at the end of the first week, each rat is paired with a first classman (senior) who serves as their mentor for the rest of the first year. the first classman is called a "dyke," reference to an older southern pronunciation of "to deck out," or to get into a uniform, as one of the roles of the rat is to help prepare their "dyke's" uniform and dress them for parades. while the dyke watches out for the rat and the rat works for the dyke in accordance with institute policy, cadre still enforce all rules for the rats. in combining the softness of the dykes with the hardness of the system they lead, with countless push-ups, sweat parties, and runs, the rats are instilled with the virtue of time management and attention to detail.