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The Woodruff Academy Honor Code
Click here to download the complete Woodruff Academy Honor Code.
Click here to download the Honor Code Statement (to be signed by all students).
The Woodruff Academy Honor Code Contents
Purpose of the Woodruff Academy Honor Code
Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Abide by Its Teachings
Attendance - Complete Attendance Policy
Academic Honesty
Plagiarism
Zero Tolerance Policy
Procedures for Handling Academic Dishonesty or Misconduct
Honor Code Office Involvement
Shared Responsibility Policy Statement
Pornography and Indecent Material
Sexual and Similar Misconduct
Homosexual Behavior or Advocacy
Obey the Law
Dress and Grooming Standards
Other WA Policies
Student Endorsement
The Matthew Code
Sources
Sample Honor Code Statement
Purpose of the Woodruff Academy Honor Code
Woodruff Academy (WA) exists to provide a Pre-K through 12th grade education in an atmosphere consistent with the principles taught by Jesus Christ. The WA Honor Code reflects Christ-centered teachings and ideals. This atmosphere is created and preserved through commitment to conduct that reflects those ideals and principles.
Members of the WA faculty, administration, staff, and student body voluntarily live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This observance is a condition of employment and admission. Individuals are expected to maintain these standards of conduct including church attendance. All who represent WA must maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others in personal behavior. By accepting appointment on the faculty, continuing in employment, or continuing class enrollment, individuals evidence their commitment to observe the Honor Code standards approved by the WA Board of Directors at all times.
Revered by righteous students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff affiliated with WA, The Honor Code emphasizes:
- Being honest.
- Living a chaste and virtuous life.
- Abstaining from alcohol, tobacco, and other harmful substances.
- Using clean language.
- Maintaining an atmosphere of cooperation with teachers, staff, administration, and fellow students.
- Adhering to all values and virtues encompassed in the teachings of Jesus Christ.
- Recognizing WA's honor code includes modest dress and clean grooming.
As a matter of personal commitment, parents, students, faculty, staff, and administrators sign the Woodruff Academy Honor Code Statement.
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Live the Gospel of Jesus Christ and Abide by Its Teachings
WA encourages students, parents, teachers, administrators, and staff to pattern their lives after the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. This includes actively participating in the church of their choice, and espousing personal principles of faith, virtue, charity and integrity in all aspects of their lives. Examples of the teachings we strive to follow include:
- “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)
- “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
- “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” (Matthew 22:39)
- “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44)
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Attendance - Complete Attendance Policy
Students must attend school a minimum of 170 days to receive credit. A student must be on campus or participating on a school-sponsored field trip, service project, or WA approved work project to receive credit as a school day. WA defines a school day as a minimum four instructional hours.
Parents, students, administrators, staff, administrators, and faculty appreciate the opportunity to study and work with others who share Christ-centered faith and standards. In surveys of religious institutions, 77 percent of the students cited their desire to "obtain a spiritual, religious-based education" as a very important or extremely important factor in their decision to attend a Christian school.
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Academic Honesty
A key injunction of the Honor Code is to "be honest." Students not only come to WA to improve their minds, gain knowledge, and develop skills that will assist them in their life's work, but also to build character. David O. McKay, a religious leader, taught, "Character is the highest aim of education." WA's Honor Code assists in fulfilling this aim.
Parents, students, administrators, staff, and faculty should be honest in their dealings with others. Students will complete their own schoolwork. Teachers evaluate the students based on that work. Students will avoid academic dishonesty and misconduct in all its forms, including but not limited to plagiarism, fabrication or falsification, cheating, and other academic misconduct.
Cheating is a form of dishonesty where a student attempts to give the appearance of a level of knowledge or skill that the student has not obtained. Examples include:
- Copying from another person's work during an examination or while completing an assignment.
- Allowing someone to copy from you during an examination or while completing an assignment.
- Using unauthorized materials during an examination or while completing an assignment.
- Collaborating on an examination or assignment without authorization.
- Taking an examination or completing an assignment for another, or permitting another to take an examination or to complete an assignment for you.
