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Pledge of the Computing Professional

Pin given to all members. Spells Honor in ASCII

The Pledge of the Computing Professional is an organization to promote the notion of computing as a recognized profession at the time of graduation for students in Computer Science and related programs. The Pledge is modeled after the Order of the Engineer – a long-standing rite-of-passage for graduates from engineering programs. The Pledge of the Computing Professional is solely intended to promote and recognize the ethical and moral behavior of graduates of computing-related degree programs as they transition to careers of service to society. Visit the organization's website to learn more about The Pledge of The Computing Professional

Event Details


The Pledge of the Computing Professional Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Order of the Engineer Ceremony on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at 3:00 PM. Please arrive by 2:30 PM to check in with our staff prior to the ceremony. The ceremony will start promptly at 3:00 PM.

Registration

Complete the Registration is currently closed. A one-time fee of $20.00 (cash or check, payable to WVU) is charged to cover the costs which include the memorabilia item, certificate, and national membership fee.

Do I need to attend the Ceremony?

Yes, the ceremony is mandatory.

Who is eligible to participate in the ceremony?

Graduating seniors from the current spring 2022 semester and past graduates are eligible to participate.

The eligibility by major is as follows:

  • Biometric Systems, BS
  • Biometric Systems Engineering, BS
  • Computer Science, BS
  • Computer Engineering, BS
  • Cybersecurity, BS

Are there meetings to attend after the ceremony?

No.

Background

In many modern professions, the act of joining the profession is accompanied by a rite of passage, symbolizing the entry of the initiate into a position of responsibility. The initiate often takes an oath, pledging to act both ethically and morally as a member of the profession. The initiate is often presented with a visible symbol of the profession, as a reminder of one’s responsibility to the profession.

In 2007, inspired by the example of the Order of the Engineer, individuals at Ohio Northern University and the University of South Florida created similar organizations for graduates of their respective computing programs. After interest in such an organization grew at other institutions, The Pledge of the Computing Professional was developed by an international team of 17 computing professionals. This team came from the following companies and academic institutions:

Bridgewater College, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, Dickinson State University, Intel, Ithaca College, Kettering University, Lakeland Community College, Louisiana State University in Shreveport, McNeese State University, Metropolitan State College of Denver, Norfolk State University, University of North Dakota, Oberlin College, Ohio Northern University, Raytheon, University of South Florida, and Southern Polytechnic State University.

The Pledge of the Computing Professional held its first induction ceremonies at Ohio Northern University, University of South Florida, and McNeese State University in May 2011.

The Oath

  • I am a Computing Professional.
  • My work as a Computing Professional affects people’s lives, both now and into
  • As a result, I bear moral and ethical responsibilities to society.
  • As a Computing Professional, I pledge to practice my profession with the highest level of integrity and competence.
  • I shall always use my skills for the public good.
  • I shall be honest about my limitations, continuously seeking to improve my skills through life-long learning.
  • I shall engage only in honorable and upstanding endeavors.