The official university seal, which features Dallas Hall, is a significant element in the University's historic identity and is used exclusively for official business of the University. The seal is maintained by the Office of the University Secretary and used for corporate purposes. It is also used on academic documents produced with the approval of the Office of the Provost in conjunction with SMU Public Affairs.

The seal should be used for only the purposes specified, and never as a substitute for the University logo, which remains the University's primary visual symbol. The same care and respect should be afforded the official seal as the University logo. The seal should always be placed in an upright position and never altered or tampered with. Care should be taken to leave adequate space on all sides of the seal.