The Vanderbilt Honor System
Since the first classes began at Vanderbilt in 1875, the Honor System has served to strengthen the academic integrity of the university. Today, the university's Honor System is led by eight student-run councils. Each council serves to uphold and protect the Honor Code and to educate members of the Vanderbilt community about the importance of academic integrity.
Honor Council
While the Undergraduate Honor Council is comprised of approximately 80 members representing all four undergraduate schools, each graduate and professional school houses its own graduate and/or professional student honor council. Each of these councils is responsible for adjudicating matters of academic dishonesty reported within their school or college.
Reporting a Suspected Violation
- Students, faculty and staff should report suspected Honor Code violations involving undergraduate students by using the .Ìý
- Incidents involving graduate and professional students should be reported to the respective honor council.
Hearing Statistics
| Sanction | 2019–20 | 2020–21 | 2021–22 | 2022–23 | 2023–24 | 2024–25 | 2025–26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dropped* | 8 | 9 | 12 | 14 | 9 | 1 | 3 |
| Not Responsible | 9 | 5 | 25 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 12 |
| Reprimand^ | 15 | 20 | 40 | 21 | 28 | 21 | 26 |
| Failure in Course | 67 | 89 | 73 | 58 | 48 | 48 | 53 |
| Suspension+ | 8 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Expulsion | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 107 | 134 | 155 | 114 | 107 | 89 | 97 |
All students found responsible for an Honor Code violation are required to complete an Integrity Action Plan consisting of academic wellbeing coaching, writing coaching, or an equivalent assignment. Academic wellbeing coaching is facilitated by the Center for Student Wellbeing. Writing coaching is facilitated by the English Language Center and the Writing Studio.
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*Charges were dropped by UHC President prior to proceeding with a formal Honor Council hearing or there was insufficient information to proceed with investigation/charges.
^The Reprimand is accompanied by a recommendation of Failure on the Assignment.
+Students who receive the penalty of Suspension also receive Failure in the Course. A suspension is for one or more semesters.
^The Reprimand is accompanied by a recommendation of Failure on the Assignment.
+Students who receive the penalty of Suspension also receive Failure in the Course. A suspension is for one or more semesters.