Frequently Asked Questions About The Order

Is the Order a secret society?

No. What the Order does, its history, how it operates, what it discusses, and details of its bi-weekly meetings are all posted publicly on its website https://ogb.berkeley.edu/. Because the Order doesn’t take a stand on issues, take action as an organization, have an agenda, or set policy, it maintains a very modest presence in the University community so that individual members (Fellows) may focus on the Order’s purpose: selfless service toward the betterment of the University.

Does the Order engage in satanic/pagan rituals?

Certainly not. In fact, since its founding in 1900, the Order has embodied and set an example of the many values and behavioral standards that the UC Berkeley campus, more than 100 years later, compiled into its Principles of Community: honesty, integrity, dignity, respect, civility, frankness, tolerance, discretion, responsibility, and leadership.

Is the Order an honor society?

No, not really. While some feel it is an honor to be a member, being a Fellow actually comes with a significant responsibility and duty to engage and to give rather than receive. There are no tangible rewards or personal gains from being a Fellow. Membership in the Order is not something one puts on a résumé or CV. The Order and its members are about selfless service to the University.

Is the Order exclusive?

No, no more so than any other organization, club, society, team, or group in the University community, including those associated with academic honors. While one is invited to join the organization as opposed to individuals campaigning or applying for membership, what individual Fellows look for in potential new members is public and twofold: demonstrated exceptional dedication to and current or potential future service to the University; and demonstrated ability to be frank, tolerant and respectful of the privacy of others. See also the FAQ about diversity.

Is the Order diverse?

Arguably, the Order is one of the most diverse organizations within the University. Fellows hail from almost every dimension of the University community – undergraduate and graduate students; tenured and non-tenured faculty, lecturers and instructors; administrators and front-line staff; young and senior alumni; and employees and volunteers. The fellowship strives to include in its membership the broad spectrums of race, ethnicity, culture, sexual orientation, gender identity, ability, religion, age, and social and political ideology. Fellows are always on the lookout for potential members who don’t look, think, or speak like them, and they look in corners of the University community they don’t frequent, with the goal of including in Order discussions those experiences, perspectives and backgrounds that may seldom be voiced.

What does the Order actually do?

The Order’s only function is serving as a student-led, critical-thinking, solutions-oriented think tank. Members discuss the myriad difficult challenges that face the University, especially those relating to the student body. Members share their experiences, observations and viewpoints, and listen to and learn from others, so that they are better informed as individuals in their service towards the betterment of the University.

Is the Order powerful?

As an organization, not really. The Order takes no votes, takes neither stand nor action on anything as an organization, has no agenda, and doesn’t set policy. The Order is not a place of advocacy or activism. Rather, by engaging in the Order’s critical-thinking and solutions-oriented discussions, individual members have greater understanding and become better informed, better communicators, and better leaders as they interact daily within their own corners of the University. Those interactions have arguably helped shape and influence University policy, student life, and the greater University community for the better.

Who is in charge of the Order?

The Order is led by students and assisted/advised by a seasoned University faculty member or administrator who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the students.

Who is in the Order?

From its founding in 1900 until the mid-70s, Fellows of the Order were actually listed in University/campus yearbooks. Now in the 21st century, reflecting the outward-facing and singular purpose of the Order (selfless service toward the betterment of the University), individual members make the personal choice whether to discuss their membership in the Order with others or not; it is a choice only they as individuals can make. Some speak openly about their participation, some go about their service to the University quietly. The Order is about the University, not the individual.

How does one become a member of the Order?

One demonstrates exceptional dedication and service to the University, leadership or potential for leadership within their individual sphere(s) of the University community, and the ability to be frank, tolerant, and respectful of the privacy of others. Such actions and attributes rarely go unnoticed. One does not campaign for, ask for, or apply for membership.