University of Virginia Library

Tradition Of Honor
Widely Recognized
As School's Strength

By Jay Steer
Cavalier Daily Staff Writer

In the early years of the
University, quizzes and
examinations were conducted
under strict surveillance by
members of the faculty. The
naturally awkward and unpleasant
relations developing under such a
proctor system caused great dislike
for the faculty as well as a general
atmosphere of uneasiness and
mistrust.

This undesirable condition led
one of the new professors of the
University, Henry St. George
Tucker, in 1842, to initiate a code
to be applied only to written
examinations.

Since that time the pledge has
been extended to all work
submitted for credit, statements
made to members of the faculty or
Administration, and other
declarations of good faith or intent.
In addition to this the Honor
System now covers lying, stealing,
and cheating.

During orientation, the first-year
man will be thoroughly introduced
to all the aspects of this system by
his counselor and other University
authorities.

Nevertheless, it will be difficult
for the new student to realize
exactly how completely the Honor
System is ingrained into University
life.

As the first-year man will soon
become aware of, the Honor
System is completely student run.
Every student accepts personal
responsibility for the maintenance
of a strong and operable system.

And it is reassuring to know
that another student's word can be
accepted at face value.

When the Honor System is
breached, the Honor Committee, an
all-student group composed of the
presidents of the ten schools within
the University, will decide the fate
of the accused student.

There exists no higher body of
appeal to the Honor Committee's
decision, although the Committee

(See HONOR, Page 13)