History and Introduction
The Buckeye Honor Pledge was adopted by The Ohio State University in November 2023 as part of the 2022-2023 Code of Student Conduct review by the Council on Student Affairs. This included confirmation from the Office of the President, Office of Academic Affairs, University Senate and the Board of Trustees. This was done to further strengthen the university's commitment to academic integrity and place the Code of Student Conduct as a crucial part of Ohio State's Shared Values Initiative. In relation to the pledge, section 3335-23-01 of Code of Student Conduct states:
As members of The Ohio State University community, we strive to embody these Shared Values through our actions and conduct. The Ohio State University/Buckeye Honor Pledge's purpose is to motivate reflection on our Shared Values and emphasize the importance of one's personal commitment to ethics in education and learning. Instructors have the discretion to ask students to include a signed version of the pledge with examinations, papers, or other academic assignments/requirements.
The Buckeye Honor Pledge
As a Buckeye I pledge to act with responsibility and care. I will build trust through honesty, transparency, and authentic engagement. I will demonstrate integrity through my original contributions and respectful collaboration with others. I will act in accordance with the Code of Student Conduct. Time and change will surely show, I will uphold these values wherever I go.
Purpose and Use
The Buckeye Honor Pledge affirms our commitment to embody The Ohio State University's Shared Values through our actions and conduct. Its purpose is to motivate reflection on our Shared Values and emphasize the importance of our personal commitment to ethics in education and learning.
The Buckeye Honor Pledge is a statement of commitment to academic integrity. Students may be asked to write out the pledge or sign a copy of it on academic assignments. Instructors are encouraged to include the pledge on their assignments and include it and its purpose in their syllabi to encourage students to reflect on our Shared Values, especially those relating to integrity and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are instructors required to use the pledge on their academic assignments?
Instructors are not required to utilize the pledge on their academic assignments. However, they are encouraged to do so.
Are students required to write or sign the pledge on academic assignments?
Students are not required to write or sign the Buckeye Honor Pledge and should not be penalized for not signing it. Regardless of whether they sign the Buckeye Honor Pledge or not, students are held to the Code of Student Conduct.
If a student does not sign the Buckeye Honor Pledge, this serves as an excellent opportunity for the instructor to engage them in conversation about the importance of Ohio State's Shared Values and how affirming their commitment to them serves to improve the university's ethical culture.
Writing out versus signing The Buckeye Honor Pledge
Writing out The Buckeye Honor Pledge ensures that students spend time reflecting on the words they are pledging and helps to drive home their importance. Instructors may decide for themselves how they would like to include the honor pledge in their assignments, but we recommend using the written pledge for larger assignments and the signed pledge for smaller assignments.
Templates
Buckeye Honor Pledge Written Version
Buckeye Honor Pledge Signature Version
Additional Resources
Office of Ombuds Services
Committee on Academic Misconduct Resources
University Conduct Board Resources