Honor
Code Tips 36 KHonor Code Tips
Tips for Understanding Your Responsibilities & Avoiding Unintended Violations
Most Honor Code violations at Stanford are unplanned. Some are the result of hasty and ill-considered decisions. Some violations are even unintended. These may result from not knowing or not understanding an instructor’s guidelines for a particular assignment, examination or paper. Although ignorance may explain a violation it does not excuse it. So students who commit unintended violations of the Honor Code must still face the same judicial process as others who commit deliberate violations.
HONOR CODE VIOLATIONS CAN EASILY BE AVOIDED IF A FEW THINGS ARE KEPT IN MIND:
- Make sure to understand all guidelines for academic assignments.
This is especially applicable regarding permitted or unpermitted collaboration and aid. Guidelines frequently vary from course to course, instructor to instructor and assignment to assignment. Ask the instructor. Do not rely on other students for this information.
- Be prepared in all academic work.
Use the established resources and support systems on campus. Planning ahead will help to avoid missing deadlines, to provide sufficient time for exam study and for paper research, preparation and writing – as well as to address academic difficulties via tutoring, etc. Seek out advisors. Use fellow students as well. But be careful that such consultation does not become unpermitted collaboration.
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Sit apart during exams.
For in-class examinations try to avoid as a matter of routine sitting near anyone. This is a simple precaution that can dispel the temptation to look at and copy from another person’s exam.
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Cite, cite, cite.
Cite the resources from which academic assistance is gained – including people. Plagiarism is a violation of the Honor Code regardless of whether one is deliberately trying to pass off someone else’s words or thoughts as one’s own or whether it is simply the result of sloppy scholarship. Lack of intent to plagiarize does NOT mitigate it as an Honor Code violation.
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Be actively engaged with the Honor Code.
Remember that there is an obligation under the Honor Code to respond in some manner if cheating or some other Honor Code violation is observed. Different responses may be appropriate in different situations. Some degree of subjective judgment is involved in deciding how to respond. But formal reporting of a problem is required if other responses appear inappropriate or are ineffective in eliminating the violation in question.
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Do not be tempted to take dishonest shortcuts.
Try to stand back and identify options. Think about the value of personal integrity. Think about the consequences of being caught. These can include embarrassment and negative academic, career and family impact – and most likely a quarter of suspension. Alternatives such as dropping a course, arranging for an incomplete or even accepting a lower grade are always better choices than committing an Honor Code violation.
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Do not make crucial decisions when judgment is impaired.
This applies to both academic and non-academic situations. It is clearly wiser not to decide upon anything important when feeling desperate, exhausted, grief-stricken or panicked.
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Be especially aware of the influence of alcohol and drugs.
Use of alcohol or other drugs can easily lead to violations much more serious than underage drinking or possession – including violation of the Honor Code (and/or Fundamental Standard).
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Think before acting.
Do not act at all if it is not possible to really think things through clearly – unless it is to seek assistance. Most students need help at one time or another. Campus resources include people whose only job is to assist students in solving problems. Seek these people out and get help on what to do.