What are they, and what is the difference between them?
The coat of arms is the heraldic symbol of DePaul University. When the coat of arms is enclosed within a mandorla (an almond shape associated with the Blessed Virgin Mary) that carries the words "DePaul University-Chicago, Illinois," that symbol becomes the university seal. The university seal is also used to certify and validate official documents of the university.

The university adopted the coat of arms with the university motto (see below) in 1954.

What is their symbolic meaning?
The main section of the shield consists of nine panes forming a heraldic cross, the symbol of the Christian faith. The center pane holds a heart, which represents St. Vincent de Paul, for whom the university is named. Because he spent his life in the service of God and people, especially the poor, St. Vincent is considered to be the Apostle of Charity. The pane above the heart holds a crescent symbolizing Mary, the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the United States.

The upper section contains a fleur-de-lis, symbol of France, Vincent's homeland. Three are shown, representing the Trinity. This section also carries two symbols of Chicago. A line suggestive of the wall of a fort represents Fort Dearborn. The phoenix rising from the flames atop the shield is both a symbol of the Resurrection of Christ and the resurrection of the City of Chicago after the Great Fire of 1871.

The inscription 1898 refers to the year DePaul was first chartered by the State of Illinois as St. Vincent's College. In 1907 a new charter was granted in the name of DePaul University.

The motto of DePaul University, "Viam sapientiae monstrabo tibi,"* is taken from the biblical book of Proverbs (4:11) and is translated "I will show you the way of wisdom."

* The motto is pronounced VEE-yahm sah-pee-YEN-see-yay moan-STRAH-boh TEE-bee.

In what situations are they used?
The coat of arms is an emblematic description of the founding of the university. The coat of arms or university seal are used only for official or ceremonial occasions of great formality. In general, they are used on invitations for formal university events, materials for commencement or accreditation, certificates, awards or commemorative pieces. They may also be associated with communications of the Executive Office.

They should be used to represent the university in conjunction with national, governmental or religious symbols, other coats of arms, or similar symbols of a higher level of formality than a logo.

In addition, the university seal is used to imprint documents of student academic achievement, such as diplomas, certificates or transcripts. Such use is restricted to the Registrar.

There is only one university seal, for use by all its colleges, schools and departments. No other seals may be established. The Secretary of the University, as "Keeper of the Seal," retains authority for the symbolism and use of the coat of arms and university seal, and will resolve any conflicts regarding their use.

The coat of arms and university seal are not substitutes for the university logo and signature. The coat of arms is not to be accompanied by marks of DePaul's colleges or schools or their internal departments. The tree of wisdom is the proper identifying mark for such use.

It is unlikely situations will occur when it is appropriate to use both the coat of arms and the logo and signature on the same publication. Only one symbol should be used to identify the university on any project.

The coat of arms and university seal are the most solemn and exalted of DePaul's symbols. They are not to be applied to situations that are in any way undignified, capricious or non-traditional.