More »
University of Richmond

Honor Code

An Enduring Tradition
The Honor System has been a fundamental part of the University of Richmond since 1830 as Richmond students continue to embody the academic integrity so esteemed by their earlier counterparts. A student's introduction to the Honor System formally begins before he or she begins to attend classes. A substantial portion of the first-year orientation program focuses on educating incoming students about both the spirit and the substance of the University of Richmond Honor System. When new students sign the Honor Code early in their first year, they do so in a moving and traditional ceremony–Proclamation Night for Westhampton College students and Investiture Night for Richmond College students. This signature denotes one's promise to uphold the Honor Code throughout his or her time at the University.

The Honor Code Pledge
Students are expected to pledge the following statement on all assignments turned in for credit, including exams, papers and laboratory reports: "I pledge that I have neither received nor given unauthorized assistance during the completion of this work." This serves to remind students of the University community's commitment to the Honor Code. In addition, it reminds students of the numerous benefits that are provided by our Honor System, including unproctored tests and close relations with all members of the University community that are a direct result of the trusting environment of the University.

The Honor System Process
The Honor Code Statutes recognize seven different violations: cheating, plagiarism, lying, academic theft, registration irregularity, disclosing Honor Council information and the failure to report an Honor Code violation.

The Honor Code is designed to protect the integrity of our Honor System while ensuring that all members of the University community are treated fairly and with respect. When a possible violation is reported to the chair of either the Richmond or the Westhampton Councils, a pre-hearing Review Board convenes to explore the details of the possible violation. The Board then decides to either terminate the investigation for lack of evidence and thus destroy all records of the case or to move on to a full investigation and hearing. The dean of the accused student's school (Westhampton College or Richmond College) approves decisions of guilt and sanctions. All students have the right to appeal any decisions reached by the Council. Sanctions for Honor Code violations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include Honor Probation, letter of reprimand, community service, academic penalties, suspension or expulsion from the University.

The Honor Councils
Together, the Richmond and Westhampton Honor Councils are composed of over 40 diverse students. Despite their separate names, the Councils meet together and hear honor cases of students from both colleges. In fact, they are the only branches of the student governments that meet together.

The University of Richmond Honor Councils also seek to educate members of the University community on issues relating to the Honor Code, its policies and the consequences that may result from honor violations. In addition, the Councils sponsor honor awareness programs, an Honor Symposium and organize honor orientations for first-year students.

The Honor Councils Seek:

  • To create an environment that encourages all members of the University community to behave in an honorable way both in and out of the classroom
  • To unite students and faculty in the pursuit of academic integrity, a central and guiding principle of the University
  • To use the Honor Councils to address violations of the Code, to select appropriate sanctions for those found to be in violation of the Code and to reinforce the University's expectations for honorable behavior

How to Get Involved
Applications for Honor Council membership are available at the beginning of the spring semester each year. Students interested in joining the Councils must submit a written application and be interviewed by current Honor Council members and student government senators. New members are selected in the spring semester of each year and terms of service begin each May.

University of Richmond Honor Councils

Office of Admission: (800) 700-1662 , (804) 289-8640

Richmond College Dean's Office: (804) 289-8061

University of Richmond