The Honor System

Academic integrity matters.

Stetson University values both academic rigor and values-centered education. The Honor System is a central expression of this dual commitment.

The University seeks students who are actively involved in their education, and who expect a superior academic experience, as befits a leading institution of higher education. Academic dishonesty invalidates this experience. It rejects the substance of the academy (learning and inquiry), and substitutes a superficial focus on externalities (passing the course, getting the diploma).

The University also seeks students who uphold high standards of integrity. We value honesty and wholeness of purpose in all endeavors. Breaches of academic integrity rob both the individual and the institution. They are antithetical to all that we represent as a university. The Honor Pledge is the central statement of the Stetson Honor System. All incoming students are expected to subscribe to the Pledge upon entrance to the university. They are asked to reaffirm the Pledge on a regular basis, by writing the word "Pledged" in front of their signature when they submit exams and papers.

A student Honor System Council is charged with administering the Honor System. Their primary task is to educate the campus community regarding issues of academic integrity, and to promote the Honor System on campus. A secondary task is to serve as a peer hearing board, in cases of alleged academic dishonesty.

It is noteworthy that the Honor System at Stetson developed out of a student initiative. The current System was proposed by the Student Government Association, and ratified by both students and faculty to operate on a three-year trial basis, beginning in the fall of 2003. At the end of the trial period the System was ratified by over 90% of the students and faculty voting in campuswide elections, and is thus established on an ongoing basis.

Full text of the document detailing the Honor System and its procedures is available here. This website addresses some common questions asked by students and questions asked by faculty about the System. We also provide information about how to report an Honor System violation, as well as an outline on how the System works if you are accused of an Honor System violation. We also give information about joining the Council.