The Phikeia Induction Ceremony is a ritualistic process of inducting a new member. It is a solemn occasion and, if done correctly, can be a moving experience which sets the stage for a positive Phikeia education period. This is an Open Ceremony, and anyone within Phi Delta Theta, as well as non-members are allowed to attend. As the Phikeia educator and chapter leadership, it is your responsibility to provide a strong foundation for the beginning of the Phikeia Education Program. The following will provide comprehensive details to make your Induction Ceremony a success.
When should Induction take place?
The ceremony should take place soon after the recruitment process is complete. Waiting too long after Bidding to induct the new Phikeias and starting the education program will leave them unengaged. Chapters may also hold as many induction ceremonies as necessary to accommodate recruitment timelines, etc. The chapter treasurer should also be sure to the Phikeias dues up front and in full before the ceremony to avoid confusion and collection problems later.
Who is responsible for the Induction Ceremony?
The Phikeia educator and the Phikeia Education Committee should be responsible for preparing and coordinating the ceremony. Be sure to read this section thoroughly to properly prepare the chapter and the new members for the ceremony.
Preparing for the Ceremony
The Phikeia educator must choose an appropriate location (a chapel, the chapter house, or other solemn location), then he should pick a specific date and time well in advance and notify all those involved, especially the Phikeias. It is also a wise idea to arrange for a photographer (university provided, friend of the fraternity, or professional service) to take group picture of the ceremony. You can use these later for social media promotion, website graphics, and alumni newsletters.
Appropriate attire
Dress for all Phikeias and members should be coat and tie, and all chapter members should be present.
Supplies to bring to the Ceremony:
• A Phikeia button, Phikeia certificate, and Manual of Phi Delta Theta for each new member
• Six blue or white tapered candles, six of one color, or three of each are appropriate
• A roll book and pen
• The Fraternity flag or coat-of-arms as a backdrop
The Ceremony
Phikeias are assembled in an anteroom in preparation for the Phikeia Induction Ceremony. The main room is arranged as shown in the diagram, and the candles are lit. The lights should be dimmed slightly. The members of the chapter should stand or be seated off to the side or around the Phikeias in a horseshoe.
The warden leads the new Phikeia into the room as chapter softly sings Eternal Praise, Warrior Greeks of Old, or another appropriate song of the Fraternity.
Phikeias remain standing in front of their chairs as previously instructed by the warden.
President: Let us pray.
Chaplain: Heavenly Father, direct us in our normal daily living, and may our future friendships in Phi Delta Theta enrich these men, and in turn, the entire chapter. Also, grant us the strength to act in a manner to bring honor to ourselves and to the Fraternity. Amen.
President: Please be seated. On behalf of the (your chapter designation) Chapter of Phi Delta Theta, I welcome you to the fellowship of our Fraternity. I welcome you to a group of men whose brotherhood you have chosen and desire because of the kind of men you believe them to be. You have chosen this group on the basis of your considered opinion that they are men you will be happy to call your closest and dearest friends all your life. This is one of the most vital decisions you will make during your entire college career. In choosing a fraternity you wanted an international fraternity which had a background necessary to make your membership something more than a mere campus interlude. You wanted a chapter home which offers adequate opportunities for study, reasonable recreational facilities, clean and wholesome living conditions, and opportunity for intellectual stimulation. A chapter home where your Mother and Father will not only be welcome, but comfortable.
You wanted a scholastic position with respect to other fraternities on campus, which is more than safe, better than average. You wanted a financial and budget situation which will ensure a minimum of fiscal problems, reasonable charges, minimum of assessment items, and responsible alumni supervision. You wanted an opportunity to participate in campus activities and athletics, and to obtain advice as to the extent and nature of this participation, and as to how best to obtain a maximum return in leadership experiences. You wanted a reasonable, well-ordered social life, consistent with good morals and good taste, with its civilizing influences. These are the things you have looked for in the fraternity of your choice; we believe you will find them abundantly in Phi Delta Theta.
Slight pause
To formally induct you to the position of a Phikeia of the (your chapter designation) Chapter of Phi Delta Theta, you will please stand and repeat the Phikeia Oath after me.
