The Faculty Senate Ad Hoc Honor Code Committee (HCC) was created in late spring 2000
with the charge of determining the feasibility and advisability of introducing an
academic honor code system at Millersville University (MU). Since that time, HCC has
studied the academic integrity literature and academic integrity policies for a
number of institutions. HCC's findings related to its two charges are:
A) The introduction of a new academic honor system to an already-existing
institution of higher education is feasible, and would be feasible at Millersville
University.
B) The implementation of a 'modified' academic honor code system at MU is
advisable. A 'modified' academic honor system is one in which some of the
elements of a traditional honor code are in place but others are absent. The
specific honor code elements recommended for MU include:
1. required signing of the MU Honor Pledge upon admission to the
university and/or at new student
orientation,
2. signing of an academic honesty statement on submitted course work at the
option of the course instructor,
3. a judiciary composed of both students and faculty for adjudication of
alleged student dishonesty,
4. the creation of an Academic Honor Council, consisting of both students and
faculty, which would among other things promote a culture of academic integrity on
campus through education, motivational programs, and a system of sanctions for
violations of academic honesty, and
5. encouragement of student reporting of observations of academic
dishonesty, but where no penalty is applied for failure to report these
observations.
The
full recommendation (pdf) additionally contains discussion of the expected
benefits of the program and key elements which have been identified in successful academic integrity
programs.
FACULTY WILL BE ASKED TO VOTE ON THIS PROPOSED HONOR SYSTEM IN MARCH 2007
DURING DEPARTMENT MEETINGS. Below are links which provide important information
in helping you make your decision about the appropriateness of the proposed honor
system. Please note that while a detailed program for academic integrity is
described, the constitution and by-laws do include provisions for modification of
the system. Should the faculty vote to adopt the proposed
honor system, an existing implementation plan will be carried out over a three-year
period to phase in the honor system and promote a culture of academic integrity on campus.
What is an Honor Code System? (pdf)
Summary and Benefits of the Proposed Honor System (pdf)
Detailed Honor System Constitution and By-Laws (pdf)
Frequently Ask Questions about the Proposed Honor System (pdf)
See Kansas State's Honor System Web Page
See Web Page for Center for Academic Integrity
Please forward questions to Kathleen.Schreiber@millersville.edu