Introduction

This booklet serves as a guide for both students and faculty to the Honor System of Rice University. It begins with an overview putting in general terms what is defined in greater detail by the Constitution, By-Laws, and Procedures of the Honor System. This overview explains the Honor System's history, the premises on which it is based, and the practices that have arisen in its application. 

Of particular importance are the sections of this booklet pertaining to the Conduct of Examinations and to Plagiarism. These guidelines provide a practical means by which the ideals of the Honor System can be carried out. 

In the center of this booklet are the Constitution, By-Laws and Procedures. All aspects of the Honor System are founded in these documents, so it is essential that faculty and students become familiar with them. 

The final part of this booklet explains Academic Fraud, gives an overview of proper citation techniques, and provides several examples of correct and incorrect citations. While the methods for citing sources vary among departments and professors, this guide can serve as a valuable reference. 

Please feel free to contact members of the Honor Council with questions or comments or to request publications on avoiding plagiarism and the role of faculty in the Honor System. 

The information in this booklet, quick reference handbooks for students, faculty, and teaching assistants, and periodic updates may be found in electronic form at: http://honor.rice.edu/. 

Without strong support from students and faculty, the Honor System, with its rich tradition of trust and mutual respect, would be meaningless. It is up to each of us to maintain the strength of one of the strongest Honor Codes in the nation and one of the best aspects of Rice. 

The Honor Council  Rice University 

The procedures outlined in this booklet are intended to aid the Honor Council in its efforts to ascertain the facts of a matter and to reach a just decision. They do not confer any contractual rights on the accused. Circumstances can differ greatly between cases, and the Chair of the Council or the Assistant Dean of Student Judicial Programs may need to modify the procedures in a particular case in order to reach a timely and just decision. 

Last modified Wednesday, October 4, 2006 5:57 PM
Reach the Honor Council at honor@rice.edu