Fabrication or falsification is a form of dishonesty where a student invents or distorts the origin or content of information used as authority. Examples include:
- Citing a source that does not exist.
- Attributing to a source ideas and information that are not included in the source.
- Citing a source for a proposition that it does not support.
- Citing a source in a bibliography when the source was neither consulted nor cited in the body of the paper.
- Intentionally distorting the meaning or applicability of data.
- Inventing data or statistical results to support conclusions.
Academic misconduct includes other academically dishonest, deceitful, or inappropriate acts that are intentionally committed. Examples include:
- Inappropriately providing or receiving information or academic work to gain unfair advantage over others.
- Planning with another to commit any act of academic dishonesty.
- Attempting to gain an unfair academic advantage for oneself or another by bribery or by any act of offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting anything of value to another for such purpose.
- Changing or altering grades or other official educational records.
- Obtaining or providing to another an un-administered test or answers to an un-administered test.
- Breaking and entering into a building or office for obtaining an unauthorized test.
- Continuing work on an examination or assignment after the allocated time has elapsed.
- Submitting the same work for more than one class without disclosure and approval.
Honesty, from the perspective of the Honor Code, encompasses being free from deception in both thought and action. According to Dallin H. Oaks, honesty is the "foundation of all organizations and all personal relationships. Honesty and truthfulness are not valuable unless they are absolute" ("Be Honest in All Behavior," Devotional Address, BYU, January 30, 1973).
Every dimension of our lives should reflect obedience, integrity, honor, respect for others, freedom from fraud and deception, sincerity, dependability, and fidelity. We must be straightforward in how we act and why we act within the bounds of the truth and knowledge we have received and the commitments we have made. Honesty with self, others, and WA about both academic and nonacademic issues is fundamental in creating and maintaining a Christ-centered environment at WA.
The following list displays some of the specific concerns students have related to honesty:
Academic Honesty. Any reported violation of academic honesty will be resolved by faculty in accordance with the Academic Honesty Policy. Should students feel that their teacher has dealt unfairly with them, they have recourse as outlined in the Matthew Code.
Theft. Theft of another person's property, including unauthorized possession of such property, is a violation of the Honor Code. Action taken by the Honor Code Office is independent of any action that might be taken by the judicial system. Any level of theft at WA is significant and may lead to suspension or other discipline. Factors that weigh heavily in determining the action taken by the Honor Code include theft of multiple items, the number of incidents, the use of force, illegal entry, and the use of a weapon.
Lying, Deception, and Fraud. Any attempt to gain an advantage or to avoid a consequence by lying, deception or fraud constitutes unacceptable behavior at WA. Examples of lying, deception, and fraud include falsifying records of time and attendance at work, giving false information to a police officer or other academy official, and failing to take responsibility for personal conduct. Honest students are open and forthcoming when confronted with reports of their noncompliance.
Honesty in Civil and Family Disputes. Students must fulfill contractual and family obligations, such as purchase agreements, and rental contracts. If a bona fide dispute exists as to whether a debt or other contractual obligation has been fulfilled or whether a student has honestly met their obligations, the Honor Code Office will generally refer the parties to the appropriate civil or family courts with appropriate jurisdiction to resolve the dispute. Such matters do not fall under the Honor Code Office enforcement process. Once the issue is resolved in the courts, the Honor Code Office may take action based upon the court findings. For help in resolving disputes, students should write a letter to the WA Board of Directors and follow the outline in the Matthew Code.
Honesty in Usage of WA Computers and Other Equipment. Students understand what constitutes appropriate use of the WA owned and operated computing network. Any form of fraud or deception in use is inappropriate, and it may expose the WA community to undue embarrassment. Any attempt to gain unauthorized access or to copy unauthorized software is a serious breach of one's honor. Students must also avoid unauthorized exploitation of electronic vending machines and other automated equipment.
