The Ohio State University
College of Nursing
1
Honor Code
I.Core Values of Honor Code
Our Honor Code represents exemplary values that are deeply rooted in the culture of
OSU College of Nursing (CON). We – the faculty, students, and staff – embrace these
values in our professional, as well as our personal lives.
The College of Nursing Student Honor Council is an organization designed to
promote the core values of altruism, integrity, respect, responsibility, and excellence
within the College of Nursing and the Ohio State University. Members of the Honor
Code Committee also provide a positive academic example, uphold procedures during
questionable breeches, and select new members each academic year.
Altruism
 Placing the welfare of others above self interest, market forces, societal pressures,
administrative exigencies, or other conflicts of interest
 Sharing information with sincerity and compassion
Integrity
 Forthrightness and honesty in sharing information with the patient and the healthcare
team
 Acknowledgement of others' contributions to one's own ideas and work
 Willingness to admit errors and openness to corrective measures
 Honesty in scientific research and publications.
 Adherence to departmental, university, and professional code of ethics
 Obligation to uphold and report suspected violations to honor code
Respect
 Attention to the need, dignity and rights of all individuals
 Fairness - decisions and viewpoints based on a full review of the facts from all
perspectives
 Maintaining an atmosphere of professionalism and mutual respect
 Respect for confidentiality
 Courteous regard for students, faculty, health care professionals, and staff- regardless
of cultural, religious or lifestyle differences
 Recognition of a trust-based relationship with others within the College of Nursing
community
Responsibility
 Recognizing one's own limitations, biases and educational needs
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Acute awareness of our own personal representation of the College of Nursing at all
times, whether in or out of the academic and clinical setting
Accountability for deadlines, assignments, and a share of team responsibilities
Compliance with University and College policies and procedures and regulatory
requirements
Excellence
 Active engagement and service in clinical, research, and education nursing
communities
 Being proactive in promoting high standards and positive change in the academic and
clinical environment
 Commitment to lifelong learning, and continuous personal, professional, and
organizational improvement
In addition to upholding these values, we also agree to abide by the Academic Code of
Conduct for The Ohio State University.
II.
Duties of the Honor Council
Overall Duty: To exemplify and promote the highest standards of academic integrity and
professionalism.
A. Uphold OSU/CON Academic Integrity Policies as outlined in (give URL for
website) by:
I. Providing the initial orientation and ongoing education to CON students and
faculty regarding the OSU Academic Integrity Policies.
II. Serving as role models in exemplifying the highest standards of academic
integrity, including the duty to report breaches of academic integrity.
III. Reviewing the OSU/CON Academic Integrity policies as needed, but no less
than every three years, and provide recommendations for needed changes to
appropriate student, College of Nursing, or OSU faculty/administrative
bodies.
IV. Being available to students and faculty for advice and counsel regarding
interpretation and enforcement of OSU/CON academic integrity policies.
B. Uphold Professional Standards as established by international, national, and
regional professional nursing organizations and The Ohio State University College of
Nursing, including
International Council of Nurses (ICN) Code of Ethics for Nurses
American Nurses Association (ANA) Code of Ethics
National Student Nurses Association (NSNA) Code of Academic and Clinical
Conduct and Code of Professional Conduct
Ohio Board of Nursing (OBON) Laws and Rules Regarding Nursing Practice
The Ohio State University College of Nursing (OSU CON) Codes for Ethical
and Professional Conduct for Nurses and Nursing Students
1. Providing orientation and ongoing education for CON students and faculty
regarding the OSU CON Code for Ethical and Professional Conduct
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2. Serving as role models in exemplifying the highest ethical and professional
standards, including the duty to report breaches of ethical or professional
codes.
3. Reviewing the above codes as needed, but no less than every three years, and
provide recommendations for needed changes to appropriate student,
OSU/CON faculty/administrative bodies, or nursing professional groups.
4. Being available to students and faculty for advice and counsel regarding the
interpretation and enforcement of Clinical and Professional Codes of Conduct
for nurses/nursing students.
5. Receive and process complaints from students or faculty regarding breaches
of the OSU CON Code of Professional Standards as outlined in Section III of
these bylaws.
III. Officers & their Responsibilites
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Chair/Co-Chair
1. shall coordinate meeting dates with members of council
2. shall run meetings with guidance from faculty
3. shall assign group members to the review sub-council
4. shall see that violations are dealt with according to policy
5. shall serve as representative and spokesperson for the College of Nursing
Honor Code Council in communicating and collaborating with other
university and community groups
Vice Chair
1. shall coordinate and oversee the recruitment, orientation, and mentoring of
new honor code council members
2. shall act as chair in the chair’s absence
3. shall see that violations are dealt with according to policy
4. shall perform other duties as assigned by the chair
Second Vice Chair
1. shall coordinate education activities related to honor code for the student body
and faculty
2. shall act as chair in the chair’s absence
3. shall see that violation are dealt with according to policy
4. shall perform other duties as assigned by the chair
Recording Secretary
1. shall take meeting notes
2. shall send email to members of council regarding meetings
3. shall perform other duties as assigned by the chair
Corresponding Secretary
1. shall send email to members of council regarding such activities
2. shall perform other duties as assigned by the chair
Treasurer
1. shall perform advertisement/marketing duties
2. shall oversee any fund-raising activities
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3. shall maintain records of all income and expenses related to the Honor
Council
IV. Number of Council Members
Non-discrimination policy. Discrimination against any individual based upon protected
status, which is defined as age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national
origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, is prohibited. Members of
the honor council will be selected without regard to any of these factors.
