Sponsio Academica facts for kids
The Sponsio Academica is a special promise that students make when they join one of Scotland's oldest universities. These universities are the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow, and the University of Edinburgh.
This promise used to be said out loud in Latin, which is a very old language. Now, students usually sign it on their enrollment forms. By taking this oath, students promise to follow the rules and authority of the university's main governing body, called the Senatus Academicus. It's like promising to be a good citizen of the university!
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Promises at Scottish Universities
Each of the ancient Scottish universities has its own version of the Sponsio Academica. Even though the words might be a little different, the main idea is the same: students promise to be respectful, work hard, and support their university.
University of St Andrews Oath
At the University of St Andrews, students make a promise to their teachers and to the university itself. They agree to follow rules about good behavior and learning. They also promise to help the university succeed, no matter what they do after they graduate.
The oath also explains that if a student acts badly or doesn't study enough, and doesn't improve after being warned, the university's Senatus Academicus can give them a penalty or even ask them to leave the university.
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Nos ingenui adolescentes, nomina subscribentes, sancte pollicemur nos preceptoribus obsequium debitum exhibituros in omnibus rebus ad disciplinam et bonos mores pertinentibus, Senatus Academici authoritati obtemperaturos, et hujus Academiae Andreanae emolumentum et commodum, quantum in nobis sit, procuraturos, ad quemcunque vitae statum pervenerimus. Item agnoscimus si quis nostrum indecore turbulenterve se gesserit vel si parum diligentem in studiis suis se praebuerit neque admonitus se in melius correxerit eum licere Senatui Academico vel poena congruenti adficere vel etiam ex Universitate expellere. |
We students who set down our names hereunder in all good faith make a solemn promise that we shall show due deference to our teachers in all matters relating to order and good conduct; that we shall be subject to the authority of the Senatus Academicus and shall, whatever be the position we attain hereafter, promote, so far as lies in our power, the profit and the interest of our University of St Andrews. Further, we recognise that, if any of us conducts themselves in an unbecoming or disorderly manner or shows insufficient diligence in their studies and, though admonished, does not improve, it is within the power of the Senatus Academicus to inflict on such students a fitting penalty or even expel them from the University. |
University of Glasgow Oath
Students at the University of Glasgow also make a similar promise. They agree to follow the rules set by the Senatus Academicus and accept its decisions. They also promise to protect the honor and well-being of the university for the rest of their lives.
| Ego in Universitate Glasguensi discipulus sancte polliceor me Senatui Academico par iturum ita ut quae ab eo secundum leges academiae praescribuntur praestem et animadversioni eius reverenter me subiciam; ipsius academiae dignitatem atque salutem quantum in mefuerit per reliquam vitam procuraturum. | I a student in the University of Glasgow solemnly promise that I will fulfil the requirements made by the Senatus Academicus in accordance with the regulations of the University and will conform to its discipline and that for the rest of my life, so far as in me lies, I will maintain the honour and welfare of the University. |
University of Edinburgh Oath
At the University of Edinburgh, students acknowledge that they are under the authority of the Senatus Academicus for all teaching and discipline matters. They understand that if their studies or behavior are not good enough, the Senatus has the power to stop them from continuing their courses that lead to a degree.
| I acknowledge that in all matters relating to the teaching and discipline of the University I have willingly placed myself under the jurisdiction of the Senatus Academicus, and I recognise that if, in the opinion of the Senatus, my studies or my conduct are unsatisfactory, it has authority to forbid my continuance upon courses qualifying for a degree. |
