The University crest was designed in the 1940s by the late Reverend Daniel Fogarty, S.J., then Dean of Education. Each symbol in the crest has a significance relevant to the various phrases and history of the University.

On the outer portion of the crest, the name and location of the University are inscribed in Latin, and in Roman numerals (1841), the date the University received its charter authorizing it to grant degrees.

The book shown above the shield represents learning and knowledge. The inscription on the page of the book is Latin - "Age Quod Agis". This is the motto of the University which exhorts all those connected with the University to strive to do their best in everything they do. This quotation is from the Irish Christian Brothers and symbolizes their contribution to the development of the institution.

The upper part of the shield has the official seal of the Jesuits with I.H.S. being the Latin initials for Christ's name. Below these initials are the three nails which represent the Crucifixion, and surrounding these is the Crown of Thorns.

The two crowns represent a dual loyalty - to the then Dominion of Canada and to the British Commonwealth. Below these crowns is the thistle, which stands for Nova Scotia's Scottish heritage.