Chapter 6: Campus-Wide Policies
Honor Constitution
The Honor System at Mary Washington is a deeply cherished tradition
founded upon the personal integrity of each individual member of the
University community. It requires that all members of this community
conduct themselves honorably at all times and in all dealings with others.
This shared commitment to high ethical standards creates an atmosphere
of trust and respect vital to the unique sense of community which characterizes
the institution.
Each faculty member agrees to accept and abide by the Mary Washington
Honor System when accepting his or her original faculty appointment
or election at the University. It is the responsibility of all faculty
members to stay familiar with the principles and operating procedures
of the Mary Washington Honor System and to support it.
Each student upon entering the University signs a pledge to observe
the Honor System. Therefore, the work of all Mary Washington students
is predicated on the Honor System and the faculty member in his or her
relationship with students is expected to act within this framework.
A student's word of honor is to be accepted, and all statements about
academic matters made to a faculty member are covered by the Honor Code.
Faculty members should make clear in their assignments for pledged work
the extent to which they
consider help from (or collaboration with) others to be legitimate.
It is expected that faculty members will conduct tests and examinations
according to the expectations of the Honor System. Faculty members need
not remain in the classroom during tests and examinations; they must
indicate to the students where they may be found if needed, and they
may return to the classroom briefly for consultation.
Violations of the Honor Code are not to be condoned or ignored by faculty;
however, neither are they to be dealt with by unilateral faculty action
(such as by simply lowering the student's grade). All alleged Honor
Code violations are to be reported to and handled by the Honor Council,
assuring due process and fairness. A faculty member who has reason to
suspect a violation of the Honor System should consult the Honor Constitution
for reporting procedures.
Willful failure to support and abide by the Honor Code may serve as
a basis for termination of a faculty member. The Honor Constitution
is described in Appendix B of the Faculty Handbook, which is in the
Academic Affairs section of the University’s Web site under Handbooks
and Publications.