1. University of Miami Undergraduate Honor Council

2. 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

3. “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.”

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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

8. **Please see attached statistics for cumulative review**
Year Highlights
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**

9. 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**

10. 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

11. 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

12. Ensuring Academic Integrity Honor Council 2004-2005