Phi Kappa Tau has six public rituals and ceremonies — ceremonies that any guest, family member, or campus partner can watch. As Membership Orientation Officer (MOO), you'll lead the one that matters most for your role: the Association Ceremony, which formally welcomes new members into associate membership. This article introduces all six briefly and links to the full ceremony text.
For: Membership Orientation Officers.
When: Anytime, and especially before your chapter's next Association Ceremony.
Public vs. Private Ritual
ΦKT's ritual falls into two categories. Public rituals — the six covered here — can be held in front of non-members, including family, university staff, and other campus Greek organizations. The Initiation Ceremony that brings a member into full brotherhood is private and reserved for initiated members; it isn't covered in this article or the linked handbook.
The six public ceremonies at a glance
Ceremony | What it marks | When it happens |
Association Ceremony | A new member's first oath and formal welcome into associate membership | Within one week of the member accepting his invitation |
Funeral Ceremony | Honors a brother who has passed into "Chapter Eternal" | At a memorial service, or for all deceased brothers at National Convention |
Candlelight Ceremony | Closes a large gathering with a tribute to the four Founders | Convention brotherhood banquets, chapter anniversaries, or other large gatherings |
Meeting Ceremonies | Opens and closes a chapter's regular business meeting | Every chapter meeting |
Installation of Officers | Newly elected officers pledge their service | After each officer election, before the new officers take their posts |
Founders Day | Commemorates the Fraternity's founding at Miami University | March 17 each year |
Your Ceremony: The Association Ceremony
As MOO, you set this ceremony in motion. Once a chapter member accepts his invitation to associate membership, you assign each associate member to a current brother who is responsible for bringing him to the ceremony. You then open the ceremony by addressing the assembled associate members before handing things to the President, who administers the Oath of Associate Membership and presents each man with his candidate badge.
Because this is the first oath a new member ever takes, how you and the chapter prepare him matters. Make sure he understands what associate membership asks of him before he walks into the room.
📌 Policy — The Association Ceremony must take place no more than one week after an Associate Member accepts his invitation, and the full chapter should be present.
✅ Best practice — Hold the ceremony publicly, ideally outdoors at a location meaningful to your chapter or campus, and invite family, university staff, and other campus Greek members to witness it.
Where to find the full ceremony text
The complete scripting for all six ceremonies — including the exact Association Ceremony dialogue, room setup, and the Oath of Associate Membership — is in the Public Ritual Handbook linked below.
FAQ
Do I need to memorize or recite any part of the Association Ceremony myself?
Yes — as MOO you address the assembled associate members near the start of the ceremony before the President takes over. The exact wording is in the Public Ritual Handbook linked above.
Can non-members attend our Association Ceremony?
Yes. It's a public ritual, so family members, university staff, and other campus Greek members are welcome to watch.
What if we don't have an outdoor space of significance for the ceremony?
Any location that matters to your chapter or campus works — the handbook only recommends outdoors, it doesn't require it.
Is the Initiation Ceremony included in the Public Ritual Handbook?
No. Initiation is a private ceremony for initiated members only and isn't part of the public ritual handbook.
Who actually administers the Oath of Associate Membership — the MOO or the President?
The President administers the oath. As MOO, your role is to open the ceremony, address the associate members, and instruct them on the proper posture for receiving the oath.
Questions? Contact your Chapter Advisor or ΦKT National staff.
Last reviewed: August 2026.