This is sometimes a difficult concept to convey to a young freshman, who may feel that much of the work she does in this early part of her scholarly career does not count, because no one besides her instructor will ever see it. That members of the faculty explain the philosophy behind the Honor Code is crucial to their students understanding of the Code. It is not a mere legalism or a trap to catch the unwary. This concept, perhaps, may be too subtle for a student to see at first, but we must emphasize it, as we explain the Honor Code to our incoming classes. They need to see that their work, too, is worthy of honor from others.
Students pledge their honor as scholars, as active minds with their own integrity.
They act and work with respect and understand that others will have the same respect. Without this understanding and trust, Vanderbilt University could not function as a community. This pamphlet will explain the Honor System s role in the development of our intellectual community. I hope you will give the Code your fullest endorsement. The successful operation of the Honor System at Vanderbilt requires the solid support of the University.