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The Honor System's experience is that a carefully constructed syllabus with references to the Honor Code can significantly contribute to fewer academic violations. Below are some suggestions for language that may be helpful in preparing your syllabus. If you have any questions about what to include, feel free to contact the Office of the Dean of Students.
1. Affirmation of the Honor Code
Ideally all class syllabi would affirm the application of the Honor Code at UNC. One example is:
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has had a student-administered honor system and judicial system for over 100 years. The system is the responsibility of students and is regulated and governed by them, but faculty share the responsibility. If you have questions about your responsibility under the honor code, please bring them to your instructor or consult with the office of the Dean of Students or the Instrument of Student Judicial Governance. This document, adopted by the Chancellor, the Faculty Council, and the Student Congress, contains all policies and procedures pertaining to the student honor system. Your full participation and observance of the honor code is expected.
2. Define Plagiarism
The Instrument of Student Judicial Governance defines plagiarism as:
Plagiarism in the form of deliberate or reckless representation of another's words, thoughts, or ideas as one's own without attribution in connection with submission of academic work, whether graded or otherwise.
Plagiarism can take many forms and there may be a number of reasons why it occurs. The more specific you can be in explaining plagiarism, the less likely the violation is to occur. Some are examples are as follows:
Quote and cite any words that are not your own
If you paraphrase the words of another, you must still give proper attribution
If you have a particular citation style that you wish students to sue, be specific about which style and provide a link where the student can learn more about that style
3. Authorized vs. Unauthorized Collaboration
The following is an example of how the difference between unauthorized vs. authorized collaboration could be discussed in your syllabus:
All academic work in this course, including homework, quizzes, and exams, is to be your own work, unless otherwise specifically provided. It is your responsibility if you have any doubt to confirm whether or not collaboration is permitted.
Whenever possible, be clear and concise. Ambiguous statements often lead to confusing and difficulty in resolving Honor Court cases. For example, one phrase we would not recommend using is:
You are permitted to work together, but all work submitted must be your own.
4. Unauthorized materials
Be explicit about what materials may be used by students in completing academic assignments. If, for example, you do not wish for students to use old exams, outside resources, internet articles, or any other materials, this should be clearly stated both in the syllabus and in connection with the individual assignment.
5. Consequences
You may wish to inform students of the potential consequences for potential academic misconduct. Under the Instrument of Student Judicial Governance, the usual sanction for a first time academic offense is suspension for one academic semester and a failing grade.
6. Resources for Additional Information
We recognize that your syllabus cannot include all of the information relevant to the definition and enforcement of academic integrity. Invite students to seek additional information by encouraging students to contact you, the Office of the Dean of Students, or the Honor System and include the link to http://honor.unc.edu.
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