What is your rule or guideline about kids not attending the induction ceremony? Is it mandatory, do you do something else?

We also make ours mandatory as well. We shared our ceremony with the other languages in our department and on the acceptance letter, it gave the specifics about the date and time of the inductions. There will be some students as always with conflicts which are unavoidable, but out of 70 or so new members each year, I get about 60-65 to attend. It also sets the tone for the year that you would like them to participate. Good luck!