On a square on point divided vertically yellow and maroon and edged with a 1/16 inch (.16 cm) yellow border a tower counterchanged. Surrounding the square a yellow scroll edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) maroon border inscribed "UNIVERSITY" at upper left, "MINNESOTA" at upper right, "TWIN" at lower left, "CITIES" at lower right, all in maroon letters. The overall dimensions are 4 inches (10.16 cm) in height and in width.
Maroon and gold (yellow) are the school colors. The tower is a representation of a campus landmark and suggests the cadets' quest for knowledge.
The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 1 June 1951. It was amended on 24 April 1981 to change the background from felt woven fabric and to add subdued insignia, also amended 23 October 1981 to change the description of the insignia. The SSI was cancelled due to a new designs authorized on 5 May 1993, then revised 11 May 1993 to reflect the correct school colors. (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-111)