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Plagiarism
Intentional plagiarism is a form of intellectual theft that violates widely recognized principles of academic integrity as well as the Honor Code. Plagiarism in any form may subject the student to appropriate disciplinary action administered through the Honor Code Office, and academic sanctions applied by the instructor. Inadvertent plagiarism may not be a violation of the Honor Code; it is nevertheless a form of intellectual carelessness unacceptable in the academic community. In some cases, plagiarism may involve violation of copyright law. Everyone associated with WA should acknowledge the original intellectual work of others that is included in one's own work.
Intentional Plagiarism: The deliberate act of representing the words, ideas, or data of another as one's own without providing proper attribution to the author through quotation, reference, or footnote.
Inadvertent Plagiarism: Inappropriate, but no deliberate, use of another's words, ideas, or data without proper attribution. Inadvertent plagiarism usually results from a failure to follow established rules for documenting sources or from being insufficiently careful in research and writing. Although not a violation of the Honor Code, inadvertent plagiarism is a form of academic misconduct for which an instructor can impose appropriate academic sanctions.
Students who are in doubt as to whether they are providing proper attribution have the responsibility to consult with their instructor and obtain guidance.
Examples of plagiarism include:
Direct Plagiarism: The verbatim copying of an original source without acknowledging the source.
Paraphrased Plagiarism: The paraphrasing, without acknowledgment, of ideas from another that the reader might mistake for your own.
Plagiarism Mosaic: The borrowing of words, ideas, or data from an original source and blending this original material with one's own without acknowledging the source.
Insufficient Acknowledgment: The partial or incomplete attribution of words, ideas, or data from an original source. Plagiarism may occur with respect to unpublished as well as published material. Acts of copying another student's work and submitting it as one's own individual work without proper attribution is a serious form of plagiarism.
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Zero Tolerance Policy
WA has a zero tolerance for classroom or campus disruption, or for disobedience or disrespect to teachers, staff or administrators. Students removed from the classroom, campus, or off-campus activity for disruption or disobedience may without warning be referred to a supervised home study tutoring program in place of campus or off-campus educational classes, events, and educational program.
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Procedures for Handling Academic Dishonesty or Misconduct
Faculty members establish and communicate to students their expectations of behavior with respect to WA's dress code, academic honesty, student conduct, and adherence to other WA standards regarding their course(s). The responsible instructor investigates any incident that may occur in his or her class, and then determines and takes appropriate action. Instructors notify the Honor Code Office of the final disposition of any incident to encourage appropriate behavior and to discourage repeat violations.
If an incident of academic dishonesty involves the violation of a public law (e.g., breaking and entering into an office or class, or stealing an examination), the incident must be reported to WA administration and the WA Board of Directors.
If an affected student disagrees with the determination or action, and is unable to resolve the matter to the mutual satisfaction of the student and the instructor, the student may have the matter reviewed through WA's grievance process (See The Matthew Code).
Applicable Actions. A wide range of possible actions exists for cases of academic dishonesty. Instructors take actions that are fair and equitable under the circumstances and attempt to reach an understanding with the student regarding an appropriate action. In some cases, WA may take action independent of the instructor. Examples of actions that might be taken by faculty, the administration, or the WA Board of Directors include:
- Reprimanding the student orally or in writing;
- Requiring work affected by the academic dishonesty to be redone;
- Administering a lower or failing grade on the affected assignment, test, or course;
- Removing the student from the course; or
- Recommending dismissal, probation, or suspension from WA.
WA may elect to dismiss an affected student, place him or her on probation, suspend the student, or place a temporary or permanent notation on the student's permanent academic transcript that he or she was suspended or dismissed due to behavioral and/or academic misconduct.
WA must report incidents of real or suspected abuse or misconduct to the appropriate law enforcement agency and the Department of Children and Families (DCF) as required by law. Public officials may prosecute an affected student if the act in question involves the commission of a crime (e.g., physical abuse, mental abuse, breaking into an office or building, stealing an examination, etc.).
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Honor Code Office Involvement
The office staff, administration, or WA Board of Directors maintains a record of violations of the Academic Honesty Policy or other misconduct reported by the faculty. If occurrences are sufficiently egregious or if a pattern of dishonesty or misconduct is discovered, the WA Board of Directors may take additional action on behalf of the academy based upon the nature of the infraction(s). The WA Board of Directors in consultation with the involved academic personnel, including the Administration, may determine to dismiss a student, to place a student on probation, or recommend suspension WA for academic dishonesty or any other misconduct.
