Invitation Protocol for Dignitary Visits
Strategic Communications has been designated as the central campus resource for issues of protocol and assistance in connection with campus visits of state, national, and international dignitaries. Prior to extending an invitation to a high-level dignitary, please contact the Strategic Communications Office of Special Events and Protocol .
The Chancellor reserves the right to extend these invitations. Strategic Communications will consult with the Chancellor to determine his involvement, coordinate his participation as needed, ensure all protocols are followed, and assist in notifying campus departments that may be affected by these events. A high-level dignitary is defined as follows:
- Heads-of-state/government
- High-ranking members of royalty
- U.S./foreign first spouses
- Former heads-of-state/government
- Sitting United States Cabinet members
- Current and former United Nations Secretaries General
- California Governor and/or first spouse
- U.S. Senators and Representatives
- Los Angeles Mayor
VIP/Dignitary Notification Email
A VIP/Dignitary Visitor Notification email has been established to alert specific campus departments that may be affected by these visits. The Office of Special Events and Protocol should be notified when invitations are extended to international or American leaders whose presence may demand a heightened sensitivity to security or protocol issues; attract a large audience; or require increased logistical coordination. For the purpose of this notification, these individuals would include current:
- Ambassadors, foreign ministers, consuls general and other high-ranking international government officials
- United States/local elected officials
- High-profile political, religious or controversial individuals who may generate a large audience
- High-ranking University of California representatives including regents, officers, or presidential senior staff
Event Expenses
Hosting a high-profile dignitary at your event often involves sensitive and heightened diplomatic and security measures, often at an increased cost. As a general rule, these additional costs are borne by the host department. Contact the Office of Special Events and Protocol early in your planning to avoid unanticipated expenses.
UCLA Special Events and Protocol Office
Tricia Lippert, Director
Email: tricial@stratcomm.ucla.edu | Phone: (310) 794-8604
