TheSkiffView
HONOR
Proposed code leads to many concerns

Some students feel that an honor code at TCU would be ineffective, and at worst, would turn students against each other in the quest for a good GPA. This viewpoint of an honor code is a depressing example of cynicism in TCU students.

“Before an honor code is established, students must change. Academics and academic integrity must be considered a priority.” said Don Mills, vice chancellor for student affairs, encapsulating student opinion in a recent Skiff article.

The benefits of having an honor code are innumerable and many other universities have recognized this. Aside from establishing a standard of moral integrity that previously was only assumed, it would prevent dishonesty that can lead to undeserving students receiving better grades than their more ethical counterparts.

Students may feel that it is not their business how others conduct themselves in their academic affairs. They may also be reluctant to rat out students they know are cheating or who may be their friends. But students should also know that by remaining silent they are jeopardizing the worth of their own GPA — not to mention giving a cheating student an unfair competitive edge in the job market.

“An honor code forces students to get involved in someone else’s business,” said Provost William Koehler in a recent Skiff article. “If a student sees someone cheating they have to report it. Many students will not want to do this.”

It is imperative that students back this initiative and realize the importance of having such a code. The worth of their degree and their standards of moral integrity are at stake. It takes a mature viewpoint to see the overall ramifications of not having an honor code at TCU. Hopefully, students will see the benefits and step up to the challenge.