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Shared Responsibility Policy Statement
Parents and students are responsible not only to adhere to the Honor Code and the Matthew Code requirement to be honest, but they have a shared responsibility to encourage others to fulfill their commitment to do likewise. This responsibility extends beyond the physical boundaries of the WA campus. The Honor Code encompasses a living environment conducive to the presence of the Spirit of the Lord.
This shared responsibility requires community members to exercise initiative in sustaining and upholding the Honor Code and avoiding the very appearance of wrong doing. Violations of others' rights to enjoy the expected living and learning environment at WA are violations of the Honor Code.
Supporting Others. Support for others begins with our personal example and commitment to the wholesomeness, cleanliness, beauty, and peace of our campus environment. To show this support, each member of the WA community must:
- Challenge and council peers or others in the spirit of love;
- Keep the Matthew Code by not reporting issues to WA faculty or administration prior to talking with the individual and sincerely seeking resolutions and then if satisfaction is not obtained, defer to the faculty, administration, or the Board of Directors;
- Not make anonymous reports of misconduct (the WA Board of Directors will not take action on anonymous reports);
- Not hesitate to seek resolution by using the Matthew Code in order that the Honor Code and the environment it is designed to protect are not put at risk.
Respecting Others. Respecting each student as a child of God is fundamental to the atmosphere desired at WA. Inappropriate gender-based behavior is contrary to the teachings of the WA and the Honor Code. WA teaches that observance of high standards of conduct in personal relationships is necessary to individual salvation and spiritual development.
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Pornography and Indecent Material
Involvement with pornographic, erotic, obscene, indecent, or other offensive materials, expressions, or conduct which, in the sole discretion and judgment of the academy, is inconsistent with the Honor Code of WA and with the principles of WA's financial sponsors. These are serious offenses which may result in the loss of the academy's sanctions including, in appropriate cases, termination from enrollment in WA, employment by the academy, immediate suspension or dismissal from WA as well as prosecution pursuant to the law.
WA students, parents, staff, faculty, administrators, and board members will avoid involvement with pornography. All parties must understand that use of the WA computing network to obtain or distribute pornographic material constitutes inappropriate use of the computer network.
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Sexual and Similar Misconduct
A breach of WA’s Sexual Harassment or Inappropriate Gender-Based Behavior Policy is a violation to the Honor Code. The following are examples of inappropriate gender-based behavior or sexual harassment.
- Repeated stereotypical gender-based remarks.
- Sexually oriented joking, flirting, or comments.
- Unwelcome touching or any touching of a sexual nature.
- Verbal or physical abuse.
- Graphic, sexually-oriented comments about an individual's body.
- Derogatory or demeaning comments concerning gender.
- Offensive or crude language.
- Display of objects or pictures which depict nudity or are otherwise sexual in nature.
- Persistent and unwanted attempts to change a casual or friendly relationship into a romantic or more intimate one.
A chaste and virtuous life encompasses many principles, including respect and self-control as well as reserving sexual intimacy for marriage. WA affirms that sexual relationships outside the covenant of marriage are inappropriate. These include:
- Extra-marital relations
- Promiscuity or predatory behavior
- Aberrant behavior
- Solicitation of sex
- Homosexual conduct
- Cross-dressing
Any level of sexual or similar misconduct at WA is significant and will lead to an immediate separation from the Academy.
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Homosexual Behavior or Advocacy
WA responds to student behavior rather than to feelings or orientation. Students may be enrolled at the WA and remain in good standing if they maintain a minimum 2.6 GPA, receive a current teacher and ecclesiastical endorsement, conduct their lives in a manner consistent with Christ-centered principles, and keep the Honor Code. Advocacy of a homosexual lifestyle (whether implied or explicit) or behavior that indicates homosexual conduct, including those not sexual in nature, are inappropriate and violate the Honor Code. Violations of the Honor Code may result in actions up to and including immediate separation from WA.
