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UC San Diego Seal

The UC San Diego seal is the university’s most formal emblem, symbolizing its academic heritage and institutional significance. To preserve its meaning, the seal is reserved for select ceremonial and official occasions.

Use of the Seal

The UC San Diego seal is reserved for formal academic and ceremonial contexts. Approved uses include:
  • Official Commencement and degree conferral events and related materials (e.g., regalia, diploma covers) 
  • Designated official ceremonies, including: 
  • Groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings presented by the Chancellor’s Office
  • Events involving high-profile dignitaries, as defined by Special Events and Protocol
  • Chancellor's Medal Awards event
  • Revelle Medal Awards event
While the seal is reserved for ceremonial uses, limited exceptions may be appropriate in contexts that reflect the university’s mission and institutional identity. These include:  
  • Health lab coats, as part of standard clinical presentation and physician onboarding 
  • Select commemorative merchandise (e.g., diploma frames or limited-edition graduation gifts), with prior approval by Trademarks and Licensing 

Prohibited Uses

  • General retail or promotional merchandise
  • Marketing, advertising, websites, or other communications collateral
  • Building signage

Special Requests

Use of the seal for events or materials outside of the categories listed above requires prior approval from Special Events and Protocol (for event-related uses) and/or University Communications (for marketing or communications materials). 

For additional questions about use of the seal, please contact University Communications at trademarks@ucsd.edu.