Student Academic Honors Pledge

Published December 1, 2020

Dear COB student,

COB faculty and students are concerned about “exam integrity,” which means every student should have a fair and equal opportunity to perform well on exams and that no cheating should occur. If cheating is suspected, faculty will investigate and take appropriate action. While I hope this is not necessary, I support faculty taking appropriate action if cheating does occur.

I am asking you to adhere to an “honor code” of no cheating and reminding you of the importance of being trustworthy when taking exams. You can help assure exam integrity by pledging honest behavior. Here is an example of such a pledge:

Student Academic Honors Pledge: I pledge on my honor that I have not given or received any unauthorized assistance on this assignment/examination.

Your instructors might ask you to acknowledge that you understand this pledge prior to taking exams.

To me, “honesty is the best policy,” and this is true whether you are taking exams or advancing in your careers at work. Here is the CSULB definition of Academic Honesty and Integrity: 

“Cheating is defined as the act of obtaining or attempting to obtain or aiding another to obtain academic credit for work by the use of any dishonest, deceptive or fraudulent means. Examples of cheating during an examination include, but are not limited to the following: copying, either in part or in whole, from another’s test or examination; discussion of answers or ideas relating to the answers on an examination or test unless such discussion is specifically authorized by the instructor; giving or receiving copies of an examination without the permission of the instructor; using or displaying notes, “cheat sheets,” or other information or devices inappropriate to the prescribed test conditions, as when the test of competence includes a test of unassisted recall of information, skill, or procedure; or allowing someone other than the officially enrolled student to represent the same.”

Best wishes for a successful end of the semester.

Sincerely,

Image
dean solt signature

Michael E. Solt, Dean