Honor codes govern behavior in specific communities, often in academic institutions. They enforce specific behaviors and promote accountability. Violations can lead to investigations or trials, and consequences range from warnings to expulsion.
A code of honor is a code that governs behavior within a specific community. It typically enforces specific behaviors that are not acceptable, setting an example for community members to follow. The classic example is in academics; most institutions of higher learning have an honor code, ranging from “A cadet shall not lie, cheat, or steal, nor tolerate those who do” at the United States Military Academy to the complex code at Brigham Young University , covering a variety of topics ranging from role models to dress codes.
Many academic honor codes have two sections: one informing students that they are to conduct themselves honorably, and a section with no tolerance. In a school without a toleration policy, students and staff are expected to encourage other people to adhere to the code and must report people who violate it. Non-tolerance policies are extremely common in military schools, where they promote cooperation and team building along with accountability. In some schools, students are required to sign all tests and documents with the honor code, as an affirmation of the core beliefs that underlie the school’s society and academic environment.
Some codes focus solely on academic behavior, usually requiring students not to cheat on exams and term papers. Others may include social and moral behaviors; schools run by religious denominations, for example, often tell their students that they must behave in a virtuous and appropriate manner. Other schools can educate students that they have social responsibilities, encouraging them to engage in behaviors that benefit the world as a whole as they receive their education.
Depending on the Honor Code language, students may be expected to follow the code only in the context of their education, or they may need to follow the code in all aspects of life. In institutions where students are required to consistently follow the code, violations that occur outside of school, such as living in an off-campus apartment with a partner without being married while attending a Catholic college, could be grounds for expulsion.
The code is designed to instill basic honorable principles, laying the foundation for responsible and ethical living. Some educational institutions also require their students to attend ethics classes in their freshman year, so that students can discuss ethical issues, including the honor code. Liberal arts colleges tend to have an honor committee that periodically reformulates the code, putting it through a school-wide vote so it can be adapted to address changing values.
Violations can be dealt with in various ways. In most cases, an allegation will lead to an investigation or trial to determine the truth of the matter. If the student is convicted, he may simply be cautioned or an expulsion sentence may be issued. Expulsions are usually used for serious violations, while a warning can be given if a student has inadvertently violated the code or has not been clear about her exact terms.
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