University of Virginia Library

Community Integrity

More than universities generally
the University of Virginia is a
community, made such by its
Honor System. No community can
protect itself from internal assault
unless its members uphold its
integrity. The Honor System,
because it implies a maximum of
trust, is especially vulnerable to
cheating. Its very vulnerability
makes the system all the more
precious and demands the vigilance
and devotion of all students. The
Honor System can work only to the
extent that students are honorable
and will assume the disagreeable
obligation to accuse those whom
they believe guilty of any infraction
of the Honor Code and compel
their departure from the University.