Frequently Asked Questions About the Honor Code

1. Why is it in our best interest to have an Honor Code?

The Honor Code is inherent in Wellesley's system of democratic government and its accompanying law. As the vital foundation of our government, the Honor Code rests on the assumption that individual integrity is fundamental to each member of the community. Within our philosophy of self-government, the personal honor and responsibility of the individual, as she/he participates in both the regulated and non-regulated areas of academic and social life including that of the residence halls, are of central importance for the Wellesley community.

The Honor Code requires that every student uphold and obey all duly adopted rules of the College for the government of academic work, for the use of College resources, and for the conduct of its members. Each student -- degree candidate, exchange student, and special student -- is bound by all the rules.

Every guest on campus is expected to comply with the Honor Code. A student is responsible for seeing that her/his guests are acquainted with the applicable resolutions of the Code; the student, however, will not be penalized for a guest's failure to comply with the resolutions if she/he has informed the guest of them. Members of the faculty, administration, and staff are reminded of their responsibility for the success of the honor system.

The honor system can work only with full support among all members of the College community. In addition to upholding the regulations and the spirit of the honor system personally, each member is responsible for the survival and success of the system as a whole. This includes guarding against and, if necessary, reporting any inadvertent or intentional abuses of the honor system by any member of the community.

2. How does the Honor Code apply to using other students' course work (i.e., lab work, problem sets, and computer programs)?

Course assignments: Submitting another students' work as your own is prohibited. This is not intended to discourage students from seeking help from each other, or to restrict free exchange of ideas, but rather to insure that each students' work is independent and original.

3. Do Midterms come under the jurisdiction of the Honor Code?

The answer to this question is dependent upon the guidelines set by the instructor. A general rule to follow is that midterms cannot be discussed until everyone in the course has taken the test.

4. What do you do if you overhear students discussing an exam?

This situation can be uncomfortable. With the flexibility and liberties afforded by the honor system comes the obligation of promoting and protecting the values of the Honor Code.

Thus, if you believe a possible violation of the Honor Code has occurred, constructive action should be taken. If possible, talk to the student(s) involved to clear up any possible misperceptions. If you still feel a violation has occurred, speak to the Chief Justice. For details on the procedure, see the section on General Judiciary guidelines and procedures on the CWIS at http://www.wellesley.edu/DeanStudent/StudHandbook/genjudic.pdf.

5. At various times during the semester, particularly in exam period, students can feel a great deal of academic pressure. Since you cannot always talk with other students, to whom can you talk?

The students' obligation not to discuss exams she has taken should not defer her from coping with academic pressure. If you are concerned about an exam or midterm you have taken, you can talk to your dean, resident director, or a member of the Stone Center, or the Chaplaincy.

Most professors are readily accessible and very willing to give advice, encouragement, and help throughout the semester. Often meeting with a professor can clear up problems before they seem unmanageable. Academic Peer Tutors and Advisors (APT Advisors) are available to help students in academic areas during the semester.

6. If a student is taking related classes, can he/she hand in the same or similar work in both classes?

A student cannot submit the same or similar work for two different courses unless specific permission is granted by the instructors involved.

7. What is the most common type of case brought to General Judiciary?

Plagiarism.

8. What is the single most important piece of advice to avoid plagiarism?

When in doubt, footnote! For more detailed information refer to the section on source acknowledgment on the CWIS at http://www.wellesley.edu/DeanStudent/StudHandbook/sources.html.

9. (a) What does it mean if a charge is brought against a student? (b) What are the

implications? (c) What are her rights?

(a) If a charge is brought against a student, it means that a member of the College community believes that the student has committed either an academic or social violation of the Honor Code and has brought the matter to the attention of General Judiciary.

(b) At the hearing, the General Judiciary panel determines whether or not a violation of the Honor Code has occurred. All records of the proceeding(s) are confidential and generally do not appear on the student's transcript. However, under the most recent version of the General Judiciary procedures which outlines the process for determining whether a violation has occurred and setting appropriate sanctions, sanctions of suspension, dismissal or expulsion will be noted on the students's transcript. In addition, the chairs of certain committees within the College will be provided information that a violation has occurred if they request it.

(c) There is an appeals process within the Wellesley judicial system. For a more detailed explanation of the appeals process, and of the specific rights see General Judiciary Guidelines and Procedures on the CWIS at http://www.wellesley.edu/DeanStudent/StudHandbook/genjudic.pdf.

10. What is the process by which an honor code violation is adjudicated?

An explanation of the College judicial system may be found at www.wellesley.edu/DeanStudent/StudHandbook/genjudic.htm. If you have any questions, please contact the Chief Justice, the Judicial Case Coordinator or the Dean of Students.

11. Who serves on General Judiciary? How are they selected?

The committee is chaired by the Chief Justice who is elected in the spring of her Junior year. 12 students, 8 faculty members, and the Dean of Students comprise General Judiciary. The 12 students serving on the committee are: 2 representatives from each class except the first year class, 2 Ombudswomen, 1 Judicial Review Board representative (must have served one year on General Judiciary previously), 1 ALANA (minority) representative, 1 Davis Scholar representative, and 1 House President Council representative. These 12 students are selected by the Senate Organizations and Appointments Committee. The faculty members of General Judiciary are selected by the Agenda Committee of Academic Council.