Written by John Regan, former Director of Sales, for equity research.

Ask: We have an honor code at my college. What happens if you are accused of something?

Answer: 

You bring up a good question, as statistics indicate that university honor code violations are on the rise. Each university has its own way of handling cheating, stealing and more serious violations. Many colleges ask you to sign an honor code statement with each exam. Honor codes are self-regulating, because students and professors are required to turn in students who violate the code. Here is what to expect if you are unfortunately accused of a code violation.

The concept behind honor codes is to assume the best in both students and faculty, many have been designed by students for students, and they date back over a hundred years. Students at Stanford for example are required to sign the honor code before every examination. The pledge is to neither seek nor give unpermitted aid on assignments and tests and to report those that do.

Most colleges have their own way of dealing with cheating which may include peer juries, judicial committees, fundamental standards and the provision of the honor code. These are self-regulating as they rely on students to turn in code violators themselves. Primary issues addressed in honor codes include plagiarism, fabrication, cheating, multiple submissions, misrepresentation, and unfair advantages.

According to reports, plagiarism and cheating constitute the highest number of honor code violations. Rising numbers could be down to an increase in actual cheating or an increase in reporting. Either way, it often raises questions over the effectiveness of the honor code system.

Professors and faculty at colleges endorsing honor codes do believe that it maintains faith in student’s ability to uphold it. The honor code is viewed as being aspirational, and portraying a good reputation of the institution to those both in and outside of it.

The system is far from flawless though and, as you have seen, accusations can occur unjustly. Any person that suspects a student may have violated the honor code can report it to the Office of Student Conduct which will forward it to the Student Attorney General for review. Faculty may decide to meet with the alleged violator before filing their report. This gives them a chance to explain themselves and provide additional perspective.

If you have been accused of violating the honor code, you may have to stand before a panel of peers or faculty members. This will be you chance to deliver your version of events and prove your innocence if that is the case. You are not permitted to have an attorney or party outside of the college community act as your advisor during the actual trial panel. If found guilty you may face a suspension from college or have to serve community service time. The severity of punishment depends on the level of code violation. The truthfulness and level of premeditation of the accused is also taken into consideration.

In most cases, accused honor code violators still receive a grade in the course they are taking. There is a jury panel that will take all the evidence into account and appeals to decisions can be made but this largely depends on the policies each college has implemented.

It’s funny how cheating is harder than studying once you take close look at it… Suliat Oluwaseun Sule.