The Calling of an Engineer (Iron Ring Obligation Ceremony)
The Calling of an Engineer has been instituted with the simple end of directing the young engineer towards a consciousness of the profession and its significance, and indicating to the older engineer their responsibilities in receiving, welcoming and supporting the young engineers in their beginnings.
Details of the Ceremony
Next ceremony: Saturday, February 8, 2025.
- Students in their final year are sent an invitation from Camp 15 (Waterloo) to attend "The Calling of an Engineer", also known as the Obligation Ceremony.
- It is important to note that Camp 15, which organizes these ceremonies, is not affiliated with the University of Waterloo or Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). Volunteers from Camp 15 conduct the ceremonies to uphold this Canadian tradition. If you end up working locally and wish to support this tradition, consider volunteering later with Camp 15 or volunteer with one of the other 27 camps in Canada.
- The obligation is open to all eligible engineering graduates from CEAB-accredited programs.
- Prior to the ritual, students must attend a ring fitting session (ring is stainless steel). Graduates are welcome to visit POETS in CPH to use the ring-sizing tool and pre-size their pinky finger.
- Registration and payment, which costs $30, must be completed online. Due to space constraints, each graduate can register one guest, who may serve as either a ring presenter or as a guest observer. Ring presenters must be themselves obligated engineers who received their ring more than 4 years prior, and must wear their ring to the ceremony.
- On the day of the ceremony:
- The dress code is business casual, and disorderly or disruptive behavior is not allowed.
- Late arrivals, except for the last ceremony of the day, will be accommodated in the next session.
- Ceremonies are private events; therefore, photography and recording are prohibited.
- To receive a ring, graduates must participate in an obligation ceremony.
- A refit event will be held in early March for resizing or replacing lost rings for $30.
