Nu Rho
Psi
Induction
Ritual
2009
Introduction
These
instructions are presented as a guideline for Nu
Provision
for music at the entrance and exit or a suitable musical interlude might be
made. The institution’s song and/or an appropriate anthem might be sung.
The
initiates present should be seated in a central place. Chapter officers are also
to have prominent places. Honorary inductees and the student inductees should be
seated where they can be seen and where they can move conveniently about and to
the dais area. The faculty should be seated near the candidates.
General
Instructions
The
objective is to make the ceremony as impressive as possible for the inductees
and guests. Chapter officers are urged to retain the essentials but are free to
add elements that will enhance the ceremony.
The
presiding officer, other officials and guests sitting at the dais shall be
selected by the chapter and may distribute the speaking parts of the ceremony as
appropriate. Variety and interest are added to the ceremony when a number of
active members(student, alumni,
National Council and honorary) participate as well. When a National Council
member is a guest of honor, he or she shall be the presiding officer.
Introductory
remarks, History of Nu Rho Psi, and an explanation of goals
Members
of Nu Rho Psi, candidates for initiation, and friends: We are here today for the
purpose of initiating new members into Nu Rho Psi, the national Neuroscience
honor society. Nu Rho Psi was founded in 2006 under the auspice of the Faculty
for Undergraduate Neuroscience and through the joint efforts of faculty and
students atBaldwin-Wallace
College, BaylorUniversity
and
The aims
of Nu Rho Psi are to: (1) encourage professional interest and excellence in
scholarship, particularly in neuroscience; (2) award recognition to students who
have achieved such excellence in scholarship; (3) advance the discipline of
neuroscience; (4) encourage intellectual and social interaction between
students, faculty, and professionals in neuroscience and related fields; (5)
promote career development in neuroscience and related fields; (6) increase
public awareness of neuroscience and its benefits for the individual and
society; and (7) encourage service to the community.
Scholarship
is the most important qualification for membership in Nu Rho Psi. This reflects
the primarily intellectual purpose of science and higher education more
generally. But a high grade point average alone does not demonstrate true
scholarship, nor does the mastery of information and specialized knowledge. Nu
Rho Psi membership recognizes interdisciplinary scholarship and acknowledges
those persons as scholars who possess a depth of comprehension and a breadth of
knowledge about the nervous system. Nu Rho Psi honors those students who have a
passion for knowledge, the world of ideas, and critical analysis. The true
scholar realizes that education and knowledge are lifelong pursuits, and the
true scholar never loses contact with the world of reality beyond the library or
the laboratory. Knowledge should not exist in a vacuum; it should be shared to
ennoble the world in which we live. Through a balanced integration of
experiences, the scholar advances in both knowledge and wisdom in a way that
benefits our community at large.
Introduction
of Candidates
It
is desirable that each candidate be identified as clearly as possible. This may
be accomplished by clearly announcing each name and something about his/her
accomplishments before the ceremony. This may be supplemented by nametags, which
will identify candidates to the faculty and guests attending the ceremony and/or
by publication of names in the induction program. If candidates are not present,
their names may be read after all present are introduced.
Description
of the Nu Rho Psi symbols
Nu Rho
Psi is the only nationally-recognized honor society in the area of brain
research. The study of the brain is one of the noblest of academic pursuits
because a deep and true understanding of the principles by which the brain works
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 interdisciplinary study and by your high scholastic achievement, that you
have the potential to excel as a neuroscientist and so deserve the honor of
membership in Nu Rho Psi. With this special honor comes the special obligation
to advance the goals of the society which you have just heard.
The
Greek letters of our honor society, “ΝΡΨ”,
designate the study of neuroscience – the interdisciplinary science that
engages our members in the study of the Nervous System and is the unifying focus
of this honor society. The Greek letter Nu (Ν,
ν)
stands for the noun Nous, meaning “Mind”. The letter
Our
lives will benefit from the study of the brain and mind with the ultimate goals
of providing treatments and cures for the psychological and neurological
disorders that plague humankind. The advancement of knowledge about the brain is
the best hope we have for achieving this goal.
Presentation
of Insignia and Certificates
You have
earned membership in this illustrious society by attaining high standards of
scholarship not only in the interdisciplinary study of neuroscience but also in
your overall academic work as well, in accordance with the rigorous criteria set
forth in the national constitution of Nu Rho Psi and the by-laws of … chapter.
This honor can be obtained in only one way. It cannot be bought nor can it be
had as a gift. It must be earned by faithful, earnest toil, by serious
application to studies, and persistent application in scholastic work. Your
success in college has brought you this recognition. Congratulations!
WILL THE
CANDIDATES FOR INITIATION INTO NU
Your
eligibility for membership in Nu Rho Psi has been affirmed by … (name
of Chapter Advisor) and the National Board. You are duly invited to
lifetime membership in both the national organization of Nu Rho Psi 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, bylaws and constitution of Nu Rho Psi. Please come forward as I call your
name.
Each
initiate is called by name and steps forward and receives his/her insignia and
membership certificate from the Chapter Advisor, Department Chair, Chapter
President, or other designated official, with appropriate words of
congratulation. Each initiate faces the audience and signs a log book which is a
permanent historical record of the induction. This book is maintained by the
chapter in perpetuity.
Remarks
of the Chapter President or invited speaker
The
remarks will be brief (10 minutes or less) and will address some topic relative
to the study of the brain and the significance of this work.
Remarks
by School President, Faculty Advisor, or Guest Speaker (optional)
These
remarks should be very brief (5 minutes or less) and will emphasize the
significance of the honor just bestowed.
Announcements:
Reception/Banquet and any other appropriate closing
New
inductees may form a reception line where they may be greeted by well wishers.
Alternatively, a reception with appropriate refreshments may follow the
ceremony. If resources allow it, a banquet may follow the ceremony.