The Order of the Engineer was initiated in the United States to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and experience, and to present to the public a visible symbol identifying the engineer. The Order is not a membership organization; there are never any meetings to attend or dues to pay. Instead, the Order fosters a unity of purpose and the honoring of one’s pledge lifelong. For more information about the organization, visit The Order of the Engineer website .
Event Details
The Order of the Engineer Ceremony will be held in conjunction with the Pledge of the Computing Professional Ceremony on Thursday, May 8, 2024 at 3 p.m. at the Creative Arts Center. Please arrive by 2:30 p.m. to check in with our staff prior to the ceremony. The ceremony will start promptly at 3 p.m.
How to Register?
You must register to participate. 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. If you do not attend, you will not receive your ring.
What if I don't know my ring size?
Download a ring sizing chart courtesy of Zales. The ring is worn on your little finger of your working hand.
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:
- Aerospace Engineering, BS
- Biomedical Engineering, BS
- Chemical Engineering, BS
- Civil Engineering, BS
- Computer Engineering, BS
- Electrical Engineering, BS
- Industrial Engineering, BS
- Mechanical Engineering, BS
- Mining Engineering, BS
- Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, BS
Are there meetings to attend after the Ceremony?
No.
Background
The Order of the Engineer was initiated in the United States to foster a spirit of pride and responsibility in the engineering profession, to bridge the gap between training and experience, and to present to the public a visible symbol identifying the engineer.
The first ceremony was held on June 4, 1970 at Cleveland State University. Others like it have since spread across the United States at which graduate and registered engineers are invited to accept the Obligation of the Engineer and to wear a stainless steel ring. The ceremonies are conducted by Links (local sections) of the Order.
The Obligation is a creed similar to the oath attributed to Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) that is generally taken by medical graduates and which sets forth an ethical code.
The Obligation likewise, contains parts of the Canon of Ethics of major engineering societies. Initiates, as they accept it voluntarily, pledge to uphold the standards and dignity of the engineering profession and to serve humanity by making the best use of Earth’s precious wealth.
The Order is not a membership organization; there are never any meetings to attend or dues to pay. Instead, the Order does foster a unity of purpose and the honoring of one’s pledge lifelong.
The Obligation of the Order of the Engineer is similar to the Canadian “Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer” initiated there in 1926. It uses a wrought iron ring, conducts a secret ceremony, and administers an oath authorized by Rudyard Kipling. The extension of the Ritual outside Canada was prevented by copyright and other conflicting factors.
Obligation
I am an Engineer, in my profession I take deep pride. To it I owe solemn obligations.
As an Engineer, I pledge to practice integrity and fair dealing, tolerance and respect, and to uphold devotion to the standards and the dignity of my profession, conscious always that my skill carries with it the obligation to serve humanity by making the best use of Earth's precious wealth.
As an Engineer, I shall participate in none but honest enterprises. When needed, my skills and knowledge shall be given without reservation for public good. In the performance of duty and in fidelity to my profession, I shall give the utmost.
The Engineer's Creed
As a Professional Engineer, I dedicate my professional knowledge and skill to the advancement and betterment of human welfare.
I pledge:
To give the utmost of performance;
To participate in none but honest enterprise;
To live and work according to the laws of man and the highest standards of professional conduct;
To place service before profit, the honor and standing of the profession before personal advantage, and the public welfare above all other considerations.
In humility and with need for Divine Guidance, I make this pledge.
(Adopted by National Society of Professional Engineers, June 1954)