Honor Code Synthesis Essay

489 Words2 Pages

2015 Synthesis Project

Many argue that the world is full of negativity and dishonesty. Even the people or companies we have looked up to and trust have committed crimes. Although the look of the future seems dreadful to some, school systems have created an idea to change the outlook on the future of the world. Honor codes or systems are a set of rules or principles that allow students and administration to cultivate positive qualities. New Prairie High School should establish an honor code in order to instill commendable qualities in their students.

Honor codes help to inspire students to have integrity. Many people were quick to criticize the idea of having an honor system due to the belief that plagiarism and cheating rates would just increase. Although that may be true in some cases, a 22-year old student on University of Virginia's Honor Committee stated "It's not like we are saying we hate you, it's just that we have standards here" (Source D) after many students were caught plagiarizing. These students were either expelled or dropped out; some even lost their diplomas. Donald L. …show more content…

In Source F, the authors argue that the decreased reports of cheating in schools with honor codes are not caused simply by fear of consequences, but rather the ramifications of being outed to their peers. In today's society, many students do not think about the consequences of their actions. However, with an honor system instilled, many students feel embarrassed to have their cheating habits be made known to their peers. Some students have been able to skate through high school by cheating or stealing their peer's work, but when reaching a college campus with an honor system in place, as Source F explains the students "change their behavior" (Source F). Honor codes put into place on college campuses are helping change the student's academic behavior and integrity before they reach the