Honor Code Reform Far More Widespread Than DTH Story Hints

TO THE EDITOR:

I am writing briefly to express appreciation for The Daily Tar Heel's efforts to cover the process of Honor Code reform during the past semester. I'd also like to put the record straight on the perspective offered in the article in the Dec. 5 paper suggesting that what is emerging is merely "minor" reform.

The Committee on Student Conduct has forwarded to the chancellor, Student Congress, Faculty Council and the University community the first complete overhaul of the student judicial system in 30 years.

We have wholly rewritten the Honor Code to put it in plain English and to include a variety of offenses that have not been clearly covered in the past.

The definition of academic dishonesty is substantially expanded and clarified.

The appeals process has been reformed to expedite handling and eliminate opportunities for frivolous appeals.

A student honor system outreach coordinator position has been proposed that would create a third major presidentially appointed leader who will help focus educational efforts on campus.

Contrary to the perception conveyed by the DTH story, for example, the proposal includes the equivalent of the "XF" proposal that had been previously discussed but does so in a more tailored and effective fashion.

The revision anticipates that every student found guilty of academic dishonesty would at least be placed on probation (which is flagged on transcripts), typically with an educational requirement (a special course or project) and a grade penalty of an "F" in the course or on the assignment in question, depending on the recommendation of the instructor.

In its December report, COSC also urged the chancellor and the campus community to set as our collective goal being recognized as having the best honor system in the country ... something as worthy (and necessary in these times) as having the best academic programs and athletic teams.

For example, we will urge the implementation of a Web-based system of "certification" regarding knowledge of the Honor Code that every student and instructor would be expected to complete by the time they begin their time as members of the community here.

Such a system would be similar to that used in gaining certification for work on research involving human subjects now provided by the National Institutes of Health.

We also will propose a major effort to endow educational programming such as distinguished lectures regarding issues facing society regarding integrity and extensive outreach efforts unlike those on any other campus with which we're familiar.

It is difficult for the DTH to capture the breadth of this undertaking when different reporters attend separate committee meetings from one week to the next without having an opportunity to put the full picture together.

We hope that the DTH will play an active part in providing comprehensive and sustained coverage of the major reforms that will be presented for discussion and, we hope, adoption before Spring Break.