Bluffton University

Graduation Pledge

The Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility

Students at many colleges and universities nationwide have recognized the Graduation Pledge of Social and Environmental Responsibility.  It reads:

I pledge to explore and take into account the social and environmental consequences of any job I consider and will try to improve these aspects of any organizations for which I work.

The pledge is voluntary.  It allows people to determine for themselves what they consider to be environmentally and socially responsible.

Graduation 2001 marked the beginning of this tradition.  At that time Manchester University, serving as the national headquarters for the Graduation Pledge Alliance (GPA), invited Bluffton University to participate.  Bluffton’s 2001-2002 Student Senate voted to make this opportunity available to students each year.  Since then, 50-70 percent of students wear green ribbons at Commencement in recognition of the pledge.

An information sheet will be available for you at the baccalaureate/commencement rehearsal.  Immediately following the rehearsal there will be an opportunity for you to indicate your willingness to participate by signing a pledge sheet.  You will receive a certificate and also the green ribbon to wear during graduation events.

The Graduation Pledge Alliance is now a project of the Bentley University Alliance for Ethics and Social Responsibility.  You may access the national pledge website at www.graduationpledge.org.