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Obey the Law
Members of the WA community adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, and, in the same spirit, to all institutional policies.
Fighting. Fighting is not permitted except in official WA sponsored events such as wrestling matches or other sports activities. If fighting is reported, the following steps will be taken:
- The WA Board of Directors will interview participants and witnesses to determine the extent of student involvement.
- Students found to participate in fighting may be dismissed, placed on probation, or suspended for a minimum of one year. In such a case, all outstanding fees must still be paid in full regardless of the reason for dismissal.
- Factors used to determine the specific course of action include the crudity or inappropriateness of the language used by those involved, the seriousness of the threats, the level of violence, and the extent of injuries.
- Subsequent involvement in fights is likely to result in dismissal or suspension of the students involved.
Assault and Battery. Assault and battery is a violation of the Honor Code as well as a violation of the law. The WA Board of Directors takes action independent of any judicial action. Examples of serious assault and battery behavior include: a) Acting with intent to kill, injure, or harm another person; b) Using physical force to coerce or to retaliate for a real or imagined offense; c) Threatening to inflict injury upon another person; or d) Using a dangerous weapon. Actions taken for those who commit assault and battery are the same as for fighting.
Sexual Assault and Rape. The WA Honor Code requires all members of the WA community to respect the personal rights of others and to obey the law. Therefore, any violation of another individual's right to be free from forcible or non-forcible sex offenses constitutes a serious violation of the Honor Code, and will result in immediate dismissal from WA. A victim of a sexual offense by a student may choose to report an alleged perpetrator to the WA Board of Directors. In order for WA to investigate and, if justified, sanction the accused, the accuser must identify the accused, provide sufficient details of the event in writing to the WA Board of Directors, and allow WA to make an evaluation of the facts. WA will act responsibly to respect the privacy, welfare, and safety of the accuser. If the accused admits to the facts as presented by the accuser, board members will take appropriate action. If the accused denies the allegations in whole or in part, the WA Board of Directors will investigate before determining the course of action. If WA cannot come to a determination with respect to the allegation and the accuser pursues legal redress through the criminal or civil courts, WA will defer pending the outcome of the legal process. If the accuser is found guilty, the sanction imposed may be retroactive to the date of the offense.
Verbal Assault. Verbal assault includes threats to kill or to inflict injury upon another person, whether the ability to carry out the threat is apparent and present or not. Such threats are against the law and are a violation of the Honor Code as are racial slurs (i.e., the use of disparaging or derogatory epithets motivated by racism or anger). Any verbal assault is considered serious and may result in immediate dismissal, probation, or suspension.
Firearms. WA prohibits the possession (on or near campus) or use of firearms. A firearm is any device that can expel a projectile, or other dangerous weapon, including knives, explosives, or other item, which, in their intended use, are capable of inflicting injury. Possession of a firearm or facsimile of a firearm or other dangerous weapon is a violation of the Honor Code. Because these items pose a clear risk to the WA community, violation of this policy may result in suspension and prosecution in the courts. Students may not store, keep, or maintain any firearm or weapon while on or near WA's campus.
Air Guns, Sparrow Guns, Flippers, BB Guns, etc. WA policy prohibits the possession or discharge of any contrivance capable of expelling a projectile that can harm or injure a person or property. Violation of this policy is a violation of the Honor Code and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Fireworks, Bottle Rockets, etc. The law prohibits the use of fireworks with a limited exception during the Fourth of July and New Years. Violation of this policy on or near the WA campus is a violation of the Honor Code and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
Malicious Mischief, Vandalism, and Reckless Burning. Respect for other's persons, property, and possessions are fundamental to the environmental expectations of WA. Disrespect in any of these areas is a violation of the Honor Code and may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Examples include: a) Intentional or reckless endangerment or causing of injury through such activities as pennies in doors, lighting a fire in a garbage can or microwave, burning a candle, etc.; b) Damage, defacement, or destruction of the property of WA or of another individual; or c) Disregard of the rights of others.
