SIGN OF THE TIMES – AT 12:44 P.M. ET:  From the Harvard Crimson:

As many students clamber to finish bibliographies and extend term papers onto that last page, some have had to add a new sentence to final assignments for the first time this fall.

During final exams, and on final papers and assignments, undergraduates have starting affirming their awareness of Harvard College’s first honor code, which went into effect this semester.

The Office of Undergraduate Education now requires students to sign statements affirming that they are aware of the new academic integrity policy on all seated final exams, according to Elisabeth L. Laskin, an assistant dean of undergraduate education. Attendance confirmation forms now require students to sign that declaration in accordance with the honor code.

The honor code and its attached student-faculty Honor Council, the new disciplinary board charged with enforcing the policy, made their debut this semester after years of extensive planning and a high-profile cheating scandal that originally involved more than 100 students in 2012. From the start of the semester, administrators and students have tried to publicize the policy, about which some undergraduates and faculty members have voiced skepticism. Student members of the Honor Council wore matching shirts at events, created a Facebook page for the group, and expanded outreach to dining halls, courses, and other events.

Laskin wrote in an email that administrators have asked that faculty notify students to include affirmations of integrity on final assignments. Administrators provided faculty with a sample statement—“I affirm my awareness of the standards of the Harvard College Honor Code”—but professors may modify the pledge, according to the honor code’s website.

COMMENT:  It's sad that it took a cheating scandal to help move Harvard to adopt an honor code, but Harvard did the right thing by establishing the code.  Honor codes, such as those used at the service academies, play an important role in teaching students what is expected of them by their school and by society.  The codes tend to be strict, and I don't think any have been contaminated by political correctness, although I can't say that with absolute certainty.

I also like the word "honor."  It's not considered a "cool" word among some of the young, but it is very cool indeed, and a word we need.

December 19, 2015