While it may seem difficult to make changes to an honor system steeped in tradition, Honor Committee and faculty members say they are working to address faculty concerns and ultimately strengthen the community of trust. The Faculty Senate passed a proposition statement yesterday in support of increased dialogue with the Honor Committee in the coming years.
Like the University, faculty at other Virginia colleges and universities play an integral role in supporting and maintaining their honor systems. At the University of Richmond, faculty members are largely responsible for initiating honor cases even though the system is entirely student-run, said Chase Rowan, Richmond College honor council chair. "They are the principle source of accusations," Rowan said.
While it may seem difficult to modify an honor system steeped in tradition, some faculty members have suggested ways to increase student reporting of honor offenses and improve faculty's knowledge of the system. Some faculty members said they are frustrated with the sole responsibility of maintaining the community of trust without student support.
Student self-governance is a hallmark of the University. It is an ideal which many University students hold in high esteem.
Since 1842, students and faculty have been working together to maintain a community of trust at the University in which it is assumed that students will not lie, cheat or steal.
