Violating the Honor Code is a student’s decision. There are ways though that faculty can help in preventing these violations.
Placing a statement regarding academic honesty on your syllabus or test is a great way to ensure that students understand and agree with all the policies you have put forth in your syllabus. Here are some great examples that as a faculty you could use.
Test Statements
Example 1
I certify that I neither received no gave any outside assistance in the completion of this assessment. I understand that gaining or providing an improper academic advantage in any manner, through any medium, is a violation of the University of Florida’s Student Honor Code. I understand that I will receive any academic penalty and will be referred to Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution should I violate the Student Honor Code. See sccr.dso.ufl.edu/policies/student-honor-code-student-conduct-code/
[ADD SIGNATURE BLOCK FOR STUDENT TO SIGN]
Example 2
I understand that Academic honesty and integrity are fundamental values of the University. Students commit to holding themselves and their peers to the high standard of honor required by the Student Honor Code. I understand that if I become aware of a violation of the Student Honor Code, I am encouraged to report the violation to my Faculty member. On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assessment.
Example 3
Please write out the statement below:
On my honor, I have neither given nor received unauthorized aid on this assessment.
Be Clear
Be Clear
Make sure that students understand your policy on code violations.
Make sure that students understand your policy on specific assignments. Sometimes violations can be caused simply by a miscommunication between the faculty and the students about whether collaboration is acceptable and if it is to what extent.
Provide Resources
Provide Resources
The internet is an amazing tool, so try adding a link about how to properly citate in your syllabus so that student's who may unintentionally plagiarize can get the help they need before they commit a violation.
Provide any additional course materials you can. A link to a website discussing a topic covered in class may just help those who are struggling to understand the information.
Be Available
Be Available
We understand that as faculty you are extremely busy in and outside of the classroom. However, be as flexible as you can, and make time for those students in your class who are struggling. If they can get the help they need BEFORE the next big exam, then hopefully they won't feel pressured into making a bad decision.
Preventing Cheating on Exams
Prevention
Try to space students out as far as possible.
Make sure you have enough proctors for the size of the class. Don't try to proctor a 100 student class alone.
Alert students that you have multiple versions of the test. Even if you do not, label the forms differently.