Kipling Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

  1. How do I get an Iron Ring?
    All potential graduates will automatically receive an iron ring.
  2. When do I get my ring sized?
    Sizing for the iron ring will be held in the Engineering Alumni Office, JHE-A201D, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon ON THE FOLLOWING DATES ONLY:
    • Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
    • Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
    • Thursday, December 1st, 2011
  3. When is the signing of the register?
    The signing of the register will take place on February 8, 9 and 10, 2012, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon ONLY in JHE-A201D, Engineering Alumni Office.
  4. When can I pick up the forms to be filled out for the presenter?
    At the time of signing the register.
  5. Who can present me my iron ring?

    a) The actual ringing of the candidate may be done by any obligated engineer of your choice who accepted obligation 10 years ago. The intent of this requirement is to have Engineers of some experience, welcoming and encouraging you as a new Engineer. Forms will be available in our office.

    b) Faculty members are always delighted to be asked to ring one of their students. Forms will be available in our office.

    c) Seven Camp Wardens will be in attendance at the ceremony to present the rings to graduating engineers who do not have presenters.

    IMPORTANT: If there is a possibility that a special circumstance exists concerning the individual you intend to ask to ring you, you must explain the circumstance in a written notice and submit it along with the presenter form to the Engineering Alumni Office no later than Date - TBD. PLEASE NOTE: SPECIAL CASES NEED TO BE APPROVED BY THE WARDENS AND WILL ONLY BE CONSIDERED DURING THEIR UPCOMING MEETING.

  6. When is the next Kipling Ceremony take place?
    Kipling 2012 will take place on Friday, March 30th.
  7. Where is the next Kipling Ceremony being held?
    Kipling 2012 is going to be held at McMaster University, Burridge Gymnasium, David Braley Athletics Centre.
  8. What time do I have to be at Ivor Wynne Centre on March 30th?
    You must be at McMaster University, Burridge Gymnasium, Ivor Wynne Centre, by 1:30 p.m.
  9. Do I have to be present for the entire event?
    YES. You must be present for the entire event. If you leave the building for any reason and return after the ceremony has begun, you will not be allowed into the room and will not receive your ring. You will have to repeat the procedure the following year.
  10. What happens if I can't attend the Kipling Ceremony on March 30th?
    You MUST attend the iron ring ceremony in order to get your iron ring. If you cannot attend, then you will have to attend next year or at a later date. Please note: the ceremony is only held once a year.
  11. Can anyone attend the iron ring ceremony?
    No. Only presenters. (see #5)
  12. What happens if I lose my ring at a later date?
    You cannot replace your lost iron ring within the first six months after your ceremony. To make arrangements for a ring replacement after the six month waiting period, please mail or fax Iron Ring Replacement Form to Carm Vespi. If you have any further questions please call or e-mail Carm Vespi, 905-525-9140 ext. 24906.
  13. What happens if my ring does not fit anymore?
    You can exchange your ring size in person or by sending us your current ring in the mail with along with the Iron Ring Replacement Form marked "Iron Ring Exchange". There is no charge for the exchange.
  14. I would like to exchange my ring, but I want to keep my old ring. Can I do that?
    No. If you need to exchange your ring, you must return the one that you have.
  15. Can I replace someone's Iron Ring for them as a surprise?
    No. Only an obligated Engineer may replace his/her own ring.
  16. Can I send someone to pick up my Iron Ring?
    We generally discourage people from doing so. However, if you send us an email ahead of time, with the name of the person who will be picking up the ring, we will allow it.
  17. I do not know my size; do you have it on record?
    Yes, however if your ring size has changed please feel free to come into the office or go to a jewellery store to get your finger resized.
  18. Note: Students who are in the B. Tech program or the Computer Science program do not receive an Iron Ring.

External Applicants

  1. How do I apply to get an Iron Ring?
    If you have completed you undergraduate degree outside of Canada, and are interested in applying for the Iron Ring Ceremony, you must apply as an outside applicant. Please visit our outside applicant web page for details and to download application form.
  2. What is the deadline to submit the Iron Ring application?
    The deadline to apply for our next ceremony is Tuesday, January 31st, 2012.
  3. When will I be notified of the status of my application?
    After the Kipling Wardens meet to review the applications and make their decisions, we will send you an email regarding the status of your application.
  4. Do I need to come to the university to size my ring or sign the register?
    No. If your application has been approved you will be asked to provide us with your ring size (pinky finger on the hand you use to write) via email or phone. If you do not know your size, you will have to go to a jewelry store and have it sized. Please note that the rings are available in full or half sizes only. You do not have to come into the university and sign the register. You will be asked to do so when you arrive to the Kipling ceremony.

Other Questions

Please contact us for any other questions.