FAQ

 

FAQs

 

Why is it in our best interest to have an Honor Code?

The Honor Code is based on the belief in the integrity and maturity of every member of the Wellesley College community. The Honor Code is a commitment that promotes academic honesty and community trust and provides students at Wellesley with unique privileges.  Some of these privileges include self-scheduled exams, open-stack libraries, all dorm access, and guest policies. The community commitment to honesty, integrity, and respect is what helps build a trusting community in and outside of the classroom. 

 

What is the difference between the Honor Code and the Code of Student Conduct?

The Honor Code is a commitment we all make to the Wellesley community; to act with honesty, integrity, and respect - to others, to ourselves, to the spirit of Wellesley, and to the physical community.  The Honor Code is what it means to be a Wellesley student.  The Code of Student Conduct helps provide understanding of what it means to live by the Honor Code, in and out of the classroom, and the procedures used to determine if a student’s behavior was in accordance with College policy or community expectations. 

 

I received an email letter from Maxient, what do I do?

Wellesley College uses a secure system, Maxient, to manage all Honor Code correspondence and records.  Emails from this system are safe and you should click on the link to open your letter.  This letter will outline any alleged violations and instructions on how to meet with the Administrative Coordinator.  This meeting is an initial conversation to discuss your rights and responsibilities in an Honor Code process and an opportunity for you to share your perspective and ask any questions you may have about what happens next.  There is nothing you need to do to prepare for this meeting; it is just a conversation about what to expect. 
 

Do the Honor Code and Code of Student Conduct apply to off campus activities? 

Wellesley students are expected to abide by the Honor Code and Code of Student Conduct whether they are on or off-campus.  In addition, students are expected to follow the rules of the setting in which they are located.  Students must keep in mind that they are representative of Wellesley College and should conduct themselves in such a manner that reflect the high standards of Wellesley. 

Will an Honor Code charge impact my status as an international student?

Simply receiving a charge will not impact visa status but some sanctions may affect an international student’s immigration status.  International students are advised to consult the Director of Slater International Center, Advisor to International Students and Scholars.

Are faculty and staff bound by the Honor Code?

No, the Honor Code Council only hears cases concerning students.  Faculty and staff at Wellesley are expected to uphold the spirit of the Honor Code in their classrooms and in their work; to live the values of honesty, integrity, and respect.  Concerns about faculty or staff are addressed through Human Resources, department heads, and staff supervisors.  

 

How much can students talk about exams?

Wellesley has a unique system of self-scheduled and unsupervised exams.  In order to ensure each student experiences equitable testing conditions, students are barred from speaking about an exam with any student.  This includes discussion of the difficulty, content, format, topics, or any other aspect of the exam.  However, as common sense dictates, two or more students who have completed the same exam may discuss that exam provided they are not with or around other students. 

 

Who is responsible for enforcing the Honor Code?

Every member of the Wellesley College community shares responsibility for the development of a trusting community through upholding the Honor Code.  This includes students, faculty, and administrative staff members.  If individuals have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the Chief Justice, the Administrative Coordinator, members of the Honor Code Council, or the Dean of Students.  

 

How does confidentiality fit in with the Honor Code?

All efforts are made to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of issues and questions brought to the Honor Code Council.  Except when may be necessary due to Title IX rules or if there is an immediate concern for safety, all Honor Code matters are kept private.  All members of the Honor Code Council, and any others involved in the Honor Code process including advisors and witnesses, will hold strict confidentiality.  Honor Code and/or Code of Student Conduct charges may be filed for any student who does not maintain such confidentiality.   

 

Who is notified of Honor Code charges and violations?

Please review section VII of the Code of Student Conduct for complete details.  

The aggregated outcomes of all Honor Code cases will be reported annually to the Student Senate and the Academic Council.  Confidentiality will be ensured and the identities of any parties associated with the cases will not be revealed.  Notification of outcomes or decisions or other records of Honor Code cases may be given to individuals within the College with an educational need to know, such as a student’s Class Dean. 

Honor Code records are maintained electronically by the Administrative Coordinator and are separate from a student’s academic transcript, though considered part of a student’s educational record.  Honor Code violations are not noted on a transcript unless resulting in suspension, dismissal, or expulsion.  

Educational records, including Honor Code records, may not be released by the College to third parties outside the College without the student’s authorization or as permitted by law.  Students applying to law schools, med schools, graduate schools, or employment opportunities that require a background check may be asked to disclose their disciplinary history and sign a release for the College.  Applicants are to answer honestly any questions they are asked on these applications.  The Office of the Dean of Students is responsible for responding to disciplinary records requests from third party individuals or institutions in compliance with FERPA. The full College statement on FERPA is available on the Office of the Registrar website. 

What are the most common violations and penalties?

The most common Honor Code violations are academic in nature, specifically plagiarism and inappropriate collaboration.  The penalties usually range from failure on the assignment to failure in the course, depending on the circumstances and intent.  

Faculty have different expectations in their classes for what use of outside resources is appropriate and what level of collaboration with other students is acceptable.  It is important for students to understand the expectations for each class. 

At times during the semester, particularly during exam periods, students can feel a great deal of academic pressure.  Since you cannot always talk with other students, where can you turn?  The obligation not to discuss exams should not deter you from asking for help to manage academic pressure.  Your faculty, teaching assistants, the Academic Success Coaches (ASCs) and the Pforzheimer Learning and Teaching Center (PLTC) are available to help students academically during the semester.  Additionally, the Stone Center, your Community Director, or the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life are all support resources available to you.