Protocol

The Office of the Secretary of the University serves as a University-wide knowledge resource on protocol standards and diplomacy.

The Office provides advice and assistance with meetings and events involving visiting dignitaries including cabinet members, international leaders, royalty, heads of state or government, high ranking representatives of foreign governments including ambassadors and ministers, and high profile individuals who may generate special media attention.

Events and programs of this status require diplomatic and procedural protocol and security arrangements. The Office consults and assists with event logistics and security, international protocol and cultural codes, determining order of precedence, titles and forms of address, gifts, ceremonies, seating, diplomacy, communication, and etiquette.

When a dignitary is invited to campus, sponsoring units at the University are requested to inform the Office of the Secretary of the University. For more information, please contact Elizabeth Venecek, Senior Director of Trustee and Strategic Events and Protocol (bvenecek@uchicago.edu).