OVERVIEW OF THE HONOR SYSTEM

THE HONOR SYSTEM 

The Honor System embodies the concept of personal honor in a framework of law and practice. To quote the Constitution, Rice students are placed on their honor by the group "not to violate the trust placed in them in any way." 

The result is a system of conducting examinations, writing papers, and performing other academic endeavors with regard for individual honor and without faculty proctoring. Thus, the responsibility for maintaining the validity of academic work is placed on all students.  

HISTORY OF THE SYSTEM 

In 1911, when Dr. Edgar Odell Lovett came to Rice from Princeton, he brought with him the desire to incorporate into this new university an Honor Code. The student body voted to adopt this Honor System in 1916. 

Since that time, the Honor System has become much more than just a method of administering and taking examinations. Not only has it expanded in scope to encompass a wider range of academic work, but it has also sponsored a spirit of honor and integrity that has become an integral part of a Rice education. 

ADVANTAGES 

The advantages of the Honor System are many. Most obvious is the freedom afforded the student and faculty in taking and giving examinations. Students may leave the room at any time during the examination. Also, instructors may choose to give take-home examinations and self-scheduled finals. 

In addition to these concrete examples, there is the more important advantage of mutual trust and respect among students and between students and faculty. No one at Rice feels disadvantaged for having done his or her own work. The Honor System is one institution that consistently emphasizes means over goals and thereby puts the grading system in the proper perspective. 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 

The Honor System has succeeded because Rice students have respect for each other. The relationship between the members of the Rice community is defined by and dependent upon an acceptance of academic integrity. Rice students have shown themselves to be worthy and capable of maintaining the Honor System. 

It is your obligation as a student or faculty member not to violate the system yourself nor aid in any violation, and to report any violation that you see or suspect. The system is as valid as you choose to make it. 

THE HONOR COUNCIL 

The Honor Council is an all student group, elected to administer and interpret the Honor System. This administration consists of three main areas: enforcement, orientation, and improvement. 

When called upon to do so, the Council must enforce the system through investigations and hearings. 

The Council must acquaint all new students and faculty with the Honor System and keep them aware of the system as long as they remain under it. 

In addition, the Council always seeks improvement in the currently functioning system. It welcomes comments, questions, and complaints from students and faculty. It obtains and studies information on honor systems at other schools that may be applicable to the framework of the Rice System. 

To aid in communicating with the faculty, the Council traditionally selects a member of the Rice faculty to serve as an advisor and liaison. Selected for a two-year term, this liaison has no official duties or powers and cannot attend hearings, but his or her aid has been a valuable asset to the Council. 

The Honor Council periodically hosts open forums at which students and faculty may express their concerns and ask questions of the Council. In addition, abstracts of each case are stored in Fondren library, posted electronically to the Honor Council website, and posted to various bulletin boards in the colleges and around campus. The names of the members of the Council are also posted on bulletin boards around campus and on the Honor Council website. 

The Honor Council cannot, however, force the system to work; only the combined efforts of all the members of the Rice community can make the System successful. The Council can only assist each student and faculty member in accepting his or her responsibility. 

OPERATION 

The rules governing classroom operation of our system are set forth in the Conduct of Examinations section. These rules have evolved as a means of creating a less stressful test environment and fostering trust between students and faculty. 

Students should sign the Pledge to all work covered under the System. It is a reminder of the matriculation pledge and the responsibilities undertaken upon entering Rice. The absence of the Pledge does not relieve the student of his or her responsibilities under the Honor Code. 

VIOLATIONS 

To say an honor system is successful is not to say that it is perfect. Violations do occur and, unfortunately, will probably continue to do so. At Rice these violations are few. 

Should you, as a student or faculty member, suspect that a violation has occurred, it becomes your duty to confer with an Honor Council member. Not to do so is considered a breach of responsibility that you undertook when you came to Rice. The argument that the violation injures only the violator does not relieve you of this responsibility. The violation affects every member of the Rice Community by weakening the system of honor under which we live. You may know of universities that now possess weak and ineffective 'honor systems' as a result of the actions of a small minority of students. The Honor Council member will advise you to make a written accusation if you suspect that a violation has occurred. You should not hesitate to write this letter even if you are not positive that a violation occurred. The anonymity of the accuser is maintained throughout the investigation so if the suspected violation is determined to be a misunderstanding, the accused student will never know your name. 

At no time should a student approach a professor with an accusation. To secure the anonymity of the persons involved, the Honor Council should be the first to hear reports of academic misconduct. The Council will inform the professor of relevant information. This policy serves to protect both the guilty and innocent from possible misunderstandings between professors and students. 

Because of the seriousness of any accusation, the Honor Council is as discreet as possible in conducting an investigation. Hearings are open only to the Council members, the accused, and witnesses. At no time before or after a hearing should accused, accuser, or witnesses discuss the matter. Such discussions and the rumors that inevitably result can needlessly violate the integrity of all persons concerned. 

The Honor Council urges you to do your part to support the Honor System and maintain Rice's most honored tradition.