University colours
The official colours of the University of Waterloo are gold, black and white.
University arms and motto
The arms and motto for the University of Waterloo, as first adopted in October 1961, and as officially granted in August 1987, by the Lord Lyon King of Arms, are described as follows: Or, on a chevron Sable between three lions rampant Gules a Chevronel Argent. Above the Shield is placed an Helm suitable to an Incorporation (VIDELICET: - a Salade Proper lined Gules) with a Mantling Sable doubled Or, and on a Wreath of the Liveries is set for Crest between two maple branches in saltire a trillium displayed and leaved all Proper, and in an Escrol over the same this motto "CONCORDIA CUM VERITATE" - In Harmony with Truth.
University mace
The symbolic theme may be described as follows: The fundamental concept is unity amid diversity and tension in the creative intellectual process that strives to bring forth a new individual. The design of the mace interprets this theme in the idiom of the life process: from the seeds at the base of the stave the mace grows in unity and strength until it differentiates by a four-fold separation into diverse elements.
The four-fold diversity is significant because of the four Faculties existing at the time the mace was presented to the University and as well, of the four church-related colleges federated and affiliated with the University. These diverse elements together form a crown, and the points of the crown, while tending toward a union do not quite touch but remain as individuals suspended in tension and yet engaged in a deep harmony. This creative process is focused not on the traditional spherical orb of static perfection but rather on an elliptical silver ovum - the egg-shaped symbol of creativity - the marvellous potential of a new individual life.
