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Kalamazoo College operates within the framework of
an Honor System. All students who enter the College are
expected to understand the system and abide by it and will
be asked to indicate, in writing, their willingness to abide
by it. However, the Honor System is more than just a set
of regulations: it is a definition of the very essence of this community.
For this reason, we include the Honor
System in this web site so you may better understand the expectations
placed on your student.
Underlying the life of Kalamazoo College are certain assumptions— that
all members of the community are here in good faith to learn
and teach, that the atmosphere is one of respect and confidence
in which learning and teaching can be pursued without distraction,
that common standards of morality in academic affairs are
accepted by all students and faculty, and that all members
of the community are equally responsible for maintaining
the moral and intellectual soundness of the College.
The proper embodiment of these assumptions is an Honor
System in which each member is able to
depend upon the honor of the other. We realize that codifiction
of iur values cannot ensure compliance. At the most fundamental
level this policy will only work if people understand and
support it themselves rather than relying on someone else
to enforce its provision.
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The mission of the College is the education of men and women
that will prepare them for productive lives and fruitful participation in society.
Members of the Kalamazoo College Community come to teach, study, and work here
because the College's mission and community statements correspond to their values.
This community of individuals holds these values in common, despite our diversity.
However, we recognize that this community is a fragile balance of cooperation,
goodwill, and dependence, ever in need of renewal as new members enter it.
The Honor System is a set of mutually held principles freeing us to create an environment of living and learning that will foster understanding, mutual respect, intellectual curiosity, and social commitment. We ask the members of the Kalamazoo College community to pledge themselves to creating and protecting a sense of honor in their lives, and we call upon them to act when they observe actions that are in conflict with these principles.
1. Taking Responsibility for Personal Behavior
To develop academic and social growth, we commit ourselves to free inquiry, openness to different points of view, and honesty in speech and conduct. In our attitudes and actions, we aim beyond selfishness and parochialism.
2. Respecting Others
To enhance our community, we accept responsibility for its social well-being. We commit ourselves to treat with respect those with whom we differ, to recognize the rights held by others, and to attempt to resolve conflicts. Expressions of prejudice are contrary to this mutual respect and prevent the fostering of community.
3. Nurturing Independent Thought
To safeguard the integrity of academic work and research, we accept responsibility for our own scholarly performance. We regard false representation of our scholarly work as unacceptable because it undermines our integrity and that of the community. We commit ourselves to knowing under what conditions scholarly research is to be conducted, the degree of collaboration allowed, and the resources to be consulted.
4. Accepting Environmental Responsibility
To maintain and improve the condition of our physical environment, we commit
ourselves to the respectful and prudent stewardship of our community's material
and natural resources.”
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