On My Honor

I agree with the idea of an honor code, but not a strict disciplinarian one. If better software is bought to help find plagiarism, plagiarism might be found where there isn’t any. In high school one of the students in my English class was accused of plagiarism because one sentence matched up with another paper. The sentence in question was “The main character in this novel was motivated by greed.” A sentence like that is fairly common, but because of it the teacher accused the student of plagiarism and failed him. If a strict honor code is adopted this scenario may be repeated here at Ursinus, which would be a tragedy in itself.

However, I do think an honor code should be implanted, an honor code that entrusts the students with doing what is right and not cheating. The honor code should be signed; with a copy of it placed in every classroom so that when students are taking a test it is right there for them to see, reminding them of what they have agreed to. That way it won’t be signed and forgotten, and with a reminder of what they have agreed to prominently displayed, students may be less motivated to cheat.

Example Honor Code:
I hereby promise never to copy another student’s work under any circumstances, and to never plagiarize. I will never falsify data, create fictitious references for a paper, or tell other students answers to tests. If I am suspected of violating the honor code I can be subject to punishment first by the professor (e.g. failing) and also by the college (e.g. expulsion). By signing this document I acknowledge that I understand what is expected of me and what the punishment will be if I violate this code.