The Highest Standard of Academic Excellence

On September 3, 2000, the University of Denver inaugurated the Honor Code during the Pioneer Passage ceremony for the Class of 2004. This new tradition highlights and brings to new prominence the value that DU places on honesty, integrity and academic excellence.

THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER HONOR CODE

All members of the University community are entrusted with the responsibility of observing certain ethical goals and values as they relate to academic integrity. Essential to the fundamental purpose of the University is the commitment to the principles of truth and honesty. Responsibility for upholding these principles lies with the individual as well as the entire community.

The University fosters and advances an environment of ethical conduct in the academic community, the foundation of which includes the pursuit of academic honesty and integrity. Through an atmosphere of mutual respect we enhance the value of our education and bring forth the highest standard of academic excellence. Members of the University community, including students, faculty, staff, administrators and trustees, must not commit any intentional misrepresentation or deception in academic or professional matters.

RATIONALE. The Code was developed following discussions among a broad range of constituencies within the University encompassing students, faculty, staff, administrators, and trustees. In order to better foster and advance an environment of ethical conduct in the academic community of the University both substantive requirements and enforcement procedures may be amended by the University to reflect experience gained from its implementation.

AUTHORITY. Any modification of the Honor Code, other than to the procedures governing its enforcement, must be approved by the Board of Trustees upon recommendation from the Provost. Modifications and variations in procedures governing enforcement of the Code, including the use of alternative procedures in specific context as mandated by federal or state law, are subject to the approval of the Provost. In addition, upon recommendation from a Dean or the Faculty Senate, the Provost, in his or her sole discretion, may permit individual units or divisions of the University to adopt and implement area-specific descriptions of conduct violative of the Honor Code, provided that such descriptions do not authorize or condone conduct prohibited by, or inconsistent with, the Code.

ENFORCEMENT. The Code of Student Conduct shall govern and be followed in the case of any student at the University who is accused of violating the Honor Code. The University’s Faculty Personnel Guidelines Relating to Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure shall govern and be followed in the case of any faculty member who is accused of violating the Honor Code. The University’s Employee Handbook of Personnel Guidelines & Procedures shall govern and be followed in the case of any non-faculty employee who is accused of violating the Honor Code. The By-Laws, or other Board policies, of Colorado Seminary or the University of Denver shall govern and be followed in the case of any trustee who is accused of violating the Honor Code. Any conflict or dispute concerning which procedure governs in the enforcement of this Honor Code shall be resolved by the Provost, or, in the case of the trustees, by the Board of Trustees.