Another element basic to the University’s mission is adherence to the Honor System, which constitutes one of the distinctive features of student life at the University of Mary Washington. This system, based upon the integrity of each student, provides that a student shall act honorably in all facets of campus life. The Honor Pledge, required on quizzes, examinations, and other course work, means that the work that the student submits is the student’s own, completed according to requirements for the course as determined by the instructor. Lying, cheating, and stealing are specific infringements of the Honor Code. In the case of an alleged violation, an elected Honor Council conducts a trial, with the verdict determined by a randomly selected jury of students. In the case of a conviction, the student may receive punishment as stated in the Honor Constitution. All students and faculty should understand that by joining the University, they commit themselves to living by and upholding the Honor System.