University of Illinois System
Board of Trustees » Governance » Use of the University Seal

Use of the Seal of the University of Illinois

According to the General Rules, Article II, Section 4(g): "The seal of the University shall be in the custody of the secretary of the Board of Trustees."

Seal Use Guidelines

The seal of the University of Illinois is to be used for academic purposes, formal University business transactions, legal transactions and some commercial uses as determined by the Board of Trustees.

All uses of the seal of the University of Illinois must be approved by the secretary of the Board of Trustees and of the University. Unless noted otherwise, approval from the secretary is for a single use.

The following are non-limiting examples of proper uses of the seal of the University that may be granted by the secretary of the Board of Trustees:

  • Academic programming from across the University, including the provision of courses of instruction at the college and post-graduate level, as used on certificates and diplomas for University graduation or convocation activities that signify achievement by individuals
  • Items typically found in a University bookstore

The following are examples of improper uses of the seal of the University that will not be granted by the secretary of the University:

  • Advertisements
  • Campus/college or department activities
  • Websites, social media, etc., that are not managed directly by the Board of Trustees or the president

Requests to Use the Seal

At times, judgment must be applied to the approval of seal use. Final decision lies with the secretary of the Board of Trustees.

All requests to use the seal must be made in writing, preferably in an email, to the secretary at uibot@uillinois.edu.

Date last revised: January 15, 2014

For information regarding other logos and wordmarks, please reference the Office of External Relations and Communications branding information.