USGA tackles 'epidemic of cheating'
Amy Peterson
Issue date: 5/13/05 Section: News
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In response to what former Vice Provost Jacques Catudal called an "epidemic of cheating," the Undergraduate Student Government Association reissued its Statement of Honor to student leaders in an effort to garner support against the practice.
USGA College of Engineering Senator Edward Asbury said the Statement of Honor was "a simple yet clear statement that establishes Drexel as an institution of high moral and ethical standards."
Approved by the USGA Jan. 31, the Statement of Honor can be summed up in its final sentence: "Through this statement of honor, I pledge my commitment to the academic and social integrity of the undergraduate student body as well as Drexel University."
The Statement of Honor does not add additional penalties to those outlined in the student handbook.
According to the statement, the goal is to "compel [students] to adhere to the policies outlined in the student handbook in a more personal way."
Currently, first offenses for academic dishonesty result in a punishment deemed appropriate for the severity of the offense. This could be the reduction of a course grade, an "F" on the assignment or exam, failure of the course or other actions as determined by the faculty member.
The creation of the Statement of Honor began last summer when Asbury met with Catudal to discuss an assortment of issues, including academic integrity. Catudal remarked on the ever-increasing number of policy violations.
The USGA consulted the Office of the Provost and the Faculty Senate Subcommittee on Student Life regarding the Statement of Honor to solicit support.
"It serves as a daily reminder to all of us that academic integrity is central to our academic mission," Dean of Students David Ruth, who also supports the Statement of Honor, said.
Efforts are currently focused on garnering the support of student organizations. Asbury claims 17 student organizations, including even partisan organizations such as the Drexel Democrats and College Republicans have endorsed the Statement of Honor.
There exists the possibility that this Statement of Honor could evolve into an Honor Code, however, Asbury said that process would be "one step at a time."
The alternative to a campus Honor Code is stronger rules and harsher punishment. According to Asbury's e-mail, University administration may soon be forced to take what he called "absurd steps" such as the banning of cell phones during exams because of the ability of many new phones to take pictures.
Asbury also cited support from the Office of the Provost through an offer to buy a full-page advertisement in the Philadelphia Inquirer to publicize and honor the achievement.
The USGA may also purchase a plaque inscribed with the Statement of Honor.
USGA College of Engineering Senator Edward Asbury said the Statement of Honor was "a simple yet clear statement that establishes Drexel as an institution of high moral and ethical standards."
Approved by the USGA Jan. 31, the Statement of Honor can be summed up in its final sentence: "Through this statement of honor, I pledge my commitment to the academic and social integrity of the undergraduate student body as well as Drexel University."
The Statement of Honor does not add additional penalties to those outlined in the student handbook.
According to the statement, the goal is to "compel [students] to adhere to the policies outlined in the student handbook in a more personal way."
Currently, first offenses for academic dishonesty result in a punishment deemed appropriate for the severity of the offense. This could be the reduction of a course grade, an "F" on the assignment or exam, failure of the course or other actions as determined by the faculty member.
The creation of the Statement of Honor began last summer when Asbury met with Catudal to discuss an assortment of issues, including academic integrity. Catudal remarked on the ever-increasing number of policy violations.
The USGA consulted the Office of the Provost and the Faculty Senate Subcommittee on Student Life regarding the Statement of Honor to solicit support.
"It serves as a daily reminder to all of us that academic integrity is central to our academic mission," Dean of Students David Ruth, who also supports the Statement of Honor, said.
Efforts are currently focused on garnering the support of student organizations. Asbury claims 17 student organizations, including even partisan organizations such as the Drexel Democrats and College Republicans have endorsed the Statement of Honor.
There exists the possibility that this Statement of Honor could evolve into an Honor Code, however, Asbury said that process would be "one step at a time."
The alternative to a campus Honor Code is stronger rules and harsher punishment. According to Asbury's e-mail, University administration may soon be forced to take what he called "absurd steps" such as the banning of cell phones during exams because of the ability of many new phones to take pictures.
Asbury also cited support from the Office of the Provost through an offer to buy a full-page advertisement in the Philadelphia Inquirer to publicize and honor the achievement.
The USGA may also purchase a plaque inscribed with the Statement of Honor.
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