(This is the first of a four part series examining the way members of the University view the honor system.)
When they enter the University, first years are bombarded with information regarding the honor system. They see skits, hear speakers, have discussions and watch the honor video.
During their first year here, students begin to form opinions about honor that will shape the way they see themselves in relation to the system and will influence their entire four-year experience.
"The honor system affects us every day, even in ways we don't realize," first-year College student Alicia Corbin said.
Corbin, a member of the First-Year Honor Association, said her experiences with the association have helped her see the benefits of the system rather than just its punitive purpose.
"I feel really secure," said first-year College student Kerry Kuhn. "I can leave my books unattended at the library [because] people are expected to uphold a certain standard, and they do."
But not all students have had the same positive experiences with honor.
"The idea is good ... but a lot of people disregard [the system], so it can't work well," first-year Engineering student Dan Hoffman said.
Hoffman said his opinion of the effectiveness of the system has changed since entering the University.
"If you leave stuff somewhere, it's going to be stolen. ... [Honor] is not as big a deal as they make it seem," he said.
"I feel the honor system is a threat ... [that is held] over your head," first-year College student Matt Oliver said. "Athletes are singled out more" than other students, he added.
Oliver, who plays defense for the men's soccer team, said he and his teammates do not wear warm-ups to exams so that they will not be associated with a sports team. He also said he thinks the honor system intimidates first years more than other students.
Even so, many first years said the honor system is effective.
"In general, it's something that most students accept and respect as a tradition," said first-year College student Caroline Grummon.
Kuhn said that compared to her experiences in high school it seems students at the University take honor issues much more seriously.
The system "does work. ... it makes students think twice about cheating," Oliver said.
Much like the rest of the student body, as shown by the results of the honor referenda, first years have mixed opinions on how the honor system should be reformed or even whether it needs to be changed at all.
The proposed referenda called for change in the role of honor counsel at trial, change in the composition of juries and elimination of the seriousness clause in cases of academic cheating. Only the referendum changing the role of honor counsel passed after student voting held in February.
"Each of the referenda would make honor a little more efficient and consistent" in terms of verdicts, said Corbin, who supported all proposals.
"I am definitely in support of getting rid of the seriousness clause. Frankly, I think that's what honor stands for most of all," Grummon said. Cheating "is a violation of trust in an academic setting."
Hoffman could not remember whether he voted on the referenda. "I adhere to the system," but beyond that, "personally, I don't pay too much attention" to honor issues, he said.
"I feel the honor system is effective the way it is right now," Kuhn said. She only voted in favor of the proposal that passed.
Among other suggested reforms, Oliver said, "I am not in favor of the single sanction ... [the system is] a little too strict."
(Next week's article will look at perspectives of international students.)
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