Frequently Asked Questions

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WHO ARE THE MEMBERS OF THE RUTHERFORD B. HAYES SOCIETY?
The active membership of The Hayes Society is comprised of undergraduate and graduate students. Unlike other societies who chose to publicly disclose membership, our members remain secret until their passing. Membership in the Society stands as one of the highest honors a student can achieve.

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HOW, WHEN AND WHY ARE THEY CHOSEN?
Applications for new members are opened on an as needed basis to replace graduating students. Applicants are not chosen by their connection with existing members but by the promise they show to be a valuable addition to our Society.

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CAN ANYONE BE A MEMBER?
You must be a current student to be a member. Members who have since graduated are transferred to the Alumni Association.

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ARE WE AFFILIATED WITH ANY OTHER ORGANIZATIONS?
The Hayes Society is unaffiliated with any national, regional or local organizations inside or outside of the University including the University itself.

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ARE THERE OTHER HONOR SOCIETIES AT OHIO STATE?

In the years since our founding, other honorary and collegiate secret societies have sprung up around campus. Sphinx, Romophos, Bucket and Dipper, Mortar Board, Chimes, Mirrors, and The Scarlet Order to name a few. We remain distinguished by our admittance of graduate students and dedication to secrecy.

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HOW AND WHEN WAS THE HAYES SOCIETY STARTED?
Please click HERE to read the legend of our founding.

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WHAT DO MEMBERS DO?
The Hayes Society brings together the most promising student minds our university has to offer. Members enter a community of students and alumni dedicated to fellowship between our members to network and help one another.

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