In the development and implementation of Colgate's Academic Honor Code, the following questions were commonly asked and addressed. The University hopes that a review of these questions and answers will help in understanding various aspects of the Academic Honor Code.

Question: If I as a student observe what I believe to be academically dishonest behavior on the part of another student, am I compelled by the Code to report the suspected infraction? If I choose not to report, am I considered to be in violation of the Code?

Answer: This is by far the most commonly asked question by students and highlights a key feature of the Code. The short answer is that a student is not required to report a suspected infraction via the reporting procedures but he or she is expected to do so. The choice of the verb expect by the framers of the Academic Honor Code was intentional and consistent with the wording in the Code of Student Conduct that sets forth behavioral expectations for all forms of behavior by Colgate students. Keep in mind that the first step in reporting a suspected violation is sharing that concern with the other student. In some cases, the observer may conclude that academically dishonest behavior did not occur, and no further action is required. However, where the student observer still believes an infraction has been committed, he or she is expected to follow the reporting procedures to insure that the incident is properly investigated and resolved. Historically, plagiarism is the most common form of academic dishonesty, and in the vast majority of cases, only the professor in the course will be in a position to detect and report plagiarism. However in a situation where a student observes another student engaged in academically dishonest behavior, the Code expects that the observer will have the courage to act as a responsible member of the community and follow the reporting procedures of the Code.

Question: Under the new Academic Honor Code, have the definitions of academic dishonesty changed and have the Disciplinary Board procedures for resolving suspected infractions changed?

Answer: No. The definitions have not changed and remain focused on the four forms of academic dishonesty commonly recognized by colleges; Cheating, Fabrication, Facilitating Academic Dishonesty, and Plagiarism. Similarly, the Disciplinary Board procedures have not been altered in any way. Cases referred to the Board will continue to be heard by a student, faculty and staff panel of the Board. The sanctions Boards must impose for violations also remain the same as in the past. The sanction for a first offense shall be failure in the course and either warning or probation or failure in the course and suspension. The sanction for a second offense shall be failure in the course and suspension or expulsion.

Question: Will faculty be required to discuss the Code with their students at the start of each semester?

Answer: While not required, faculty are certainly encouraged to discuss the Code and issues of academic integrity with their students at the start of a semester. These discussions may help to reinforce the value of the Code and will provide an opportunity to discuss specific requirements or expectations of the course. For example, it might be helpful to discuss to what degree students may collaborate on assignments, how tests and examinations will be administered and what style of documentation must be used for papers, laboratory reports etc.

Question: Does the Academic Honor Code require any changes in how faculty administer tests or examinations?

Answer: No changes are required, but several changes are allowed. Faculty may give an unproctored exam or remain in the examination area at their option. Or faculty may elect to give an unproctored exam but be available outside the exam area to respond to questions. When a faculty member elects to give a make-up exam, he or she may give a different exam or the same one given to the other members of the class. In either case, the student taking the make-up exam will be on his or her honor not to discuss any aspect of the original exam with other members of the class prior to taking the make-up exam. Closed book or open book and timed or untimed take-home exams are allowed. For final examinations, the faculty member may administer the exam at the date and time specified by the Registrar or allow the students to self-schedule a time during the final exam period to take the exam. Mid-term examinations may also be given on a self-scheduled basis. In all cases, the faculty member teaching the course will determine how examinations, tests and other graded exercises will be conducted.