The Ohio University seal was adopted from the seal of the State of Ohio. The circle of the Ohio seal represents a shield. A sheaf of wheat represents Ohio’s agricultural heritage, and a bundle of seventeen arrows represents Ohio as the seventeenth state to join the Union. Behind these are mountains, symbolizing strength and grandeur, and the rising sun, symbolizing eternal life and the dawn of a new day.

There are three inscriptions on the Ohio University seal which are translated as follows:

• Sigillum Universitatis Ohiensis: The Seal of Ohio University
• Prae Omnibus Virtus: Virtue Before All Things
• Religio Doctrina Civilitas: Religion, Learning, Civility

The historical information for this page was collected from the Ohio University Student Handbook from the Office of the Dean of Students