op-ed The harsh reality of trust and honor

Author: Robert Hawkins

As the most experienced senior member of the Academic Judicial Board (AJB), I write with concern and a heavy feeling of sorrow that has accumulated over the years I have served. The responsibility of enforcing the Honor Code at Middlebury has been a trying endeavor that I hope has resulted in a more trusting, nurturing community. With time nearing a close for myself I wish to express some important impressions I have taken from my experience, as well as respond to the recent debate over proctoring of exams.

Currently, there are two critical problems facing the Academic Judicial Board. First, over the years the number of infractions brought before the board has been dropping. This indicates that faculty members are losing faith in the system and either dealing with cheating and plagiarism on their own terms or ignoring infractions. In either case the actions are unacceptable. Secondly, as discussed by Miguel Fernandez, there is often overwhelming evidence that some type of cheating occurred. However, there is often no proof as to who is responsible. This indicates a failing honor system.

How do we fix the problems? First, we need to resolve the issue of how to prevent Honor Code infractions. I disagree wholeheartedly with the opinion that the Honor Code signing ceremony is sufficient for deterring students from cheating ("Honor Code changes threaten faculty-student trust," April 24). The current practices are unequivocally inadequate. No student should ever come before the AJB because they were ignorant of the rules. The first-year seminar is the most widely cited evidence where honorable practices are taught, yet clearly this is not the case. A standardized procedure that every professor in every seminar is required to teach is a necessity to ensuring all students know how to abide by the Honor Code. Additionally, every professor or department should clarify expectations and write them on the class syllabus. Constant advice and reminders are the best way to ensure an honorable student body.

The second issue that needs resolution is how to re-establish trust between students and faculty. This is not a dishonesty issue - it is a trust issue involving both parties and the Honor system. Some harsh words are needed to start reconciliation. Shame on the faculty for trying to unilaterally revoke the student right to unproctored exams. Shame on the students for manipulating this privilege. Now, hopefully, we can work towards returning to the idyllic community Middlebury strives to be.

The reality is that the faculty are correct in saying proctoring will help the situation. Not in that it will deter cheating, but in that it reinforces the power faculty have over ensuring adequate investigation of infractions. The judicial procedures are adequate, fair and need not be amended. It is the inequality of power between students and faculty who come before the Academic Judicial Board that detracts from the trust between the two sides. I believe that giving professors the option to be present in the room during an examination is essential to their having a fair and balanced relationship with students. Convenient alternatives such as take-home and self-scheduled exams should not and need not be affected. The Honor Code should allow for teachers to leave the room, not require such measures.

Allowing professors in an exam room is a necessary step to re-establishing trust between students and faculty. It will not usurp "the high standards and expectations for our academic community" as Madeleine Terry '08, Alex Garlick '08.5 and Eric Lonstein '08 argue. Instead, it will create a more constructive environment where professors do not feel powerless and students can still be presumed honorable. Both students and faculty benefit from this arrangement. It will prevent powerless, untrusting professors from bypassing the judicial system in favor of their own methods that may be arbitrary and unfair. The best option is to ensure the success of the honor system as it stands by placing students and faculty on equal terms in order to foster a closer relationship.

Robert Hawkins '08 is a Student Member of the Academic Judicial Board and is from Evergreen, Colo.