A proposed series of changes to UNC’s scrutinized student-led honor system is expected to be presented to the Faculty Council on Friday, according to a powerpoint presentation on the body’s agenda.
The changes, which have been recommended by a commission led by chairwoman of the faculty Jan Boxill and also the Committee on Student Conduct, appear to stem from research done by these bodies — including surveys that found negative comments about the Honor Court system outnumbered positive comments 2-1.
Recommendations to reform the honor system include reducing the burden of proof, reducing sanctions for first-time offenses and including faculty and staff on honor court panels.
Planned implementation noted in the Committee on Student Conduct’s proposal include the following points:
- Reduce burden of proof from “beyond a reasonable doubt” to “clear and convincing evidence.”
- Reduce first-offense usual sanction to F in the class and academic probation, with future additional changes. A table of escalating sanctions would be included as an appendix.
- Implement instructor/student resolution process.
- Include faculty on honor panels for academic cases with “not guilty” pleas.
The presentation also proposes future “contemplated” changes, including “X” transcript notation and removal process, reforms of the sanctioning process and others.
