On a circular shaped embroidered item edged with a 1/8 inch (.32 cm) black border, blazoned as follows: an inner disc Argent within a 1/16 inches (.16 cm) border Sable, issuant from base a stylized Cardinal head couped Proper to sinister. Around the disc a band of the first bearing the inscription ILLINOIS STATE above the cardinal and UNIVERSITY below in red letters. Overall dimensions are 3 inches (7.62 cm) in diameter.

Red and white are the school colors.  The cardinal is the mascot of the university.

The shoulder sleeve insignia (SSI) originally authorized on 18 May 1982, it currently being amended to add the ACU color conversions on 5 December 2017.  (TIOH Drawing Number A-10S-287)

On a shield shaped gold metal and epoxied device 1 1/8 inches (2.86 cm) in height blazoned as follows: a shield divided diagonally upper left to lower right Gules, Argent & Sable. The sable charged with a battle-ax, Argent charged with a stylized rolled and tied parchment, and a silhouetted blockhouse on Gules, all Or.  Attached below the shield, a gold horizontal scroll inscribed "ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY in Red letters.

Red and white are the colors of the University. The battle-ax alludes to the military.  The rolled parchment is representative of academic endeavors. The blockhouse refers to the historic background of the state of Illinois. The gold color of the metal is symbolic of excellence and the high standards of achievements of the University.

The shoulder loop insignia (SLI) originally authorized on 18 May 1982, it currently being amended to update the manufacturing drawings on 5 December 2017.