Order of the Engineer

What is the Order of the Engineer?

The Order is the roster of engineers in the United States who have participated in an Engineers’ Ring Ceremony and who have publicly accepted the “Obligation of an Engineer”.

History of the Order of the Engineer

The first Iron Ring Ceremony was then held in 1925, at the University of Toronto, with the rumor that the rings were created from the remains of the Quebec Bridge. The Quebec Bridge, whose 1,800 foot cantilever structure collapsed in 1907, was a source of embarrassment to the design engineers. So, the rings purpose was to serve as a reminder that engineers are not infallible, and that there are consequences for their failures. Also, that they must always take care in their designs as well as persist in the pursuit of excellence. There are currently 250 Links in the United States. The A. James Clark School of Engineering is Link #137.

What is the “Obligation of an Engineer"?

The Obligation is the formal statement of an engineer’s responsibilities to the public and to the profession; the Obligation is the publicly accepted by an engineer during induction at a Ring Ceremony. The obligation is similar to the National Society of Professional Engineers’ Engineer’s Creed the Engineer’s Council for Professional Development’s Canon, and the Canadian Ritual of the Calling of an Engineer.

Eligibility for Induction

Those eligible for induction include:

• Graduates in engineering from engineering curricula accredited by ABET
• Seniors in ABET-accredited engineering curricula within two academic terms of graduation
• Engineering students graduating in any term in 2009/2010
• Licensed professional engineers
• Special individuals, who by reason of education, eminence, or experience are deemed worthy of the Order

Why Should I Take the Oath?

As an engineer, you will make decisions that directly impact people’s lives. The Oath of Obligation affirms the professional ethical responsibility you commit to uphold, symbolized by the steel band you wear on the small finger of your working hand.

How can I Take the Oath?

The Clark School of Engineering conducts an induction ceremony each year.