Standards of Conduct

THE Brigham Young University Honor Code as established by the university and the board of trustees for all students under its jurisdiction in institutions of higher learning appears in the Graduate Studies Application and the BYU Undergraduate Catalog. To know the substance and essence of that code is to know that Brigham Young University is unique among universities. Governed by principles basic to its sponsoring church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it purposefully creates and nurtures an environment in which faith and intellect join together in the pursuit of truth.

All members of the Brigham Young University community—students, faculty, staff, and administrators—agree to live by the values of the gospel of Jesus Christ as found in the standard scriptural works of the Church and the teachings of Church leaders past and present. In essence, then, those who study and work here promise to live lives of kindness, honesty, chastity, virtue, and faithfulness. They promise to do good to their neighbors and to seek after whatever is “virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy” (13th Article of Faith).

Such behavior is firmly rooted in eternal principles that have been cherished and articulated by the prophets and other wise men and women throughout the history of civilization. The great thinkers, writers, artists, statesmen, and scientists have taught the importance of life with honor. Beyond the profound thoughts of these men and women, however, are the sacred, inspired writings of God's prophets. Although good principles can be found in the best of human creations, the ultimate power of these and all true principles is found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

In practical terms, this means a high standard of conduct is expected of those who join the university community. As sons and daughters of God, all at BYU must strive to grow steadily in faith, intelligence, love, and integrity. All agree to follow the moral teachings of Jesus Christ and the living prophets, and to be honorable and compassionate in their dealings with others. All agree to observe in letter and spirit the principles of health contained in the Word of Wisdom, specifically, to abstain from alcohol, tobacco, tea, and coffee, and from the abuse of drugs and other harmful substances. All agree to be honest in work and in human associations, never taking unfair advantage of others, never representing the work of others as their own, endeavoring to help others to reach their highest goals.

HONOR CODE

Students and faculty members at Brigham Young University have prepared the Honor Code, recognizing that it is a covenant between each person and all other members of the community, a covenant by which the community grants the privileges and opportunities of citizenship. Each person within the community accepts two fundamental responsibilities: (1) to maintain personal integrity by living the code and (2) to maintain the integrity of the community by helping others live the code.

The successful functioning of the Honor Code, indeed of the university itself, depends on mutual confidence and trust among students, faculty members, and staff. Unless each is assured that the other will uphold the compact, the code will fail and the university will be diminished. Moreover, students and faculty members share a joint responsibility for hearing and evaluating reports of Honor Code infractions.

The university's very being is at stake in this matter. Its certification that a person has completed a class, a course of study, or the requirements for a degree is without value if the person obtained that certification through dishonesty. Similarly, a faculty member's name and university affiliation on the report of a piece of research must signify that the work and the report are honest. Examination papers, laboratory work, essays, theses, projects, research tools, and all other kinds of work for classes and degrees are to be prepared with no use having been made of unauthorized or undocumented materials of any kind. Students are not to give or receive aid in examinations or in class work where such is not permitted. Any individual violation of the Honor Code compromises every member of the community; therefore, the entire community has a deep-rooted investment in the honesty of every person at BYU.

In essence, then, a scholarly publication, grade, certification, or diploma from Brigham Young University should and must have special and particular significance with regard to honor.

DRESS AND GROOMING STANDARDS

The attire and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, clean, and appropriate. See the Graduate Studies Application and the BYU Undergraduate Catalog for a detailed description of specific requirements. Registration at BYU constitutes an affirmative consent to abide by these standards and to represent the university and its sponsoring church in a manner that is becoming and dignified.

CONTINUING STUDENT ECCLESIASTICAL ENDORSEMENT

All undergraduate and graduate students planning to register the following fall for university credit, including thesis hours, internships, or off-campus programs, must have an annual Continuing Student Ecclesiastical Endorsement. LDS students may be endorsed only by the bishop of their ward of residence during the winter semester. Non-LDS students receive the endorsement from a local ecclesiastical leader of their choice or from Student Life (380 SWKT, Provo, UT 84602-5542). The endorsement deadline is April 1 of each year. No student will be able to register for fall or subsequent semesters or terms without this new endorsement.

Requirements

All students must abide by the Honor Code, Residential Living Standards, and Dress and Grooming Standards. LDS students must fulfill their duty in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, attend Church meetings, and abide by the rules and standards of the Church.

Withdrawn Continuing Student Ecclesiastical Endorsement

The Continuing Student Ecclesiastical Endorsement may be withdrawn at any time by a student's ecclesiastical leader. When an endorsement is withdrawn, the student will be required to discontinue enrollment at the university. The decision to withdraw an ecclesiastical endorsement may be appealed first to the student's stake president. In the case where a student is dissatisfied with the stake president's decision, an appeal may be made to the Honor Code Office.

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