University Arms

The University Arms, or shield, forms part of the Coat-of-Arms and consists of the following elements:

Open Book

The open book is a traditional symbol of a university, reflecting the objects of the University to promote, within the limits of the University’s resources, scholarship, research, free inquiry, the interaction of research and teaching, and academic excellence.

Waves

The three waves depict the three Australian rivers, the Macquarie, Murrumbidgee and Murray rivers, all of which are located in the regions served by the University and were explored by Charles Sturt. These rivers flow through the cities of Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo and Wagga Wagga where the University has campuses and are important to the economic and social well-being of all our campuses throughout western and south western NSW, and northern Victoria.

Sturt Desert Pea

The Sturt Desert Pea, or Swainsona Formosa, is the floral emblem of the University and is central to the shield design. The species is a member of the pea family, Fabaceae, and being native to Australia reflects the University’s reputation as a national institution. The Pea was named for the explorer Charles Sturt, in whose honour the University is also named.