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The seal confirms, ratifies, or makes secure an emblem, symbol,
or word used to certify a signature or authenticate a document.
The use of official seals dates back to the Norman Conquest in
1066. Within the next century, in England, seals were used throughout
the land for the purpose of authenticating documents; persons
of rank had unique seals. Most were circular or oval shaped and
had heraldic designs embossed on their faces. The use of seals
to authenticate documents became part of the academic tradition
in the medieval university and continues to the present, for
example, in the display of the university's seal on diplomas.
Over the past 90 years Northern has used several official university
seals, reflecting the changes in the institutional status. The
current seal has been employed since 1983 and depicts the central
tower of Altgeld Hall.
The seal is used only for special occasions. It is reserved
for official documents (diplomas, certificates, resolutions)
that are presented on behalf of the university as a whole, and
is used by the Northern Illinois University Board of Trustees.
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