Honor Code not meant to infringe on student rights, proponents say
As revision of the Honor Code proposal continues, there is some concern that the Honor Code will infringe upon students’ rights.
“This is not along the lines of BYU’s Honor Code,” said Andy Haws, Academic Vice President. “It is not that structured.”
The Honor Code will not be a set of systematized rules students must abide by, but will focus instead on students academic integrity and human civility on Utah State University’s campus. Students will be given the opportunity to agree to the Honor Code by signing their name next to the pledge on the University’s admission application, Haws said.
Many Universities across the nation have adopted such an honor pledge and research has clearly indicated that the implementation of Honor Codes can reduce the amount of cheating that takes place on college campuses, Haws said.
“I believe really strongly in [the Honor Code]. It is a very prominent thing for a University to have on campus,” Haws said. “It adds some clout to our academic status.”
If problems of academic dishonesty do occur, the professor will have the option of referring the student to the Student Judicial Board. The Student Judicial Board will be comprised of seven students, three faculty members, and three professional staff members to serve two-year terms. However, it will only be necessary for five students and one faculty member to be present at a hearing, Haws said.
Students will have the ability to remove a council member if sufficient evidence for removal is warranted, Haws said.
The board will be trained extensively by the campus judicial officer, he said.
The student members will be appointed by the president of Associated Students of Utah State University based on an application process. The Provost will appoint faculty members to serve on the board, Haws said.
“We want to ensure that there is diversity on [the Student Judicial Board]. People who can remain unbiased and be able to think clearly,” Haws said.
Research has also found student involvement is critical to the success of an effectual honor code, he said.
“Students tend to be more strict with their peers,” Haws said.
In cases of civil injustices on campus, the vice president of Student Services and the campus judicial officer have the option of referring the offender to the Student Judicial Board as well.
Haws said the Honor Code is still in its premature stages and has yet to be amended before it can be passed as a bill by the executive council, faculty senate and administration.