Initiation Ceremony
Initiation Ceremony
A formal initiation ritual lends a measure of gravity to an induction ceremony. It reminds inductees of their connection to the national organization of Pi Sigma Alpha and to the other chapters of the honor society, and to political science scholars who have gone before them and who will follow.
It helps make the occasion a memorable event of their academic lives. Such a ritual should reflect the meaning of the honor the students are receiving, and inspire them to continue to pursue academic excellence.
The Pi Sigma Alpha initiation ritual offered here may be modified, expanded, or embellished to conform to the needs of a local chapter or the particular occasion. If the induction event includes a speaker from outside the university, he or she may be included as an honorary member of the chapter. There may be remarks from other persons. Graduation medallions and/or other merchandise may be given with the certificates. The banner may be displayed, etc. It is important only that each chapter have a dignified and appropriate ceremony for the induction of members.
Pi Sigma Alpha Ritual of Initiation (Optional)
| Members of Pi Sigma Alpha, candidates for initiation, and friends: We are here today for the purpose of initiating new members into Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society. Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas in Austin to encourage and recognize superior achievement in the study of government and politics at the undergraduate and graduate level. With chapters numbering well over 600 , and with over 7,000 students joining its ranks each year, it is still the only recognized college honor society in the discipline and is now one of the largest constituent members of the Association of College Honor Societies.
The study of politics and government is one of the noblest of academic pursuits because a deep and true understanding of the principles by which we govern ourselves contributes directly to the quality of our lives and the well-being of future generations. You have demonstrated, both by your interest in and commitment to this discipline and by your high scholastic achievement, that you have the potential to excel as citizens and scholars and so deserve the honor of membership in Pi Sigma Alpha. With this special honor come the special obligations of leaders to exemplify and safeguard the academic aims of this college (or university), the honesty and integrity of its scholars, and the ideals of your Alma Mater.
You have earned membership in this illustrious society by attaining the highest standards of scholarship not only in the discipline of political science but in your overall academic work as well, in accordance with the rigorous criteria set forth in the national constitution of Pi Sigma Alpha, the by-laws of _________chapter, and the strict requirements of the Association of College Honor Societies.
WILL THE CANDIDATES FOR INITIATION INTO PI SIGMA ALPHA PLEASE STAND.
Your eligibility for membership in Pi Sigma Alpha has been vouched for by (name of Chapter Advisor) and so you are duly invited to lifetime membership in both the national organization of Pi Sigma Alpha and this (name of chapter) chapter. By accepting this honor you signify your acceptance of and commitment to the ideals of high scholarship, integrity, and citizenship embodied in the goals of this institution and of Pi Sigma Alpha. Please come forward as I call your name.
(Each initiate steps forward and receives his/her Membership Certificate from the Chapter Advisor, Department Chair, Chapter President, or other designated official, with appropriate words of congratulation.)
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