For Students
Middlebury's Honor Code includes the following requirements:
Article III: Violations of the Honor Code, Procedures, and Disciplinary Actions
a. "Any member of the College community (student, faculty, or administrator) who is aware of a case of academic dishonesty is morally obligated to report it to the Academic Judicial Board through the Judicial Affairs Officer.
b. Those who cheat are morally obliged to report their own offense to the Academic Judicial Board."
We believe that the academic dishonesty of even one student diminishes the integrity of our entire community. The Honor Code relies on students holding themselves and each other to its very reasonable standards; this is the responsibility students assume in exchange for unproctored and take-home exams.
Students who believe that a fellow student has cheated or plagiarized are obligated to take action. This action could take one of many forms, including the following:
- Speak directly with that student to ask him or her to turn him- or herself in to the professor. We understand that this approach is neither easy nor comfortable, but it is an option that allows accused students to take the “high road” and take responsibility for their actions at the outset. Students who turn themselves in before being identified by the faculty can expect some measure of lenience in their penalty.
- You may share your concerns with your professor, and you may or may not wish to use names. He or she can then investigate further.
- You may also speak with Associate Dean of the College Karen Guttentag, who serves as the judicial affairs officer and can provide you with advice. Again, you don't need to use names at this stage if you wish.
- Remember, there is strength in numbers. If you have seen something you think is dishonest and you're not sure what to do, talk with a friend, a dean, a mentor, a member of the residence life staff--anyone who can give you good advice. He or she may also be able to join you in handling the situation together.
Whatever option you choose, we expect that students who are aware of academic dishonesty will take some form of positive action to address the situation.