Dr. Johnson also noted that an important event at Harvard was Research Day. This event was looked forward to with great enthusiasm. Dr. Low noted that traditions teach us and the outside world who we are. He noted that he thought the combination of Research Day and New Faculty Orientation is important as it stresses to new faculty the important of research in our institution. He also noted that rituals are things we do to people and ourselves to remind us who we are.
Rituals can be both positive and negative.
Dr. Reiser added that rituals are acts to remind you of moral attributes. Regarding which symbols the university should use, a student who sits on Student Intercouncil noted that it is difficult to share symbols since student organizations are not allowed to use the school logo. Ms. Linda Brannon noted that it is against the Regents' Rules to use the official university seal. Dr. Low commented that modifications of the crest can be used by student organizations. The group next discussed how rituals and traditions enrich individuals and the institution, especially those in place at UT-Houston.