Student Development Perspective

Since the implementation of the Honor System in 1999, Honor System staff have emphasized a student development perspective in adjudicating those found in violation of the Honor Pledge. Several studies have determined that becoming more congruous in integrity is one of several developmental tasks of college students (Kohlberg, 1984; Pascarella & Terenzini, 1991; Perry, 1968/1999; Rest & Narvaez, 1991).

Those associated with the Honor System are therefore committed to using procedures and sanctions that are educational in nature. We strongly believe that college students are still developing in what it means to make ethical decisions in times of dilemmas (whether or not to cheat). We also believe that character development (becoming more honest) does not stop when young adults leave home. On the contrary, many college students learn what it means to be a good person and a good citizen through education and in projects such as service learning.

Kansas State University is about community. One goal of the Honor and Integrity System is to help students and faculty learn that every action made does effect the community and living in a community requires that members follow certain rules and regulations for the betterment of the community itself. Together, students and faculty can see that it is about both to make a strong K-State academic community.