Word on Campus: Where is Chi?
Chi says…
One of Longwood’s most popular traditions revolves around their oldest campus secret society — Chi.
As a group, Chi is meant to represent the “spirit of Longwood,” clad in blue and white. Each semester since their start in 1900, the secret society has promoted leadership and service at the university through Chi Walks, advertised the day of, banner creation and dedication to those they deem serve the Longwood community as a whole, Chi droppings — small tokens created by the members — , and commendations presented at the end-of-year Chi reveals, where the Chi seniors are un-hooded by a bonfire.
Chi also has painted symbols across campus — blue Rotundas — that people aren’t allowed to step on, otherwise they are considered to be stomping on the Longwood spirit.
So far this semester, Chi has held two walks, unusually small, and the presence of Chi droppings — or lack thereof — has not gone unnoticed by the Longwood student population.
Therefore, this week, I reached out to the secret society through one of their guides, Cam Patterson, to receive a response to campus:
CHI is not solely about making droppings and having an “appearance” on campus. CHI is an ideal to live by and should be felt throughout campus via the actions of everyone on campus. CHI is here to spread the Longwood spirit without acknowledgement from others. The respect of traditions and knowledge that CHI is always watching should be active all the time. The actions that have been displayed at the last two CHI walks have taken a toll on the student body as a whole. Together, we are all CHI. We are ALL the spark. We are ALL the flame. As long as there are those who continue to seek the true meaning of CHI, “Service to the whole without seeking honor for thyself,” we will continue to ignite the spirit. — CHI 2016
In their statement, Chi refers to “the actions displayed at the last two Chi walks.” According to walk attendees, many older students were dismayed at the actions of a few during the walk, including yelling at the members of Chi as they walked by at the first walk and speaking over their chant in September, as well as honking and playing music loudly at the October walk between Main Street and the Curry and Frazer residence halls.
While some Longwood students have taken to social media to express their disapproval of the actions of a few.
Chi, on the other hand, appears to have chosen express their own disapproval through silence. As the purpose of their organization has been to promote the best of Longwood and the commend the spirit Longwood students should embody, the failure of some to attain the ideals has led to their disappearance.
The Rotunda hasn’t received comment regarding when Chi may reemerge for another walk.
However — inserting my own opinion and personal belief in the power of Chi — I am sure there will be at least one more walk left in the semester, so for the rest of this “Word,” here are some guides to understand the proper protocol as a Longwood student toward Chi:
1. Disrespecting Chi is disrespecting the Longwood community.
Together, we are all CHI. We are ALL the spark. We are ALL the flame.
As a Longwood junior, I have seen two Chi reveals and recognized several of my older friends of unmasked. Each time I ask them afterward about how it felt to be in Chi, they respond with the same message: “We are all Chi.” They don’t consider themselves Chi, but everyone is the embodiment of Longwood and they just commend those who hold the responsibility of representing the university to a high esteem.
2. Respect Chi through your silence and appreciation
The respect of traditions and knowledge that CHI is always watching should be active all the time.
When you attend Chi walks or a reveal, listen to the chanting, remain quiet as the long, hooded line passes through and recognize how many Lancers of past generations have stood in your shoes watching the same demonstration. When you find a Chi dropping, treat it well, not like a piece of trash. Showcase it on your wall, show you’re proud. Respect your university, your peers and yourself by conducting yourself in the proper manner.
The secret societies of Longwood connect us all and once we leave campus, others won’t share the same mystical appreciation that your fellow alumni do.
That’s all for this week’s “Word on Campus,” special thanks to Cam Patterson of Longwood’s Disability Resources for connecting The Rotunda to Chi for this edition, and to Chi for their timely response.
Let me know what you would like to read next week, send me or The Rotunda a DM on Twitter (@_thehalparker) or Facebook!
*Editor’s Note: I am not in Chi.
