Office of the University Secretary

The Office of the University Secretary supports effective University governance, managing the work of the University Trustees, its leadership and its committees and supports the efforts of Penn’s 16 School and Center Boards of Advisors.

The Office directs key institutional and ceremonial programs such as Commencement, Convocation, and Presidential Inaugurations, oversees the Honorary Degrees and Commencement speaker selection processes, works with the University Registrar on all University diplomas, provides visitor protocol assistance, and manages other special events. The Office of the University Secretary manages all aspects of the processes by which questions of Divestment and Proxy Voting are addressed, including support of the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Divestment and the Social Responsibility Advisory Committee.

In addition, the Office manages the work of the University Council and its committees and maintains custody of the University seal and regulates the use of Penn's name, trademarks and insignia.