Spirit of the Code4-5

Purpose and Learning Objectives

Purpose: To inspire the Fourth Class to live by the Spirit of the Honor Code

Understand the concept of “The Spirit of the Code”

Set personal goals for honorable living:– Truthfulness– Respect for other personal property– Adherence to non-toleration

Make a plan to live by those goals

Review

• What are the two conditions an accusation must meet to be considered an Honor Violation?

• How many court members are there on an honor trial?

• What is an Improper Question?

Challenges of living by the Honor Code

• Before coming to The Citadel how were you challenged to do the right thing even if you knew you wouldn’t get in trouble?

• What are the unique challenges of cadet life to live by the Honor Code?

• How do you balance personal loyalty to a friend/ teammate/classmate over the need to be truthful and honorable?

Spirit of the Honor Code

• Living by the “Spirit of the Code” means living in a morally-upstanding manner.

• The phrase “Spirit of the Code” is in many ways synonymous with the phrase “intentions of the code”.

– In some cases those that are committing morally reprehensible acts are not committing Honor Violations. In these cases they would be seen as not living by the “Spirit of the Code”.

Spirit of the Honor Code• Though the Honor Code serves as the minimal

standard it also:– Embraces truthfulness in its aspects of cadet life –

prohibits lying

– Calls for complete fairness in human relations and personal endeavors – prohibits cheating

– Requires respect for the person and property of others – - prohibits stealing

– Demands a personal commitment to uphold the ethical standards of The Citadel – prohibits toleration of unethical acts

The Citadel’s Vision and Mission

• Vision - Achieving Excellence in the Education of Principled Leaders

• Mission - To Prepare Citadel Graduates to Become Principled Leaders in all walks of life by instilling Core Values in a disciplined Academic Environment

How does The Honor Code tie into the vision and mission statement of The Citadel?

Citadel Values

Academics – We produce graduates who have insight into the issues, ideas, and values that are important to society and possess the skills necessary to deal with them successfully

Morality – We believe that an individual’s character is of utmost importance and, therefore, we provide training which emphasizes ethical principles and core values

Duty – We emphasize the importance of individual accountability and the moral obligation of responsibility for the welfare of others

Discipline – We operate a leadership laboratory which emphasizes a structured environment, acceptance of responsibility, self-confidence, and service to others

Honor – We adhere to a code which teaches that uncompromising personal integrity is the primary guide in all situations

Diversity – We promote diversity in all segments of our campus community and in all aspects of college

Case Study

While cadet X was home during Summer Furlough. One night he was driving around with his girlfriend in his new car. When cadet X saw blue lights behind him, he realized he did not have his seatbelt on and quickly put it on. When the police officers approached his window, he asked cadet X if he was wearing his seatbelt while driving. Cadet X responded by telling the Officer that he had been wearing his seat belt the whole time.

Did Cadet X commit an violation?

• No, technically cadet X did not commit an honor violation because he was home during furlough and the officer was not an official of the college.

• But was cadet X living by the spirit of the code when he lied to the police officer?

Case Studies

• Question #2

• Cadet Y submitted a special leave request. As justification, she indicated she had to attend a wedding that weekend. Cadet Y asked to leave Friday at 1200 (missing parade) to attend the wedding. There was no further elaboration. The wedding was in Sumter, SC. The leave was granted. Cadet X saw Y at a party at Folly Beach that evening with her boyfriend. Cadet X, commander of Cadet Y’s company had signed off on the leave, so he asked Cadet Y why she was not at the wedding. Y said the wedding did not start until 0800 the following morning. Cadet X turned in Y for an honor violation, feeling she had skipped parade and lunch formation under false pretenses.

• Is this an honor violation?

Prepared by the 2010 Honor Committee

• Yes, Cadet X should have not asked off for parade if she did not need to in order to make the wedding.

Reflection

• How have your impressions of the Honor Code changed since you have been at The Citadel?

• Do you believe that living under the Honor Code will affect you in the same way as you believed it would before you matriculated?

• What goals can you set to help you live by the Spirit of the Code and not just the language?

Each cadet must internalize the Honor Code in his or her own life. Use the following questions to help you internalize this ethical standard:

Questions

Take this remaining time to ask your Honor Reps any questions that may be on your mind.