Ohio University's Student Senate voted Wednesday night to add the proposed Honor Code to its spring elections ballot - putting the code's fate in the hands of the student body.
Senators could not promise the text of the code will be included on the ballot, saying technical complications with the online ballot could prevent them from giving students access to the code while they are voting.
The Honor Code states that students must hold (themselves) to the highest standards of personal honesty and ethical behavior in academic work. If approved, the code will be added to the Student Code of Conduct and will ask students to report cases of academic dishonesty. But students will not be required to sign the code and cannot be punished for breaking it.
This is a philosophy that embodies what we hope will be the character of an OU student
said Emily Hanford, Senate's state and federal affairs commissioner.
She added that the Honor Council will work throughout Spring Quarter to make sure students have seen the proposed code.
The whole point to this is for students to see the Honor Code before the vote anyway Hanford said.
East Green Senator Andy Burnette, who is a member of the Honor Council, said the code will promote academic honesty.
(The code) is all about producing social and academic integrity Burnette said. It does so in a way that encourages positive action.
Incoming students would be presented the Honor Code along with the rest of the Code of Conduct upon enrollment.
Senators have previously stressed that the goal is not to punish students, but instead to promote academic honesty.
Senate President Robert Leary expressed enthusiasm about the code.
I really hope it passes
Leary said, It really is a positive thing for Ohio University.
The proposed code has been two years in the making. The idea of an Honor Code was first proposed to Student Senate in March 2009 by then-Academic Affairs Commissioner Bailey Miles, who had been working with students, faculty and administrators to formulate it.
Senators say they will do their best to include a copy of the code on the ballot - like a state issue - but said the vote will proceed even if technical problems prevent this.
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Tristan Navera
