magazine and select UConn ECE promotional items.

Creative Inspiration:
Artists are encouraged to imagine what "Leading the Pack" means in the context of UConn ECE. Consider themes such as academic leadership, perseverance, community, innovation, future success, or Jonathan guiding students on their journey from high school to college. Original artistic styles and creative interpretations are strongly encouraged.