Care Bear Cares: Dealing with an Honor Code violation
If you’re dealing with a problem with classes, friends or anything else on campus, odds are someone else at Gettysburg is having a similar problem. So rather than confide in your parents or reliable best friend, why not publish your personal problems for all the world to see!? It’s like when you go up to your professor with a question, and he or she insists that you ask so the entire class can hear in case other students have the same question. My name is Caroline, and, hey!—I care! If you have a problem relating to school, friends, relationships, etc., go ahead and over-share. I will keep your identity a secret, and I might even be able to help! Email me your questions at rubica01@gettysburg.edu and I will answer a different question every Monday! Help me to help you. Let’s start over-sharing.
Here’s a sample of how I might respond to someone who might have a problem not so different from yours:
Dear Care Bear,
I just took a test for one of my classes. I saw a fellow student slip a cheat sheet out of his pocket when he thought no one was looking. As we were walking back from class, I asked my friend if she saw it too. She said she did, but had no desire to do anything about it. Looking back to when I was in high school, I would have thought anyone who told on a cheater was a no-good snitch. Now at Gettysburg, I really do believe in the honor code, and I appreciate and respect what it stands for. I hate being in this position, but am I not living up to my role as a Gettysburg College student by not saying anything?
Sincerely,
Not a Snitch
Dear NAS,
This is a very tough situation to be in, and yes, it is unfair that it has to be your problem. One thing to remember is that, whatever you decide to do, you are not the one who did wrong, or has to worry about getting in trouble. While it doesn’t seem right that you are in this position, it is still the right thing for you to report this student. None of your classmates will know it was you. Another good reason to take action is the fact that your professor will gain respect for you for stepping forward. Remember, the college knows that this is a difficult thing to deal with. One last thing to keep in mind is that you do not owe anything to a cheater.
Here’s a link to Gettysburg’s policy: http://www.gettysburg.edu/about/offices/provost/advising/honor_code/
It might make you feel better to look at it again and remember that we all knew what we were getting into.
Your friend,
Care Bear
P.S. This is another question I had to put together myself, so PLEASE send me your questions!!
