STAFF EDITORIAL: Publicize, teach honor code

The results of the UHC survey show that Penn must do more to encourage knowledge about the Code of Academic Integrity. But, according to the results of a recent survey by the University Honor Council, only 6 percent of students actually know what the rules of that code. And that number is far too low. The fault for this lies with both the students and the University, which does little as an institution to instill that code into our collective psyches. Other universities have made their honor codes a much larger part of the academic experience than Penn has. Upon their arrival at the school, students are introduced to the code and are expected to live and learn by it. The UHC's plan to present the honor code to freshmen during orientation represents a good start. Perhaps the University could send a copy of the code to incoming freshman during the summer months, beginning even before NSO. The proposed "Academic Integrity Week" also has potential in getting the message across to all students, regardless of year, and would at least increase the awareness of such a code on campus. However, merely informing students as to the content of the policy cannot be enough. Penn should support a more complete integration of the honor code into all facets of academic life. Professors should stress the importance of academic integrity in every one of their classes. While many, if not all, express a class policy against cheating, few make any explicit reference to a University-wide code of integrity. One reason for this lack of exposure in the classroom may be that professors themselves do not recognize the exact components of the code. The UHC recognizes this possibility, and is currently developing a survey for faculty members and teaching assistants to gauge their understanding of the honor statement. Increasing faculty awareness of academic integrity can only assist the UHC in its mission of spreading the message to students. Ensuring that professors understand and support the facets of the honor code will help demonstrate to students the importance of the issue. Only by educating its students and faculty can Penn hope to make its honor code an integral part of the Penn academic experience.