‘I (Phikeias state their full name) now declare that I pledge myself and my services to…the Phi Delta Theta Fraternity… that I will discharge faithfully…the duties devolving upon me as a Phikeia…that I will try to promote the welfare of the Fraternity…and that I will be always mindful…of the basic principles of the Fraternity…And further, I pledge myself as a college man…to uphold the honor and dignity of Phi Delta Theta…everywhere and at all times…I will never bring disgrace to this, my Fraternity…by any act of dishonesty or moral cowardice…I will stand firm for the ideals and sacred things of my Fraternity…both alone and with my Phikeia brothers…I will revere and obey the laws of the Fraternity…and do my best to incite a like respect and reverence…in my Phikeia brothers…and in every member of this chapter…I will strive in all ways…to transmit the Fraternity…to those who may follow after…not only not less…but greater than it was transmitted to me.
President: Brothers, you have heard these men take the Phikeia oath and pledge their devotion to the Fraternity.
What say you?
Chapter Members Respond: We are witnesses
The president calls the candidates forward one by one. The warden instructs each man to sign the Phikeia roll book or other information collection method.
The chaplain shakes the hands of each Phikeia and directs him to the Phikeia educator.
The Phikeia educator pins the Phikeia button of Phi Delta Theta on the Phikeia, hands him a Phikeia Manual, shakes his hand, and directs him to return to his seat. All other Phikeias come forward, in turn, in a like manner.
President: You are now Phikeias of the … Chapter of Phi Delta Theta. Now, let me introduce to you, Brother …, your Phikeia educator, who assist and lead you on your journey to full membership in Phi Delta Theta.
The Phikeia Educator extends a short word of greeting to the group. You may announce the date, location, and main agenda items of their first meeting, as well as general expectations.
President:
Each of you are now given the name Phikeia. Phikeia has special meaning to those who have signed the Bond of Phi Delta Theta. This name obligates you to strive to pursue the ideals of friendship, sound learning, and rectitude.
Men who share the name of Phikeia will be challenged and will learn that he finds himself fit to lead only when he is guided by principles that are true, timeless, and subservient to the good of society. The home life of the chapter should be attractive enough to hold your interest. It should be clean and well organized to hold your respect, and it should offer an outlet for unselfish service that it may stir the best emotions and develop latent manhood.
Chapter life cannot measure up to these standards unless every Phikeia has responded to the sure tests of character, leadership, and scholarship during the Phikeia period. I now welcome you to the chapter as Phikeias. The chorister leads the chapter in a song, followed by individual congratulations to each new Phikeia.
After the Ceremony
After the conclusion of the ceremony, be sure to collect full names, email addresses, and phone numbers of all Phikeias for the appropriate officer to enter into myPhiDeltaTheta. Also, make sure all Phikeias have submitted their induction fees to the chapter treasurer.
Ideas for Induction Night
Induction night can be an exciting time for the Phikeias and the chapter. The safety of respect of the Phikeias, the chapter, and Phi Delta Theta should be considered to be the most important aspect of planning an Induction night. Thus, all policies and procedures for Risk Management and event registration for both Phi Delta Theta and your campus should be strictly followed.
Shared Meal
It is common for a chapter to plan a large meal for the entire chapter, immediately following the ceremony. Whether at the chapter facility, in a room on campus, or at an area restaurant, a fellowship meal can easily illustrate the bonds of friendship and family environment that we all enjoy as Phi Delta Theta men.
Keynote Speaker
Prominent alumni, campus administrators, community leaders, and even chapter members can make excellent keynote speakers. Their stories and experiences can offer wisdom to the new Phikeia class. Having a keynote speaker after the ceremony or during a meal is a great way to set the tone for the Phikeia Program, and show the new members that they made the right decision in joining Phi Delta Theta.
Campus Revealing
Since the Induction Ceremony is an open ceremony in Phi Delta Theta, you can really roll out the red carpet for your new Phikeias by inviting campus administrators, other organizations, student government, parents and family, alumni, and other guests to watch the men become Phikeias.
To further welcome the men into Phi Delta Theta, a reception after the ceremony with snacks and mix and mingle time is a terrific way to welcome the men and introduce the Phikeias to the key stakeholders and partners on your campus.