It is a Way of Life
It is my great pleasure to come before you this afternoon, on behalf of the Student Judicial Council, and the student body of Middlebury College to deliver remarks that I presented to the first year students, upon their arrival to campus.
In choosing to matriculate to Middlebury, you may recall that your very acceptance was contingent on a promise to uphold the honor code. Your presence here today, affirms this pledge, and your stated commitment to abide by and uphold the policies of the Middlebury College handbook. I encourage you to review the Handbook at your earliest opportunity, and throughout your time here as a student. The handbook has evolved from countless dialogues between students, faculty, and administration. It was developed to serve and educate all those desiring membership in our community. Here at Middlebury, integrity is more than a lofty value, it is a way of life. It is understood and expected that the papers, lab reports, performances, and other academic exercises you produce in the next four years be your own work, completed within the permitted guidelines and without unauthorized aid.
Arriving at Middlebury, for many of you, marks the beginning of a new type of independence. For the first time, you are no longer subject to curfews, being told to eat your vegetables, or even to turn off the television set and do your homework. And granted, some of this may come as a relief. But I caution you, to approach this new independence responsibly. Your professors will grant you academic freedoms you have probably never enjoyed, including unproctored exams, take-home-examinations, and the ability to self-schedule tests. This sense of trust is very refreshing, and once you enjoy the benefits of this type of educational environment, you will soon find that your honesty is the only appropriate response. I submit to you, this sense of trust will become the cornerstone of your Middlebury education.
Above all else, as a student, your unconditional and unquestioned truthfulness is required in all situations. Those who cheat are obliged to report their own offences to the Student Judicial Council; a committee comprised primarily of your peers, two faculty members, and the Dean of Students. Furthermore, I might add, anyone aware of a violation, including but not limited to plagiarism, academic dishonesty, and other violations of academic integrity, is morally obligated to report it to the necessary persons. Such serious violations are subject to equally serious consequences. If found guilty of committing an offense, you may be sanctioned by receiving a warning, reprimand, suspension, and in the most extreme cases, expulsion.
Respect, tolerance, integrity, and fundamental fairness are among the pillars accepted and exhibited by members of the Middlebury College community; a community's whose membership is already checkered with brilliant minds, champion athletes, student-leaders, talented performers, and now you, members of the Class of 2005. Before you awaits ample room for personal growth, within a stimulating, supportive, diverse, and often challenging environment. Your course work will exceed your every expectation, and I only wish you as much social satisfaction and success. But for this great privilege, you must pledge your honesty, agreeing to promote learning and human growth throughout your many encounters.
It is your personal responsibility to ask questions of your professors, review your source citations for precise accuracy, and refer to the handbook to determine appropriate behavior, should confusion arise. Ignorance of policies or failing to abide by them is nothing short of unacceptable.
In closing, it is expected that the work you produce here be your own. In fact, I guarantee that your moral growth and life education will be the more fruitful for it. It is our hope that belonging to such a community, filled withintegrity, intellectual curiosity and decency, will be among the most rewarding experiences of your life.