University of Virginia Library

Unique Tradition

At this early moment in the new
academic year we shall consider
that unique tradition of the
University known and revered as
the Honor System. For over a
century the Honor System has
guided successive generations of

Virginia's students in their efforts
to establish a right relationship with
themselves and with others. At
Virginia no less than wherever
human relationships are satisfactory
the name of the game is honor.
Without honesty there can be no
successful and enduring relations
among nations. Without it there
can be no sound business
transactions, sound politics, sound
education, or sound personal and
family relationships. Where there is
no honor there is only distrust,
calculation, and expediency, all of
which restrict the scope of human
endeavor.