Honor Code

Be Honest

Honesty from the perspective of the Honor Code is an integrative concept that encompasses being free from deception in both thought and action. Honesty, according to Dallin H. Oaks, former president of Brigham Young University and apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in the "foundation of all organizations and all personal relationships. Honesty and truthfulness are not valuable unless they are absolute" ("Be Honest in All Behavior," Devotional Address given in the Marriott Center at BYU, January 30, 1973). Every dimension of our lives should reflect obedience, integrity, honor, respect for others, freedom from fraud and deception, sincerity, dependability, fidelity, and straightforwardness in how we act and why we act within the bounds of the truth and knowledge we have received and the commitments we have made.

Honesty with self, others, and the university in regard to both academic and nonacademic issues is fundamental in creating and maintaining a gospel-centered environment at Brigham Young University. The following lists display some of the specific concerns students have related to honesty.

Academic Honesty

• Any reported violations of academic honesty are resolved by faculty in accordance with the Academic Honesty Policy.

• Should students feel that their teacher has dealt unfairly with the, they have recourse as outlined in the Student Academic Grievance Policy.

Theft

• Theft of another person's property and possessions, including unauthorized possession of such property, is a violation of the Honor Code and action may be taken by the Honor Code office independent of any action taken within the judicial system.

• Any level of theft at BYU is significant and may lead to suspension.

• Factors that weigh heavily in determining the action taken by the Honor Code Office include theft of multiple items, involvement in more than one incident of theft, the use of force, illegal entry, and the use of a weapon.

Lying, Deception, and Fraud

• Any attempt to gain an advantage or to avoid a consequence by lying, deception or fraud is not acceptable behavior at BYU.

• Examples of lying, deception, and fraud include falsifying records of time and attendance at work, giving false information to a police officer or other university official, and failing to take responsibility for personal conduct.

• Honest students are open and forthcoming when confronted with reports of their noncompliance.

Honesty in Civil and Family Disputes

• Students must fulfill contractual and family obligations, such as child support, purchase agreements, and rental contracts.

• In those instances where there exists a bona fide dispute as to whether a debt or other contractual obligation has been fulfilled or whether a student has honestly met family obligations, the Honor Code Office will generally refer the affected parties to the appropriate civil or family courts having jurisdiction over these matters for resolution of the disputes and will not treat these matters as coming within the Honor Code Office enforcement processes.

• Once the issue is resolved in the courts, the Honor Code Office may take action based upon the court findings.

• For help in resolving housing disputes, students should contact Off-Campus Housing to see if that office's Housing Arbitration Board could assist.

Honesty in Usage of BYU Computers and Other Equipment

• Students are expected to understand what constitutes appropriate use of the BYU owned and operated computing network. Any form of fraud or deception in use is inappropriate, and it may expose the university community to undue embarrassment.

• Any attempt to gain unauthorized access or to copy unauthorized software is a serious breach of one's honor.

• The BYU Computer Network Patron Policy describes the appropriate uses, misuses, and the enforcement of potential consequences for inappropriate uses. Students sometimes become involved in unauthorized exploitation of electronic vending machines and other automated equipment. In the spirit of the Honor Code, such exploitation is not appropriate,