University of Miami Undergraduate Honor Council

A brief history… Established: Spring of 1986 at the request of the Undergraduate Student Body Government The Code was then ratified by a student referendum Approved by the Faculty Senate and the President of the University

“The code is established for the undergraduate student body, to protect the academic integrity of the University of Miami, to encourage consistent ethical behavior among undergraduate students, and to foster a climate of fair competition.”

Students make the difference The Honor Council is the only organization on campus where students have the responsibility and authority to hear cases related to academic dishonesty and make a decision based on the facts. The resulting sanctions can go as far as suspension or expulsion. The success of the council hinges upon the initiation, input, and involvement of the students. Research has substantiated that student involvement is key to the success of such systems.

Is Cheating A Problem? Who’s Who Among American High School Students: 80% featured students admitted to cheating at least once 50% said that they did not believe that cheating was necessarily wrong 95% admitted that they had never been caught 50 years ago: 1 in 5 college students admitted to cheating in high school Today: anywhere from 75% to 98% Center for Academic Integrity at Duke University 75% of college students admit to cheating at least once U.S. News & World Report 84% of college students believe they need to cheat to get ahead in the world today

Where do ethical problems lead? U.S. News & World Report poll 90% of college students believe that cheaters never pay the price 90% say that when people see someone cheat, they don’t turn them in Studies indicate that students who cheat are likely to become graduates who cheat. Recent survey by selectjobs.com (high-tech industry employment site) 75% of job seekers admitted to lying on their resumes 40% admitted to omitting past jobs 12% admitted to padding education credentials.

The Selection & Appeals Committee Comprised of: The Vice President for Student Affairs The Executive Vice President & Provost The President of Student Government Involvement Appointed the Dean of Students as the Secretary Hear appeals A great check for the system Appoints members – interview process Nominated by the executive committee

**Please see attached statistics for cumulative review** Year Highlights 2003-2004 Total Cases Assigned/Investigated: 32 Total Cases Adjudicated: 30 Total Number of Students: 35 Alleged Violations by Case: Cheating: 9 Plagiarism: 24 Collusion: 2 Falsification: 2 **Please see attached statistics for cumulative review**

The Adjudication Process The Honor Council has 29 members and 4 alternates All are Undergraduate students who represent all the schools at the University of Miami Can be appointed as Speaker, Panel Member, or Investigator for a hearing, based on availability and experience (Alternates do not sit on cases ) The Honor Council does not use precedents in determining sanctions Every case is unique in substance and circumstance Mitigating circumstances are taken into account when deliberating a sanction **Sanctioning is on a case-by-case basis**

Sanctions and Deliberation Expulsion from the University Suspension from the University Final Disciplinary Probation (FDP) Strict Disciplinary Probation (SDP) Disciplinary Warning Reprimand University service Other appropriate action as approved by the Honor Council Key Words During Deliberation: Mitigating Circumstances Objectivity Open Mind Respect

Our Goals Education of the student body on the importance of upholding the value of honor, to preserve UM’s name as a pillar of integrity Adjudication of cases to ensure fairness of competition Adjudication in order to ensure that students who are in violation of the Code, understand the importance of upholding its ideals Maintain and improve upon the system Currently enacting an assessment of complete system

Ensuring Academic Integrity Honor Council 2004-2005