For the first time, incoming Coastal Carolina University freshmen have taken an honor pledge signifying their commitment to academic integrity. Mike Pierce, CCU’s newly appointed academic integrity officer, administered the pledge yesterday at the 2010 New Student Convocation, held on the campus’ Prince Lawn. As part of the ceremony, approximately 2,000 freshmen signed pledge cards confirming their commitment to the ideals set forth in the pledge. Classes for the 2010-2011 academic year begin on Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Pierce, an assistant biology professor, was instrumental in developing the new academic integrity code. His first duties as academic integrity officer include meeting with academic departments to explain the recent changes to CCU’s Code of Student Conduct and the guidelines for reporting violations and resolving infractions. Pierce will continue to teach biology full time while serving in this new capacity.

Academic integrity violations will now be reported by faculty through a new online reporting system, according to Pierce, who will oversee the process to ensure its consistency with the Code of Student Conduct. Also, new committees will be formed to consider student appeals and other matters pertaining to academic integrity.

“Responsibility and integrity are values that every institution of higher education should seek to instill in its students,” said CCU Provost Robert Sheehan. “The new code and pledge will emphasize to students the centrality of these concepts and encourage students to be more accountable.”

Academic Integrity Code

Statement of Community Standards

Coastal Carolina University is an academic community that expects the highest standards of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. Members of this community are accountable for their actions and are committed to creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.

Honor Pledge

On my honor, I pledge:

• That I will take responsibility for my personal behavior; and

• That I will actively oppose every instance of academic dishonesty as defined in the Code of Student Conduct.

From this day forward, my signature on any University document, including tests, papers and other work submitted for a grade is a confirmation of this honor pledge.

Prohibited conduct

Plagiarism, cheating and all other forms of academic dishonesty

Furnishing false information to obtain academic advantage

Forging, altering or misusing any University document or record to obtain academic advantage

Under the new academic integrity code, students are expected to:

Understand and abide by the Code of Student Conduct

Take responsibility for personal behavior

Oppose every instance of academic dishonesty

Faculty are expected to:

Serve as mentors, advisers and educators for students

Uphold and enforce University rules and guidelines

Clarify academic expectations for students

Administrators are expected to:

Educate the campus and surrounding communities about academic integrity

Ensure reasonable and consistent enforcement of standards