Why are there four signatures at the bottom of the diploma?

Prior to Fall 2001, only the signatures of the Secretary of the Board of Regents and the University of Minnesota President were printed on all University diplomas. In Fall 2001, the decision was made to include the signatures for the college/school/center/institute Dean or Director, and the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost or the relevant coordinate campus Chancellor.

In addition to signatures, administrative credentials are also displayed below signatures to denote administrative appointments. The name of the college/school/center/institute is also displayed.

Apart from the aforementioned information pertaining to administrative appointments, no additional professional administrative or academic credentials are displayed on the diploma.