Honors Day is coming up on April 4. Here is what you need to know about this UA tradition.
1. The annual Tapping on the Mound ceremony serves as a formal induction into some of the UA’s most prestigious honor societies.
Dating back to the early 1900s, the tradition features a symbolic “tap” on the shoulder or mortarboard, a rite of passage that marks students’ entrance into these esteemed academic communities.
2. The ceremony takes place on the historical mound where the Franklin Dormitory stood before it was destroyed during the Civil War.
The Mound is normally fenced off and inaccessible to the public. Its restricted access highlights the significance of Honors Day, since being invited to step onto the Mound during the tapping ceremony is reserved only for those being formally recognized, adding to the moment’s weight and tradition.
3. As the University has grown, Honors Day has expanded.
It now consists of a full week of receptions, award programs and ceremonies to recognize the academic excellence and leadership of students and faculty.
4. There are only four honor societies that tap on Honors Day.
They are the Anderson Society, Omicron Delta Kappa, Blue Key, and Mortar Board.
5. The ceremony also honors other students, faculty and staff through various awards and honorary memberships.
Some include the Outstanding Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Awards along with Alumni Student Awards, Capstone Men and Women’s Amanda Grace Taylor Watson Distinctive Image Award and The Other Club Award.