new this academic year: dual ceremonies - fall semester and spring semester prior to commencement.  

The Order of the Engineer

The Steel Ring (or Order of the Engineer Ring) Ceremony in the United States was actually first held at Cleveland State University in the Washkewicz (then Fenn) College of Engineering on June 4, 1970. Nearly 170 students and faculty members participated. Since that time it has been adopted by several other engineering colleges throughout the United States. Ring ceremonies are conducted by Links (local sections) of the Order; there are currently 189 links in the United States and Washkewicz College is Link 1.  Cleveland State’s Washkewicz College of Engineering has inducted more than 1700 engineers. 

The Obligation that students recite at the ceremony is a creed which sets forth an ethical code of conduct for engineers. Students pledge to uphold the standards and dignity of the engineering profession and to serve humanity by making efficient use of the world’s resources. The rings further serve to remind students to persist in their pursuit of excellence. Information has been excerpted from the Order of the Engineer website. Please visit for additional details.

The Pledge of the Computing Professional

"The Pledge of the Computing Professional is a new organization to promote the notion of computing as a recognized profession at the time of graduation for students in Computer Science and related programs. The Pledge is modeled after the Order of the Engineer– a long-standing rite-of-passage for graduates from engineering programs. The Pledge of the Computing Professional is solely intended to promote and recognize the ethical and moral behavior of graduates of computing-related degree programs as they transition to careers of service to society." This statement was taken from the Pledge of the Computing Professionals website.  Please visit for more information.         

FAQ

1. What is the purpose and history of the Order of the Engineer? The Pledge of the Computing Engineer?
2. Who is eligible to partcipate in the Order of the Engineer and The Pledge of the Computing Professional?
3. When does the Order of the Engineer and The Pledge of the Computing Professional take place at Cleveland State University?
4. What is done at the Order of the Engineer and Awards Ceremony?
5. How can I purchase a Pin or Steel Ring and how do I "get sized" for the ring?
6. What do I do if I lose my pin or ring?
7. Whom may I contact if I have questions about the Ceremony?
8. How should participants dress for the ceremony?
9. What if I can't make it to the ceremony?
10. What is the "Obligation of an Engineer?"
11. Registration and Payment Form

What is the purpose and history of the Order of the Engineer? The Pledge of the Computing Professional?

Please visit the organizations websites to learn this information: Order of the Engineer or The Pledge of the Computing Professional.

Who is eligible to participate in the Ceremony?”

Graduating seniors from the current summer and fall semesters can participate in the Fall Induction Ceremony.  Current spring semester graduating seniors are eligible to participate in the Spring Induction Ceremony. Example:  Summer 2022 and Fall 2022=Fall Induction Ceremony; Spring 2023=Spring Induction Ceremony.  

• All Engineering majors except Computer Science are eligible for the Order of the Engineer Ring.
• Computer Science majors are eligible for the Pledge of the Computing Professional Pin only.
• Software Engineering and Computer Engineering majors are eligible for both the Order of the Engineer Ring and the Pledge of the Computer Professional Pin.

When does the Order of the Engineer and The Pledge of the Computing Professional take place at Cleveland State University?

New!  The Order of the Engineer and The Pledge of the Computing Professional Ceremony will have a Fall Induction Ceremony and a Spring Induction Ceremony coinsiding with both Commencement ceremonies. 

What is done at the ceremony?

The Induction Ceremony of the Order of the Engineer and Pledge of the Computing Professional administered by the Washkewicz College of Engineering at Cleveland State University consists of brief remarks from a number of college officials, including the Dean of the Washkewicz College of Engineering. The Order of the Engineer and the Pledge of the Computing Professional participants stand and take their respective oaths, professing to adhere to professional engineering standards. Participants then sign a certificate which cites the “Obligation”. Students then come up on stage individually to receive their ring and/or pin.  The ceremony is followed by a brief brunch.  After brunch everyone will walk to the Wolstein Center for the Commencement ceremony.

How can I purchase a Pin or Steel Ring? How do I get “sized” for a ring?

Pins and Steel Rings will be sold online. Make sure to fill out the Student Event Registration and Payment Form.  The cost of the pin or ring is $25.00. Depending on your eligibility (Software Engineering and Computer Engineering only), together they are $35.00. The price includes lifetime membership in the Order of the Engineer and Pledge of the Computing Professional.  The deadline to register and order rings and pins for the Spring Induction Ceremony is Wednesday, May 3, 2023.  Once you have filled out the Student Event Registration and Payment Form, please come to WH305 to get sized for your ring.

What do I do if I lose my pin or ring?

You may order another through the Student Success Suite (Engineering Dean’s Office) by calling 216.687.2555.  The replacement cost is $20.00.

Whom may I contact if I have questions about the Ceremony?

If you have additional questions or concerns about the ceremony, please dial 216.687.2555.

How should participants dress for the ceremony?

Because this is a public recognition ceremony that stresses the professionalism of engineering it is strongly recommended that students dress in business attire and wear their cap and gown. Guests will include out-of-town visitors, alumni donors and corporate representatives, including potential employers. Photos are typically taken at the event that may be used in local newspapers, campus publications and on the University’s website. Therefore, casual clothes, including jeans, etc., are not recommended.

What if I can’t make it to the ceremony?

You must take the oath in order to get the ring/pin and become a member of the Order of the Engineer/Computing Professional. However, if you cannot make it to the ceremony please call the Dean’s Office at 216.687.2555 to make the necessary arrangements.

  What is the "Obligation of an Engineer?"

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 part 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.  (order-of-the-engineer.org).

 Induction Registration Form

Please complete the Induction Registration Form.  Please note that both the Registration Form and the Payment (ShopNet) Form need to be submitted to participate in this Ceremony.  If you cannot make a credit card payment, please call 216.687.2555 to make other arrangements.