Abstract: An adjusting mechanism for a universal stand, particularly for a finishing stand in a group of compact roll stands and a method for operating the adjusting mechanism. The adjusting mechanism includes two hydraulic control cylinders for at least one horizontal roll which is usually the top roll. The at least one horizontal roll and the two vertical rolls are provided with hydraulic fine adjustments and each roll having a hydraulic fine adjustment is provided with an electromechanic coarse adjustment which can be operated independently of the fine adjustment. The electromechanic coarse adjustments as well as the hydraulic fine adjustments are monitored with respect to position of displacement pickups. The fine adjustments are additionally monitored by means of pressure pickups or rolling force pickups. The hydraulic fine adjustments are set up for the adjustment and opening of the rolls under pressure.