When mutual vandalism between facilities or campuses has occurred at two or more educational institutions or facilities of any kind, a cooperative agreement will be worked out with the other institution for students to make restitution. This restitution may include work and/or the payment of money. Work hours will be equivalent to costs based on minimum wage. The students may be immediately dismissed and/or placed on probation until restitution is complete or longer.
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Dress and Grooming Standards
The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, and clean consistent with the dignity adherent to representing WA. Modesty and cleanliness are important values that reflect personal dignity and integrity, through which students, staff, and faculty represent the principles and standards of WA. Members of the WA community commit themselves to observe the standards, which reflect the direction given by the WA Board of Directors. The dress code should be followed for all campus classes or events, unless the events are to the beach or other water-related activity.
Young Men. Maintain a clean and well-cared-for appearance. Wear WA's academy uniforms as specified on the calendars. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, revealing, or form fitting. Shorts must be knee length or longer. Hairstyles are clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles or colors. Hair must be trimmed above the collar leaving the ear uncovered. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek. Young men are expected to be clean-shaven. Earrings and other body piercing are not acceptable. Closed shoes with no white should be worn to all WA sponsored events.
Young Women. Maintain a clean and well-cared-for appearance. Wear WA's academy uniforms as specified on the calendars. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing; has slits above the knee; or is form fitting. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be knee length or longer. Hairstyles are clean and neat, avoiding extremes in style and colors. Excessive ear piercing (more than one per ear) and all other body piercing are not acceptable. Closed Mary Jayne style (Lands' End black, red, camel) or Princess (Payless Shoes style black 4206) shoes with no white should be worn to all WA sponsored events.
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Other WA Policies
Public Expressions. The right to hold a public expression or demonstration on or near the WA campus, or at another location in behalf of or in the name of WA is controlled by the WA Board of Directors. Permission to hold such an event may be petitioned by writing a request for an on-campus or off-campus event to the WA Board of Directors no less than 30 days prior to a board meeting preceding such an event.
Controlled Access to Private Property. WA’s grounds and buildings are private property. Areas that are locked or unlocked, but posted, are controlled areas. Students and guests should not enter these areas without permission. Mechanical areas should not be accessed by unauthorized individuals. Sports areas should be used only with permission. Individuals who enter controlled areas without proper authority may be cited for trespassing and are subject to school discipline.
WA's Computer Network Policy. All students, faculty, staff members, and administrators have a duty to maintain the security and integrity of the WA computers and network. WA computers are to be used for school work only. Users should avoid inappropriate surfing or other abuse of computer or network equipment.
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Student Endorsement
Students must be endorsed by: (1) A former teacher or guidance counselor; (2) A current teacher or guidance counselor; or (3) The student's local ecclesiastical leader or WA's inter-denominational chaplain. Prior to providing an endorsement letter, the endorsee should interview the student or prospective student and certify that the student is willing to comply with the WA Honor Code. The endorsee additionally provides a character endorsement as described below.
Requirements. Whether on or off campus, between semesters, or when attending a WA event, students are expected to abide by the WA Honor Code, which includes the Academic Honesty Policy and the Dress and Grooming Standards. Students are required to be in compliance with the Honor Code to graduate. Students must commit to maintain high standards of conduct and participate in the programs and services of their preferred religion.
Character Endorsement. WA students must exemplify the principles of honesty and integrity embodied by the WA Honor Code. The character endorsement should certify that the student or prospective student has exhibited adherence to the Honor Code principles and policies in his or her behavior, and that the student will represent WA, his or her family, and his or her church in a dignified and worthy manner.
All enrolled students are required to obtain an academic and/or ecclesiastical endorsement for each new academic year. Students must have their endorsements completed, submitted, and processed before their registration will be considered complete. Priority registration for the fall semester will begin in early April. To avoid registration delays, students will complete and submit their endorsements to the WA Board of Directors by the last Thursday of March. When a newly enrolling student is applying to WA, they should use the new student Admissions Application.
Each new school year, students or prospective student obtain Application and Character Endorsement forms from the WA Office, fill out the forms, obtain the student endorsement, and then submit the forms to the WA Office with a $25 non-refundable application fee. The WA Board of Directors will not review materials for admission until all materials have been received.
