Dear Wittenberg University Faculty:
Most
of us are honest. In fact, most of us believe we are more honest than
a lot of the other people we know. Our students typically feel the same
way we do. So, how is it that more than 70% of college students admit
to at least one instance of serious cheating in their college careers?
The truth is that students cheat for a number of reasons, including competition
for grades, the perception that everyone else is cheating, and a culture
of permissiveness that seems to tolerate and even reward dishonesty. Many
times, though, we assume that students cheat because they are lazy, don't
care, or just aren't smart enough. But how often do we stop to think about
how our pedagogical practices influence the choices students make about
whether or not to cheat? What does it mean that we sometimes turn a blind
eye toward cheating in our classes?
As you know, at Wittenberg, we have a Code of Academic Integrity. This policy established an Honor Council whose responsibility it is to help Wittenberg develop an awareness of and appreciation for academic integrity. The policy outlines procedures for resolving allegations of academic dishonesty, and allows for new and, in some cases, more harsh penalties for violating Wittenberg 's standards for academic honesty.
The Honor Council wants to thank you for your support of the code. However, the work of defining our standards for academic integrity and of deciding what, as a community, we expect from each other is an ongoing process. We know that we can count on your continued commitment. Briefly, here are a few things you can do to show your support of the code:
If you have any questions about the new code or procedures, please do not hesitate to contact the Honor Council, either via the web page (wittenberg.edu , quick link Honor Council ), or by writing the Honor Council Chair, Brian Schubert (s09.bschubert), or the Faculty Advisor, Scott Rosenberg (srosenberg@wittenberg.edu). Thank you.
The Wittenberg Honor Council