The Official Ring Ceremony held by the Arkansas Alumni Association on April 12th was the largest to date. With that being said, let’s note that there were only about 165 people in attendance, which seems like a relatively small percentage when compared to the couple of thousand students graduating this year. So what is it that is holding students back from participating in this tradition?
The official ring is a somewhat new concept at Arkansas. Over the years, graduates had the option of picking a more customizable class ring, adding such things as Greek letters or other organization marks and symbols. While many liked this ability to modify their rings on a personal basis, this also created a lack of unity among the class rings. Drawing from traditions at other universities such as Texas A&M, it was decided that Arkansas would also adopt an “official” ring. This ring is identical among all graduates, with exception to your class year and name. This creates an easily identifiable ring, with images of Old Main, Senior Walk, a Razorback, and even hands calling the hogs!
There are a variety of size metal options, which gives a price range of about $320 – $780 for females and $584 – $1,700 for males. What could be done to help make this more affordable for students? How could we change a 100% participation rate of the senior class in the ring ceremony from a vision to a reality?
If students were to support some kind of payment plan that is integrated into tuition over their time at the U of A, I believe that this would help reduce the impact of such a large purchase. Of course, Josten’s offers payment plans when you purchase a ring, but I think that by offering an option to start saving earlier would increase the awareness of buying a ring to both students and parents.
Please leave us what you think about this! Do you think that even the low end prices are a little too high? Does the tradition of the class ring still need some work in the marketing department?
The class ring embodies your time at the U of A, and gives you the opportunity to share your personal experience with those who notice you wearing it, whether they are an alum or not. It is a beautiful way to top off graduation activities at the end of the semester, and any student would be proud to wear it. We hope that next year’s attendance is record-breaking as well.
