University-level health care promotion has become an important initiative for facilitating the development of healthy lifestyles in an environment in which university students and staff spend and share a significant part of their lives. The healthcare promoting universities (HPU) movement has over 20 years' experience, but still lacks a common language affording effective communication between parties who are interested in its planning and implementation. This paper was aimed at developing the most relevant concepts concerning the international UPS movement. It deals with the university and health promotion, a university's social responsibility, inequality and inequity within such institution, evidence of healthcare promotion and strategies for developing an HPU. It is hoped that such HPU glossary will encourage the development of a common language between those from different disciplines promoting such initiative and serve as practice guidelines.