Welcome to the University of Virginia’s Honor Committee homepage!  This web site has been developed to introduce you to the University’s Honor System and answer any questions you may have about it.

The Honor System is one of the prime examples of student self-governance at the University.  Founded in 1842, the Honor System has flourished for more than 150 years as an entirely student-run system.  Students do their part to support the system in a variety of ways, from serving as elected committee members, to reporting transgressions of it by their peers, to simply behaving with the integrity that has come to be expected of a Virginia student.

Indeed, "Honor" at the University is far more than a buzzword or a student organization.  By asking that students hold themselves to a high standard, the system ensures that students are provided with both tangible and intangible benefits not found at most universities.  Put simply, a Virginia student’s word and work are assumed to be honorable unless proven otherwise.  This assumption of integrity allows students to write checks in Charlottesville using only their UVA student ID, take unproctored exams at home, on the Lawn, or wherever else they desire, and much more. 

Please take a few moments to browse through this site.  Here you can find a detailed history of the Honor System and an explanation of the fundamental elements of the Community of Trust.  Also, this website can help answer questions about what to do if you suspect an Honor offense, as well as any questions you may have about the procedures that guide the Committee’s operations.  Furthermore, in order to keep the public up to date on the Committee’s business, meeting minutes, policy statements, and a schedule of events are posted.

We hope you find this information useful and accessible. If you have any questions, please feel welcome to contact the Committee through our web site or visit the Honor Committee offices in person on the fourth floor of Newcomb Hall.

Sincerely yours,

Jess Huang
Chair, 2008-2009 Honor Committee