How to work with university branded PowerPoints

The University is rolling out newly branded PowerPoint templates in 2026 that are available for use in presentations, instructional materials, and marketing. Currently, there are two branded templates: The Full template contains 58 branded slide Layouts to choose from and the Basic template contains a select smaller set of Layouts to work with. This article describes how to access the new templates and how to apply them to existing or new PowerPoint files.  

[Note: this article contains information compiled from support.microsoft.com as well as MS Copilot]

How to access the new PowerPoint templates 

Option A) Through the PowerPoint desktop app

1.  When you first open PowerPoint, in the left column, select New or, if you already have a PowerPoint presentation open, go to File > New.
    
2. In the New window, click the tab labeled "University of St. Thomas." You’ll see two branded templates within this category - the Basic template and the Full template. 

3. Click the template you want to use to create a new presentation.

Option B) Through PowerPoint for the Web (in the context of a web browser)

1. Go to Office365 or Office.com or My Office on One.StThomas and click the PowerPoint app icon. (Log in to the web service, if necessary)
    
2. On the Welcome screen, scroll down and find the "University of St. Thomas" category under Create with templates.
    
3. Click the template you want to use to create a new presentation.

Option C) From the University Brand Toolkit on One.St.Thomas

1. Go to Brand Hub: Using PowerPoint and look for the 2026-StThomas PPT Basic or Full template. 
    
2. Follow the instructions to download the template onto your computer. This is a .POTX (PowerPoint template) file. 
    
3. Open the downloaded file to start using it in a new presentation or follow the instructions below to apply it to an existing PowerPoint file. 

How to apply the new template to an existing PowerPoint

This is the recommended migration method. Individual cases may vary. 

Step‑by‑Step instructions for individual PowerPoints

1. Open the legacy PowerPoint.
    
2. Go to View → Slide Master.
    
3. On the Slide Master tab → click Themes → Browse for Themes.
    
4. Select the 2026 St Thomas-Full.potx or 2026 St Thomas-Basic.potx. (the new PowerPoint templates)
    
5. PowerPoint adds the new Slide Masters which replaces the old Slide Masters.
    
6. Delete any old, unwanted Slide Master(s) that won't get used on any slide.
   • Right‑click on the slide → Delete Master
      
7. Close the Slide Master tab.
    
8. Change the Slide Layout(s) in your deck by selecting individual slides (shift+click to select multiple slides), click Layout, then click the desired Layout from the thumbnails.
    
9. Reapply new Layouts where needed.

Additional Resources

For more details, visit MIC's Brand Hub: Using PowerPoint page on One.St. Thomas.