Strategies for avoiding a violation:

1. Familiarize yourself with the Honor Code policy for each course you take. Make sure you read and understand what is expected of you in terms of academic integrity from every one of your professors.

2. Ask questions! If something is unclear to you, or your professor’s policy is vague in any way, be sure to ask any questions you have. Professors should always be open to clearing up any inconsistency or misunderstanding. It is your responsibility to gather all the information you need to obey your course Honor Code policies, and a plea of ignorance is not a defense to the Honor Council.

3. Use resources! The “Academic Resources” page on this site will give you citation guides, academic integrity guidelines, and helpful websites to help you fulfill your academic duties without resorting to committing a violation, or committing one by accident.

4. Don’t let stress get the better of you. It is easy to make a snap judgment you may regret when you are overwhelmed. Whenever you can, try to plan ahead, and get assignments done on time, so you don’t need to look to cheating as a last minute escape from the work you put off.

5. Take the F. If it comes down to the wire, and you are forced with the decision to commit an Honor Code violation or fail an assignment, fail the assignment. It is always better to get a bad grade than to risk potentially getting suspended for academic fraud.

6. Email or talk to your college Honor Council representative. College reps are resources that are always available within your own college to address any questions or concerns that may arise with regards to the Honor System at Rice. Their email addresses are on “The Council” page if you ever have a question or need advice!