Honor is a core value of the University of Virginia, an integral part of its educational mission, and the foundation of the student experience. As such, the Honor System applies across our Community of Trust, in the classroom and beyond. Below is a brief introduction to the Honor System; we encourage you to seek additional information during your time at the University.
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The University’s Honor System was inaugurated in 1842 and is the oldest entirely student-run honor system in the country. Thirty students are elected by the student body from each of the University’s 12 schools to serve on the Honor Committee for a yearlong term. Approximately 75 students selected through an application process serve in supporting roles as Educators, Advisors, and Counsel.
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The Honor System represents one of the purest forms of Student Self-Governance at the University, and all Honor cases are investigated and adjudicated solely by students.
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An Honor Offense is defined as any Significant Act of Lying, Cheating, or Stealing committed with Knowledge
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Although the Honor System is student-run, faculty members have an important role within the System as most cases handled by the Committee are cheating cases brought to the System by a faculty member or teaching assistant.
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Students found guilty of an Honor offense who are capable and committed to restoring their relationship with the Community of Trust are subject to sanctions that strive to be educational, restorative, proportional, and forward-looking. Students found incapable of rejoining our community are temporarily or permanently removed from the University, and those who have graduated from the University can be subject to degree revocation by the General Faculty.
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Students who believe they have committed an offense can admit Guilt and make amends by filing a Conscientious Retraction (CR) before they have any reason to believe they may be under suspicion for committing the offense. A valid and complete CR can be used as a full, exonerating defense against Honor charges if the case is later independently reported.
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In contrast to a Conscientious Retraction, an Informed Retraction (IR) may be submitted by a student who has been reported for an Honor offense. The spirit of the IR is predicated on a student taking responsibility for the IR Offenses and in good faith agreeing upon appropriate amends with all affected parties. The student must also comply with restorative sanctions as determined by the Honor Committee.
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If you think you may have witnessed an Honor offense, you can contact an Honor Advisor or Committee Representative found on its website at honor.virginia.edu. Discussing the matter with an Honor Advisor or Committee Representative is confidential and does not bind you to report an Honor case.
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Faculty members interested in becoming directly involved with the Honor System are encouraged to join the Faculty Advisory Committee (FAC), a subcommittee of the Honor Committee consisting of students and faculty who serve as a liaison between the faculty and the Honor System.
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Students deeply value the trust placed in them under the Honor System and can be counted on to comport themselves with integrity. Honor hopes that, as a result, you will find that your experience teaching at UVa is a richer one, and that your relationship with your students is more positive and productive because of your trust in them.