In recent years, the University's honor system has weathered accusations of racial bias. Now, the Honor Committee is working to overcome perceptions that the system is unfairly slanted against another student group: student athletes.
"There are concerns from athletes and coaches and the Committee" that student athletes are disproportionately brought up on honor offenses, said Luke Mitchell, committee vice chairman for education.
"The system is not biased," Mitchell said. But there may be "athletic spotlighting, or people putting extra scrutiny on student athletes."
Such concerns, whether real or perceived, make educating athletes about the honor system particularly important, Committee Chairman Thomas Hall said.
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As a result, honor educators are working hard to inform members of this small but visible group of the University community.
Honor officers have held roundtable discussions for athletes and spoken with the Captain's Council to answer questions and address concerns.
The Captain's Council is an organization that includes all varsity athletic team captains, student athlete mentors and coaches.
One major obstacle for the Committee is working around the irregular game and class schedules of athletes. Their practices and games make it more difficult for educators to reach athletes through traditional educational channels, so Committee members have been asking students for suggestions on how best to deliver their message.
Educators have considered producing a video about the honor system to show on team bus rides, Mitchell said. That way "it's a captive audience."
The Committee hopes that if student athletes are better informed about the system, they could have an easier time avoiding being singled out.
"Yes, student athletes cheat," said Jason Bernd, a fourth-year Engineering student and wrestler. "And yes, other students cheat ... but it's much more apparent when student athletes do it" because professors know who they are.
"I would be hesitant to say [spotlighting] is unfair, but it is unfortunate," Bernd said.
There actually are two types of spotlighting: positive and negative, honor educator Joanna Peloquin said. Athletes may be subjected to unfair scrutiny, but they also are "considered favorites in the University community," Peloqiun said.
Some students have said they have seen University bias toward athletes.
"I've seen cases of hard-working, honorable athletes, but I've also seen cases of dishonesty, and in those cases, professors turn a blind eye," third-year College student Jen Meltzer said. "First and foremost, this is an academic institution, and it's a shame that sports are such a big business."
Overall, the honor system is in place to provide a community of trust with privileges and benefits for all students, including all of the student athletes, Hall said.
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