Heraldry of Harvard University

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Arms of Harvard University
Versions
Great Seal
Armiger	Harvard University
Adopted	1643; 381 years ago (1643)
Shield	Gules, three open books Argent, edges, covers, and clasps Or, on the books the letters VE RI TAS Sable.
Motto	Veritas

Harvard University adopted an official seal soon after it was founded in 1636 and named "Harvard College" in 1638; a variant is still used.

Each school within the university (Harvard College, Harvard Medical School, Harvard Law School, Harvard Extension School, Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, etc.) has its own distinctive shield as well, as do many other internal administrative units such as the Harvard College residential "Houses" and the Harvard Library. Many extracurricular organizations‍—‌such as clubs, societies, and athletic teams‍—‌also have their own shield, often based on the coat of arms of Harvard itself.