After the active members and their guests have seated themselves and Upsilon has determined that all is in readiness, the lights of the room shall be dimmed to the extent necessary to provide a solemn atmosphere, Upsilon will secure attention and say:

Upsilon :

Members of Upsilon Pi Epsilon, let us begin our _20_th initiation ceremony of the Alpha Chapter of Michigan at Western Michigan University.

Epsilon, will you please present the candidates.

(Epsilon goes to the door and brings in one candidate at a time, walking part way with each person. Each person stands in front of the chair they are to be seated in, facing the six chairs. Epsilon presents them saying:)

(1) Epsilon :

Upsilon, I have the honor and pleasure of presenting ____________ for initiation as an active member of Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

Upsilon :

(As each person is introduced:) We are happy to have you among us.

(When all new members have been introduced, Epsilon says )

(2) Epsilon :

Upsilon, I present these candidates for initiation as active members into the Western Michigan University chapter of Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

Upsilon :

Have they fulfilled all the requirements for their initiation?

Epsilon :

They have.

Upsilon :

Epsilon will now read the biographical sketches.

Epsilon:

Please stand during the reading of your biographical sketch. (Read each sketch, giving the person's name first and waiting until that person stands. After reading the sketch, signal the person to be seated, if necessary.)

(After all sketches have been read:)

Upsilon:

We have heard by what name you are known. Now let us consider by what traits you are known. Scholarship...Leadership...Ethicality... and widespread interests. It is because you posses these and many other desirable traits that you are here at this moment. UPE extends you a warm welcome.

Upsilon :

Pi will now tell you the history and some of the ideals of our organization.
(Epsilon retrieves the large key from the left side of the table and returns to his/her position holding the key.)

Pi :

It is customary and appropriate that people unite with common bonds of interest. To display these bonds, characteristic symbols are used as identification. To the world, the symbols represent a society with particular goals and interests; however, to the membership the symbols have more significant meaning since they represent the unique association of the members with their society. So it is with UPE.

Three symbols common everywhere in the computing sciences are the zero, the one, and the abacus.

The zero and the one make up the binary character set. The circle form of the zero is symbolic of the encompassing nature of the computing sciences. Enclosed within the circle are all the aspects, attributes, and activities related to this field as well as some facet from almost every discipline of culture.

The one signifies the unity of purpose of UPE, the united effort to promote the field and its contributions. In a similar nature, the one characterizes the individual effort each member of UPE has made. The one is the positive symbol of truth, integrity, and maturity which are basic to the strength of UPE.

Relatively, computer science is a young discipline first recognized in the mid-twentieth century. The heritage of computing, however, stems to the origins of humanity. The abacus, the earliest and most used calculating device, symbolizes this heritage. The members of UPE pledge to respect the contributions previously made and to build upon that foundation. Pride in our heritage is self-evident in the great advances made in the computing sciences.

The emblem of UPE takes the general form of a key. The key represents the entry to our professional association within which individual limitations can be overcome. This access also includes the responsibility to promote the goals of the society. The manner in which you view and use this key may determine how many gates of opportunity will be opened to you.

The binary digits on the key represent the number one thousand nine hundred and sixty-seven, the date of our founding. This binary number is also represented by the state of the eleven candles on the table before you. Also, the Greek characters spanning across the key identify the society to the world as Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

In the interest of tradition, these six chairs have been placed before you. They are symbolic of the many discussions held by the original group of six students. The first chapter of UPE was chartered and recognized on January 10, 1967 at Texas A&M University.

(Epsilon returns the key to its position, then returns to his/her position behind the table)


(3) Upsilon :

The candidates for active membership will now stand.

(Wait for quiet)

Raise your right hand and repeat this pledge after me ... "I, (Please state your name), having heard and understood ...... the purposes and tenets of Upsilon Pi Epsilon ...... do solemnly pledge ...... Always to respect and promote ...... the aims and ideals of this society." (Pause)

Please be seated. (Wait for quiet)

I will now repeat the pledge which you have just taken.

(Upsilon raises right hand)

... "I, (Pronounce your own name) having heard and understood ...... the purposes and tenets of Upsilon Pi Epsilon ...... do solemnly pledge ...... Always to respect and promote ......the aims and ideals of this society."


(4) Upsilon :

With this pledge you become one of us ...... a member of UPE. Remember, your life and your acts will bear witness to the honor of the computing profession.

(Pause two to five seconds.)

One thing yet remains to be done. Your names must be entered in our chapter book to confirm the pledge you have just taken. Epsilon will open the book.

(Epsilon opens the book to the appropriate page and arranges the light and pen for convenience of the initiates.)


(5) Upsilon :

We will now ask our new members to stand and sign. Epsilon will assist you.

(Epsilon leads the initiates in front of the six semi-circular chairs and conducts the first new member to the book. As the first member completes the signature Upsilon says, pronouncing each name clearly:)

(name) , I welcome you to membership in Upsilon Pi Epsilon.

(Pi conducts the each person back toward his seat after the signing. After all have signed, Pi resumes a place behind the table. Upsilon does the same. Epsilon remains standing near the Book.)

Epsilon, have all the new members entered their names in our chapter book?


Epsilon :

They have.


Upsilon :

Then let the book be closed.


Epsilon :

(Closes the book.) It is closed.