Students have the opportunity to earn accredited graduation honors for their participation in a host of high school robotics competitions through membership in a local chapter of the International Robotics Honor Society (IRHS). An IRHS induction ceremony is an event to welcome new members to their chapter and create a special occasion for friends, family, and school administrators to share in the celebration.
What is an Induction Ceremony, and Why is it Important?
Your chapter may choose to host an induction ceremony as a way to welcome students and officially recognize their membership in your school's chapter of the IRHS. The central purpose of this event is to serve as an inauguration of new members to their IRHS chapter, and recognize the installation of student officers.
Chapter advisors may choose to present new chapter members with a certificate and official IRHS pin during a swearing-in ceremony during induction. Returning chapter members may also take part in the induction ceremony and be recognized for their continued support and contribution.
Following the official ceremony, there is often time for photographs and interactions with school administrators, faculty, and mentors who have been part of the students' educational journey.
What does an Induction Ceremony Look Like?
This is up to you and your chapter! Each ceremony will look different, and can be held on a date and at a place that best suits your needs. Some chapters choose to do a more formal planned-out event such as those outlined below, while others simply gather together at one of their regularly scheduled team meetings.
Induction Ceremony Supplies and Memorabilia
The chapter advisor is responsible for ordering the official IRHS certificates, pins, cords, stoles, and patches that they wish to present to students. For more information on how to purchase these items, please visit the IRHS Chapter Advisor Dashboard.
Chapters may choose to present IRHS memorabilia at a time and place of their choosing; it’s not required to distribute everything at the induction ceremony.
Planning an Induction Ceremony
Your chapter’s induction ceremony is an excellent opportunity to incorporate school traditions while also establishing new practices that will become customary in the future.
Event Roles
There is no limit to the number of people that can assist with the planning and execution of your induction ceremony and it’s up to your chapter on how the work is divided up, but it’s a good idea to assign event planning roles.
Leading up to the ceremony, chapters should assign a point person to handle venue reservation, staging and facilities needs, catering, and any other planning that needs to be done.
For the day of the induction ceremony, designate who will handle different assignments such as welcoming inductees and guests, ushering guests to their seats, emceeing the ceremony, distributing memorabilia, taking photos of the event, giving the keynote speech, etc.
Decide on a Date and Time
Choose a date and time that works for your chapter, and which offers the opportunity for parents, guests, and administrators to attend. Be sure to communicate this date to chapter members well in advance of the event.
Ensure to include ample time for setup and takedown and depending on your event agenda, including about 90 minutes to 2 hours for the ceremony itself.
Determine a Location
Select a venue that accommodates your inductees and their guests, and the climate in your home town. Places such as a small auditorium, library, large conference room, outdoor park, local community center, or even your robotics build space (if it has seating and a presentation area!) make great locations for an induction ceremony.
Location Accommodations to Consider
- Area to check in chapter members and greet guests
- Display table for certificates, pins, etc.
- Podium for speakers
- Accessible seating accommodations
- Audio/visual equipment such as a projector, screen, microphones, and speakers
- Climate control
- Campus access and security
- Backdrop with adequate lighting for photos
Induction Ceremony Invitations
It’s important to promote your IRHS induction ceremony to anyone who you want to attend. A formal invitation provides a nice touch, and can be distributed in digital format, or chapters can choose to hand out physical notes.
Be sure to include the event location, parking information, venue opening time, schedule and order of events, dress code, and any other pertinent details. Send invitations 3 to 4 weeks before the event.
It’s best practice to designate a point of contact who will answer any questions about the event and keep track of RSVP responses in a centralized, accessible location. This person should also work with the event coordinator to ensure that there is adequate seating and refreshments if your chapter is offering a reception.
Induction Ceremony Reception
Some chapters choose to hold a reception before or after the induction ceremony. While not required, a reception can add an element of fun or formality to your event.
Some ideas for a reception include appetizers, dinner reception, dessert service, or dancing activities for chapter members and their guests.
Sample Ceremony Outline
The sample schedule below is meant to assist chapters in planning, and should be changed and adapted to meet the needs of your specific chapter
- Opening speech by chapter advisor or administrator
- Introduction of advisory board
- Keynote speaker
- Induction of new members
- Presentation of membership certificates
- Introduction of chapter officers
- Welcome from the chapter president
- Closing remarks