Last night, the Honor Committee discussed narrowing the definition of the University's community of trust, specifically when alleged offenses outside the University fall under the jurisdiction of the Committee.
"It is a worthwhile discussion of what we want the scope of the honor system to be," said Josh Hess, vice chair for community relations.
According to Linda Liu, vice chair for investigations, the Committee began specifying the Committee's language of jurisdiction last semester because several members felt it was too broad and unfair to students who are unaware that the honor code can apply to students beyond Grounds.
Currently, Section I, B. 1. 2. of the bylaws, defines the Committee's jurisdiction to be within Charlottesville, Albemarle County, University regional centers and anywhere else that a University student represents himself or herself as a student of the University.
"If you read just that, to me that is just not clear enough, " Liu said, noting that Committee members are working to clarify this particular bylaw.
The proposal, Hess said, alters the jurisdiction's language to include students in University extracurricular activities and students who identify themselves as students of the University while committing the offense.
While discussing cheating beyond the Committee's jurisdiction, Hess maintained that "this is not an issue we usually experience, but the potential is there."
Although Committee members remain undecided on the proposal, Medicine Rep. Jon Overdevest said, the discussion is beneficial for students.
"It is about University students being the stewards of U.Va.," he said, adding that the Committee is primarily concerned with notifying students about when they represent the University and when they do not.
Members discussed a similar proposal last semester that did not pass because members had reservations about narrowly defining jurisdiction, Liu noted.
"The argument that can be made for keeping it broad would be the interactions that U.Va. students have outside can erode the trust that comes with the U.Va. name," said Brian O'Neill, vice chair for trials, recalling the previous debate.
It does not make sense to define the community of trust with physical boundaries, O'Neill added.
In the upcoming weeks, the question the Committee faces is whether the proposal will have an effect on the University community both on Grounds and beyond.
Read More
What to expect as the University searches for its 10th president
By Nicolas Biernacki | 7 hours agoThe special committee to nominate the 10th president was announced Friday.
U.Va. announces search committee for permanent president
By Ford McCracken | 2 days agoThe committee includes most sitting members of the Board of Visitors, other faculty representatives and alumni and just one current undergraduate student, who is also a sitting member of the Board.
A look at Ryan’s presidential employment contract
By Bertie Azqueta | 2 days agoThis contract, originally established in 2018 when Ryan was hired, was renewed in 2022 and outlines the terms of his employment, including salary and benefits.
