2008 Woodie Awards
op-ed: The harsh reality of trust and honor
Robert Hawkins
Issue date: 5/1/08 Section: Opinions
As the most experienced senior member of the Academic Judicial Board (AJB), I write with concern and a heavy feeling of sorrow that has accumulated over the years I have served. The responsibility of enforcing the Honor Code at Middlebury has been a trying endeavor that I hope has resulted in a more trusting, nurturing community. With time nearing a close for myself I wish to express some important impressions I have taken from my experience, as well as respond to the recent debate over proctoring of exams.
Currently, there are two critical problems facing the Academic Judicial Board. First, over the years the number of infractions brought before the board has been dropping. This indicates that faculty members are losing faith in the system and either dealing with cheating and plagiarism on their own terms or ignoring infractions. In either case the actions are unacceptable. Secondly, as discussed by Miguel Fernandez, there is often overwhelming evidence that some type of cheating occurred. However, there is often no proof as to who is responsible. This indicates a failing honor system.
How do we fix the problems? First, we need to resolve the issue of how to prevent Honor Code infractions. I disagree wholeheartedly with the opinion that the Honor Code signing ceremony is sufficient for deterring students from cheating ("Honor Code changes threaten faculty-student trust," April 24). The current practices are unequivocally inadequate. No student should ever come before the AJB because they were ignorant of the rules. The first-year seminar is the most widely cited evidence where honorable practices are taught, yet clearly this is not the case. A standardized procedure that every professor in every seminar is required to teach is a necessity to ensuring all students know how to abide by the Honor Code. Additionally, every professor or department should clarify expectations and write them on the class syllabus. Constant advice and reminders are the best way to ensure an honorable student body.
Currently, there are two critical problems facing the Academic Judicial Board. First, over the years the number of infractions brought before the board has been dropping. This indicates that faculty members are losing faith in the system and either dealing with cheating and plagiarism on their own terms or ignoring infractions. In either case the actions are unacceptable. Secondly, as discussed by Miguel Fernandez, there is often overwhelming evidence that some type of cheating occurred. However, there is often no proof as to who is responsible. This indicates a failing honor system.
How do we fix the problems? First, we need to resolve the issue of how to prevent Honor Code infractions. I disagree wholeheartedly with the opinion that the Honor Code signing ceremony is sufficient for deterring students from cheating ("Honor Code changes threaten faculty-student trust," April 24). The current practices are unequivocally inadequate. No student should ever come before the AJB because they were ignorant of the rules. The first-year seminar is the most widely cited evidence where honorable practices are taught, yet clearly this is not the case. A standardized procedure that every professor in every seminar is required to teach is a necessity to ensuring all students know how to abide by the Honor Code. Additionally, every professor or department should clarify expectations and write them on the class syllabus. Constant advice and reminders are the best way to ensure an honorable student body.
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