Withdrawn Endorsement. An endorsee may be withdrawn at any time should an endorsee determine that the student is no longer worthy of the endorsement. If an endorsement is withdrawn, the endorsee informs the Board of Directors who then notify the student and his or her parents. Students without endorsements must discontinue enrollment and will not receive a refund and are still liable for any balance due. Transcripts for work completed will not be provided until all amounts due are paid in full. The decision to withdraw an endorsement may be reviewed and/or appealed through the WA Board of Directors. A student whose endorsement has been withdrawn and who has completed the appeal process may request a review which is initiated through the WA Board of Directors using the Matthew Code. Students may not be enrolled or attend without an endorsement except in rare and unusual circumstances as determined by the WA Board of Directors.
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The Matthew Code
The Matthew Code, as used by WA, means that any member of the WA community should address the issue as described in the 18th chapter of Matthew, in the New Testament, verses 15 through 17:
- Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
- But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
- And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Thus, any complaint should first be discussed with the student, faculty member, administrator, staff member, or member of the WA Board of directors, privately and humbly, with the intent of reconciling the difference. If reconciliation is not achieved, the Matthew Code requires a second meeting with one or two additional witnesses present. In all cases, the goal is reconciliation and healing.
Only after every effort has been made to seek reconciliation privately should the issue be presented to the WA administration or Board of Directors for additional help.
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Sources
A large number of publications and policies of other academies and colleges were reviewed in creating WA's Academic Honesty Policy. Some of the content and structure of this policy were adapted from the following sources:
- "Academic Honesty," a brochure produced by the Office of Judicial Affairs, University of Florida.
- "Academic Honesty and Dishonesty," a brochure produced by the Office of the Dean of Students, University of Delaware.
- "Academic Honesty and Dishonesty," a brochure produced by the Dean of Students Office, Louisiana State University.
- "A Statement on Plagiarism," a committee report from the October 1994 Conference on the Center for Academic Integrity, Tom Langhorne, Binghamton University (chair).
- "Definition of Plagiarism," by Harold C. Martin, taken from The Logic and Rhetoric of Exposition, by Harold C. Martin, Richard M. Ohmann, and James H. Wheatly, 3rd ed. (New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1969).
- Legal Aspects of Plagiarism, by Ralph D. Mawdsley (Topeka, Kansas: National Organization on Legal Problems of Education, 1985).
- “Matthew Code,” the Asher Student Foundation website, 2004.
- "Plagiarism - The Do's and Don'ts," a brochure produced by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs of the University of California - Davis.
- The "Honor Code" of Brigham Young University, a website presentation.
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Sample Woodruff Academy Honor Code Statement
Woodruff Academy (WA) exists to provide a Pre-K through 12th grade education in an atmosphere consistent with the principles taught by Jesus Christ. The WA Honor Code reflects Christ-centered teachings and ideals. This atmosphere is created and preserved through commitment to conduct that reflects those ideals and principles.
Members of the WA faculty, administration, staff, and student body voluntarily live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This observance is a condition of employment and admission. Individuals are expected to maintain these standards of conduct including church attendance. All who represent WA must maintain the highest standards of honor, integrity, morality, and consideration of others in personal behavior. By accepting appointment on the faculty, continuing in employment, or continuing class enrollment, individuals evidence their commitment to observe the Honor Code standards approved by the WA Board of Directors at all times.
As a member of the faculty, administration, staff, or student body at Woodruff Academy, I will:
- Live the moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ each day both on and off campus.
- Participate in my church of choice.
- Be honest and encourage others to do the same.
- Submit quality school assignments.
- Submit my school assignments on or ahead of time.
- Never cause or participate in campus or classroom disruptions.
- Cooperate with teachers, staff, administration, and fellow students.
- Obey the law and all campus policies.
- Abide by WA's dress and grooming standards.
- Live a chaste and virtuous life.
- Abstain from alcohol, tobacco, tea, coffee, and other harmful substances.
- Use clean and uplifting language.
- Respect others.
- Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code.
(Signed and dated by faculty, administration, staff, or student)
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