What is the Honor Code?

About the Honor Code

Written in 1921 by students, the Honor Code is a set of standards that establish the expectations for academic integrity required of all Stanford students. When all members of the Stanford community respect and abide by the Honor Code, it establishes mutual trust among the faculty and students. It also helps ensure that the value of a Stanford degree isn’t diminished by cheaters who get the same degree without doing the work.

How the Honor Code Affects You

Students are expected to turn in their own work and not give unpermitted aid to others. In return, faculty members demonstrate their good faith by not proctoring exams or taking extreme measures to prevent cheating.

Violating the Honor Code results in sanctions brought against the offender by the Office of Community Standards. First time offenders will typically have a one-quarter suspension and 40 hours of community service, and most faculty members issue a failing grade for the course in which the violation takes place.

Find out more about the Honor Code and the Office of Community Standards

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