Elon’s newly combined academic and social honor code is now in effect after several years of review.

Previously, the honor code consisted of an academic honor code and several social policies, as is the norm for most university honor codes. The academic and social policies still exist, but they fall under four main community principles: honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.

“We periodically want to look at the intellectual climate and do a periodic review of the honor code to see if it is working effectively and to provide the best academic atmosphere on campus,” said Smith Jackson, vice president and dean of Student Life.

The new honor code is worded in a more positive manner. Instead of a list of things students should not do, it defines and encourages students to demonstrate the four core values.

“We tried to get away from rules and move toward community values,” Jackson said.

The judicial process remains the same, except cases of a breached academic policies. Now faculty members will first consider whether there should be penalties related to their course, such as the student receiving a zero on the assignment, instead of having a student go directly to Academic Affairs.

There is one appeal committee for both academic and social infractions.

The emphasis on honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect encourages students to think about how their actions out of class reflect the institution and how it affects their academic performance.

“As an Elon student, there are expectations for behavior no matter where you are,” Jackson said. “When students graduate, they’ve demonstrated commitment to academics and honor. We’re looking at the whole person and what kind of graduate they will be,” Jackson said.

Whether students are in class, studying abroad or working out in the fitness center, the honor code states that community principles should be upheld.

“This is a positive approach to who we want to be. It’s a bluebprint for interpersonal relations,” Jackson said.

For more information about the honor code, please visit http://www.elon.edu/e-web/students/handbook/acahoncode.xhtml.

News Editor: Kaitlin Ugolik - 08/29/07