How do I turn myself in?
You can officially turn yourself in by sending an email to the Honor Court President, Connor Day ([email protected]). You can also turn yourself in to a member of Honor Court or Dean Lee.
Honor Court assures that turning yourself in is not an admission of guilt, but an expression of your willingness to work through the investigation process of our honor system.
Who advises Honor Court?
Donna Lee, Dean of Students
Office: Main 106
Office extension: 6391
[email protected]
Am I admitting guilt by turning myself in?
No, you are not admitting guilt by turning yourself in. It simply means that you are aware that you have been accused of a violation of the honor code. You have 48 hours to turn yourself in once contacted with a possible violation.
What are my rights in an Honor Court case?
* To know who brought the charge(s)
* A list of the witnesses or people to be interviewed by the investigator (additional names
can be added prior to the hearing)
* Access to all evidence used in the case
* To have your confidentiality protected
What is a warning file?
From Student Handbook: If a student is found responsible for a violation of the Honor Code she will automatically be placed on active warning file. The student will remain on active warning file until one year after her graduation. If the student violates the Honor System or any other college rules and regulations during this active period, her previous case may be referred to as evidence for the necessity of more serious action. Following the duration of the active period, her record may be reviewed at Honor Court's discretion. Students wil be notified when their names are placed on warning file.
What is dual responsibility?
An ASC student that observes another student breaking the Honor Code should approach said student and ask her to turn herself in. This has to be done within one week of seeing the indiscretion. If the accused student does not report themselves, the student that observed the behavior must report it to Honor Court. Also, if you have acted in a way that is not in line with the Honor Code, you must turn yourself in.
How long does it take for an Honor Court case to be heard?
The student handbook states that cases must be heard within two weeks. However, this depends on the availability of the accused student and any witnesses and is dependent on completion of a thorough investigation. At the beginning and end of the semester or around holidays there may be a delay in scheduling the case. Every effort is made to schedule cases as quickly as possible.
I heard about this thing called "self-plagiarism!" What is it?
Self-plagiarism is reusing your work in more than one class. This includes any work that you have ever turned in previously. To prevent being accused of self-plagiarism make your professors aware of overlapping assignments. If you are using the same work from a different class or assignment, please be sure to cite your previous work.
What's the point?
Well, it is not okay to pass off old work as new work. The whole point of college is learning and growing.
How does the Honor Court decide if a student is responsible? What is the standard of proof?
Standard of Proof (from the Honor Court training manual)
The Honor Court uses a standard of proof called a preponderance of evidence. The idea of preponderance of evidence has been defined as follows:
The truth of the facts asserted is highly probable. No serious doubt as to the correctness of the conclusion of responsibility. All evidence and testimony provided need not to be conclusive as long as the majority of the evidence
points to an accused student’s responsibility for the alleged violation of the honor code. Often some evidence is under question and it is important to examine the whole of the case to decide which portion is correct.
In other words, to convict on the standard of preponderance of evidence, you must be satisfied that most of the evidence points towards responsibility. This can and probably will include circumstantial evidence. On a percentage scale, between 51% and 99% of the evidence must show responsibility; however, around 99% shows "beyond a reasonable doubt." In Honor Court cases, this standard is rarely met because most, if not all, of the evidence is circumstantial. It is not necessary to find a "smoking gun;" it is merely necessary for you to satisfy yourself that the student's responsibility for breaking the Honor Code is highly probable.
I want my Honor Court case dismissed NOW!
Slow down there! The Honor Court President assigns an investigator and an advocate to each case. They collect evidence and then turn it over to the president. The president and Dean of Students decide whether or not a case is warranted. If the case is substantial enough, it will be presented before the Honor Court.
What is the difference between Honor Court and J-Board?
Take a look at Honor Court's jurisdiction.
What sanctions does Honor Court give out?
Please see the Student Handbook under the "Honor Court's Jurisdiction" tab. If you have any questions about the sanctions, please contact a member of honor court.
Can I bring character witnessses to a hearing?
Yes! You are allowed up to two character witnesses at a hearing.
Appeals can be declared to the President of Honor Court within 48 hours of receiving the Court's decision on a case. You can appeal to the Judicial Review Committee or the student body. More information can be found in the Student Handbook.
Who can I go to with more questions about Honor Court?
Please contact any member of Honor Court. We are happy to answer your questions.