Academics
Purpose of the Honor Code
Purpose of the Honor Code
Below is the original statement of purpose drafted by the student leadership of the Honor Code Task Force*
Background
We the students of C of I take pride in the fact that our College is rooted in the values of leadership, service, integrity, and community. These values are not meant merely to be options or opportunities available to our campus community, but rather they are intended to permeate all aspects of campus culture. Our goal is to engender a culture of integrity, and one of the chief means of creating that culture is the development of a comprehensive, student-run Honor Code System.
Many aspects of a culture of integrity already exist on the C of I campus, though it is lacking in clarity, focus, and consistency. The proposed Honor Code system is intended to galvanize many of the best aspects of our campus culture, and give them direction, energy and opportunity to flourish in a context of mutual respect. It does so by building on the broad-minded and integrative thinking characteristic of Liberal Arts education, by providing opportunities for students to become leaders in the service of others, by enhancing our sense of and responsibility for our community, and by focusing the strong sense of integrity already embraced by the community.
Our proposal to adopt an Honor Code System is not spawned by a concern with cheating or disciplinary problems, but rather grows out of a long history of the empowerment of student voice in all aspects of college life. This Honor Code System rests on the assumption that we, the students are trustworthy and that the value of our education at C of I is enhanced by our demonstrated ability to uphold not only high academic standards but high ethical standards. It further assumes that we embrace this culture of integrity to such an extent that we are willing and able to uphold our community standards.
This proposal to adopt an Honor Code System began with students, is being analyzed and articulated by students, and will be implemented by students (with support from Faculty, Staff, Administration, and Board). We the students seek the guidance and wisdom of Faculty, Staff, and Trustees to make this Honor Code System successful, but more than that, we seek their trust and support of our efforts to enhance the quality of our campus life and the value of our C of I degrees.
This proposal was completed with the assistance and input of the Honor Code Task Force and feedback sessions with the ASACI Senate, Residence Life RAs, Faculty Executive Council, and the C of I Staff Association. The Honor Code Task Force was formed during fall semester 2005 to consider and establish an honor code system for The College of Idaho. Feedback related to this draft proposal will be collected by ASACI President Sara Weller and the Honor Code Task Force. After reviewing feedback, a final version of the proposal will be written with a recommended timetable for implementation and campus-wide adoption.
The Structure of the Honor Code System
The Honor Code System is a philosophy of conduct rooted in honesty, integrity, and understanding, that allows members of a diverse student body to live together, interact and learn from one another in ways that protect both personal freedom and community standards.
The C of I Honor Code System consists of two complementary parts: An Academic Honor Code that focuses solely on upholding academic integrity and proscribing lying, cheating, and stealing in matters pertaining to college business, and a Student Life Honor Code that deals with all other aspects of the student experience.
The Academic Honor Code will be signed by all students, upheld campus wide, and adjudicated by an elected Student Judicial Committee, trained by qualified Student Affairs Staff and experienced student leaders.
The Student Life Honor Code deals with all other aspects of student life. The Student Life Honor Code will be enforced primarily by the student community, supported by administrative staff. Sanctions will be adjudicated by the same Student Judicial Committee. There are two sub-sections of the Student Life Honor Code. The first is the Student Handbook that articulates behavioral expectations within the campus community. The second is residential. At present, two residence halls have become Honor Residence Halls. Under the general umbrella of the Student Handbook, they are empowered to develop their own community standards and expectations, and their own means of adjudicating violations of those standards within the Honor Hall.
* This proposal is under the initiative and direction of ASACI President Sara Weller with input from the VSTF II recommended Honor Code Task Force: Sara Weller (ASACI President), Stephan Lowman (Jr. student), Matt Weaver (Soph. student), Brandon Buck (FY student), Mark Smith (VPAA), Paul Bennion (Dean of Students), Jennifer Girvan (Dir. of Residence Life), Lynda Danielson (Faculty), Rob Dayley (Faculty), and Jim Everett (Board of Trustees).
