Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility:

• graduate of an ABET-accredited engineering program
• current student who is within two years of graduating from an ABET-accredited engineering program

Graduating seniors from the current spring and upcoming summer or fall semester are eligible to participate. Graduate students are invited as well.

The Order of the Engineer ring ceremony begins with brief remarks from Dr. Szwalek about the history and meaning of the ring. After the remarks, the Order of the Engineer participants take the oath, professing to adhere to professional engineering standards. Participants sign a certificate, which cites the “Obligation of an Engineer.” Students then come up on stage individually to receive their rings (if done in person) or put on their rings (if done on Zoom, as rings are mailed directly to you after ordering).

Because this is a public recognition ceremony that stresses the professionalism of engineering, it is strongly recommended that students dress in business attire. Photos will be taken at the event that may be used in local newspapers, campus publications, and/or UIC websites such as this one. Therefore, casual clothes, including jeans, etc., are not recommended.

You must take the oath in order to get the ring and become a member of the Order of the Engineer. However, if you cannot make it to the ceremony, you can contact Dr. Szwalek to make necessary alternative arrangements.

This allows Dr. Szwalek to contact you to send you reminders and to provide the Order of the Engineer organization with a list of the individuals who attended the ceremony and took the oath, in case you ever need a replacement ring.

Remember that you need to have the ring in your possession on the day of the ceremony (it will be mailed to you based on the order you place) and the certificate (which will be emailed to you)!

You will need to order the ring here.

The cost of the ring and the accompanying certificate is $20.00, a price that includes lifetime membership in the Order of the Engineer. Order the the membership package and have it shipped directly to your home using the link above (you will need to specify the Link #217 and the date of the event when purchasing).

You will need to know the ring size of the fifth finger of your working hand.

Ring sizes start at 3 and go up to 13. We suggest you order whole or half sizes, e.g., 3 or 3.5. Order the next size up if it’s not a little loose.

To find the right fit, please visit a jewelry store or use a printable ring sizer that you can print at home, such as this one.

The ring is worn on the fifth/pinkie finger of your working hand (the hand you write with). You will need to know the ring size; see the answer to the previous question for more information on how to determine your size.

You may order another through the Order of the Engineer website. You will need to tell them Link #217 and the date when your ceremony took place.  The replacement cost is $20.00.