Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I report a possible violation?
When you think you’ve seen a violation, you should report it to the Dean of Students, who is located in Chambers, room 1255.

2. Will the student know I was the one who turned him or her in?
It is possible to turn someone in and remain anonymous; however, if you know information that would help reach a fair verdict, you may choose to testify as a witness. Your participation is not mandatory, but could be beneficial. Remember, we are honor bound to report any breaches of the Honor Code.

3. What happens if I am asked to be a witness?
If you are asked to be a witness, the Student Solicitors and/or Defense Advisors will work with you to be sure that you understand exactly how the hearing will take place and what part you will play in the hearing. As always, everything proceeds with complete confidentiality for you and the accused (as long as the accused does not choose to have an open hearing).

4. Who knows about the hearing once it has been set up?
The accused, the two Defense Advisors, the two Student Solicitors, the Dean of Students, the Chair and the Vice Chair of the Honor Council, and any others specifically involved in the case know particulars about the hearing before it occurs. The six Honor Council members who sit on a hearing know only the time and place of the hearing. They find out the student’s name and alleged offense right before the hearing begins. In order to keep the hearing as confidential as possible (assuming it is a closed hearing), members are honor bound to refrain from discussing it with anyone who is not directly involved in the hearing

5. How are the hearings put together?
Of the approximately thirty Honor Council members, only six are present at each hearing to vote. These six individuals eventually decide the sanction and/or verdict for the hearing. In addition, both the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Honor Council are present to preside over and record the proceedings. The two Student Solicitors and two Defense Advisors are at the hearing to present the facts of the case.

6. Can a student appeal the Honor Council’s decision?
Every student who goes before the Honor Council and receives a guilty verdict has five days to appeal to the Review Board. The Review Board has the ability to alter the sanction. If the Review Board upholds the Council’s decision, the student can then appeal to the President of the college.

7. How do I join the Honor Council?
First, one needs to go to the designated meeting and sign up to run for a position on the council. Candidates cannot campaign for a position. Members of your class will then vote on the day of elections for the eligible number of candidates, which depends on your year and the current semester.

8. Who is in charge of the Honor Council?
The Chair and the Vice Chair serve as the leaders of the Council. Any Honor Council member can run for the position of Chair or Vice Chair, and they are elected by the Council.

9. Are there ways to learn about what the Council is doing during the year?
While most of the details about the Honor Council are confidential, we address important issues in the Davidsonian or our own publication. Additionally, the Council publishes a summary of the cases and outcomes every semester in the Davidsonian.

10. Whom can I contact if my question isn’t answered here?
Feel free to contact the Chair or the Vice Chair of the Honor Council if your question is not answered on this site.