Honor Code

I think I'll dive into my published list and get going... The Church Education System (CES) schools have a unique policy which provides an oversight guide and specific instruction for students enrolled at the CES schools. The CES schools include BYU, BYU-Idaho, BYU-Hawaii, and LDSBC. The CES Honor Code.

In addition to an opportunity to provide education, these schools "exist to provide an education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." The Honor Code is voluntarily followed by all students, faculty and administrators--but is also a condition of admission and employment.

Applicants to BYU must first read and agree to live according to the Honor Code. This is done prior to anything else... you cannot even establish a NetID (online account) without agreeing to the Honor Code. If you are interested in applying to BYU, check out the Honor Code first (Honor Code Statement). Also, all those who are not members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are also expected to maintain the same standards, except church attendance.

The Honor Code is a 'code of conduct.' Although some of the guidelines seem strict or overkill, there is good reason for each. It requires those who represent BYU to "maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others in personal behavior." The principle values embodied in the Honor Code are:

• Be honest
• Observe Dress and Grooming Standards
• Obey the law and all campus policies
• Participate regularly in church services
• Live a chaste and virtuous life
• Use clean language
• Respect others
• Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse
• Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code

In addition to these values, the Honor Code outlines academic honesty, dress and grooming standards, residential living standards, and general conduct.

Students who do not follow the standards outlined in the Honor Code can be refused any service by BYU--this includes enrollment. However, most cases do not result in dismissal from BYU.

A basic infringement on the Honor Code's dress and grooming standards will result in a student being excused from a class period, not being able to participate in intramural sports, taking a test, visiting with an advisor, etc. (Often times girls do not where appropriate clothing and guys are just plain lazy and don't shave everyday.)

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Honor Code Myths:

• You don't have to keep the Honor Code off-campus
• Wrong. The Honor Code is to be kept at all times and all places (on-campus, off-campus, during summer break, etc.)
• The Honor Code is SO strict--I can't do what I want.
• Wrong. BYU expects high standards. The standards are specific and easy to follow--and if you don't want to, then go somewhere else.
• I don't have to shave to go to class.
• Wrong. Although many teachers will not excuse you from a class period, you have committed to keep the Honor Code at all times and places.
• I don't have say anything if I know someone who (including a friend) is not keeping the Honor Code.
• Wrong. The 9th value of the Honor Code is to "encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code."

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As for my perspective. The Honor Code is inconvenient at times; however, keeping the Honor Code has TONS of benefits. In short, it is very disappointing some students to not comply with the Honor Code and should be dismissed from BYU to give the opportunity to someone else to attend an awesome institution. Keep it or leave it.