Shhh... It's a secret.

Shhh... It's a secret.

Founded in 1900, CHI is the oldest service organization at Longwood. Its purpose is to promote and maintain a spirit of cooperation among students during every phase of college life.

Who are they?

Members of CHI are secret until a grand reveal at each spring's CHI Burning, a bonfire on campus that marks a new chapter in CHI.

When will I see them?

Members of CHI are good at keeping their identities secret—they've been doing it for more than 100 years. You can catch a rare glimpse of them on some nights when members robed in the university colors of blue and white march solemnly across campus, reminding fellow students of their presence. You can also see their mark—the Rotunda symbols painted on sidewalks around campus. The four pillars of the Rotunda represent the four phases of student life: social, recreational, intellectual and spiritual.

What do they do?

Members quietly spread the Longwood spirit through participation in campus organizations, service to the university and area community, letters to the student body encouraging civic responsibility, and in quiet moments with friends and classmates. At the CHI Burning, special commendations are given to students, organizations, faculty and staff who have made outstanding contributions of their time and talent.

CHI Burning at Longwood University
CHI Burning at Longwood University

If you are lucky, you may find a “CHI Dropping,” an item left by a member of CHI somewhere on campus that serves as a reminder of their presence. Finding a CHI Dropping is extremely rare—students who are lucky enough to receive one cherish it for years.

Who gets to join?

The process to become a member of CHI is one of Longwood's best-kept secrets.