A circular insignia edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) gold border, the overall dimensions 3 inches (7.62 cm) consisting of an inner black disc edged with a 1/16 inch (.16 cm) gold border on which is the shield and scroll from the seal of the University in gold with charges letters black; the disc within an encircling white band, inscribed WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY around the top and 1834 in base, all letters and numerals black, 1/4 inch (.64 cm) in height.

Gold and black are the colors of the University.  The numerals 1834 designate the year the University was established.  The Latin word PRO HUMANITATE translates in English to For The Benefit Of Mankind.

The shoulder sleeve insignia was originally authorized 8 July 1980. It was amended to add metric measurement and subdued colors on 29 September 1992, currently amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 4 May 2016.  (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-97)

A Gold color metal and enamel device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height overall consisting of a gold color metal shield bearing the capital Greek letters CHI and RHO between in fess the capital Greek letters ALPHA in dexter and OMEGA in sinister, in chief a pattern of nineteen rays, all of black enamel.  Attached below the shield, a gold color metal scroll inscribed "PRO HUMANITATE in black enamel letters.

The shoulder loop insignia was originally authorized 19 February 1971, currently amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 4 May 2016.