The number of council members serving from each undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral
level will be based on 10 percent from the class’ size. We believe this serves as an equal
and just way for the Honor Code to be represented by all classes. There will also be 6
faculty members serving on the council.
V.
Selection Process for Student Members
A.
SELECTION COUNCIL- Once all applications have been received the Honor
Code Council will appoint 3 faculty members and 3 Honor Code student
members to serve as the Selection Committee.
1.0
Faculty members will be elected in the spring in accordance with the CON
procedure for other standing committees.
2.0
The faculty advisor will be appointed by, and be a member of, the
Undergraduate Studies Committee.
B.
ELIGIBLE STUDENTS- Students are encouraged to apply if they are in good
standing in the College, have filled out the necessary application form, and two of
the Student Honor Code’s Recommendation Forms.
C.
APPLICATION PROCESS- Applications can be acquired in the Office of
Student Affairs. They will also be included in the acceptance packet for new
students as well as handed out during the first week of orientation each year. They
will be due by Friday on the second full week of school. The Selection Committee
will select applicants based on their answers to application questions, optional
resume, and recommendation form. Selected applicants will be contacted for an
interview within 1 week after the submission deadline.
D.
CHAIR STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE- One student will be selected each year
following the day of interactive leadership activities during Spring Quarter. It is
required that the student would have served at least one year prior on the council.
The responsibility of this position will be to run the Council meetings with
guidance from the faculty members, assign group members to the Review SubCommittee, and see that violations are dealt with according to policy.
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VI.
VII.
Role of Committee Members
A.
STUDENTS- Members will display and uphold the values of The College of
Nursing while serving as the neutral body governing violations of the Honor
Code. They will also attend a day of leadership activities during Fall Quarter
when the Honor Code Process will be explained. If a violation occurs and a
meeting is to be held, student members will be selected by availability to process
the violation according to Honor Code policy.
B.
FACULTY- Their role is to embody and uphold the values of The College of
Nursing while serving as advisors when violations occur. They will also attend a
day of leadership activities during Fall Quarter when the Honor Code Process
will be explained. It is expected that two faculty members be present at each
meeting. The faculty advisor will serve as co-chair with student representative in
the mentoring capacity.
Recognition
As a token of appreciation for the work of the Honor Council members they
will be awarded a special pin during The College of Nursing Convocation.
each
VIII. Student Misconduct
1.0
A duty of the Honor Council is to investigate or establish procedures for the
Investigation of all reported cases of student academic misconduct and violations
of the College of Nursing (CON) Honor Code and to decide upon suitable
disciplinary action (University Rule 3335-5-48.7, University Senate). References
made to University Rule refer to the University Rules, Policies and Regulations
found in Chapter 3555 of the Ohio Administrative Code.
2.0
Procedure for Handling Violations
2.1
The person who suspects an Honor Code violation has the right to clarify
her/his suspicion at the time of the occurrence. The person has an
obligation to report the alleged violation if suspicion still exists after
clarification. (OSU College of Veterinary Medicine [COVM], p. 4)
2.2
Suspected violation of the Honor Code may be reported by any faculty
member, staff member, or enrolled student at the University. (OSU
COVM, p. 4) to the Honor Code Council
2.3
In case of an infraction, the Honor Council chair will appoint a Review
Sub-Committee comprise of five individuals:
2.31 Review Sub-Committee Convener (student from the same
academic program as the student in question)
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The position of Review Sub-Committee Convener will be rotated
based on the academic level of the student with the reported
violation. Thus, a PhD Review Sub-Committee Convener would
oversee a PhD student violation, and a baccalaureate Review SubCommittee Convener would oversee a baccalaureate student
violation.
2.32 Two Students (one in the same academic program as student in
question and one in different program)
2.33 Two faculty members (one working in the same academic program
as the student in question and one from another academic program).
3.0
2.4
The decision of the Review Sub-Committee will be made by simple
majority rule.
2.5
All persons shall keep confidential the name of any person reporting a
violation of the Honor Code, unless a hearing is deemed necessary. (OSU
COVM, p.4)
2.6
Recording & Reporting
2.7
When the action taken involves suspension, dismissal or entry on the
student’s permanent record, a recommendation to that effect will be made
to the Dean for review and action. (OSU COD, p.9) In the course of
following its own procedures, any professional college may consult with
the Committee on Academic Misconduct (University Rule 3335-5-48.7,
University Senate).
2.8
The Honor Council may, at its discretion, refer cases to the University
Judicial Panel if it determines that the alleged academic misconduct is
incidental to some other misconduct. (University Rule 3335-23-14,
COAM Procedures & Rules,)
CON Sanctions – All sanctions recommended by the Honor Code Council are
subject to review and ratification by the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs.
The Dean is ultimately responsible to the University president for student
discipline in the CON. Options available to the Honor Code Council include:
(OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.1
WARNING – The student is given a written warning stating the Honor
Code Council’s decision and recommendations. A copy of the warning
will be retained for the Honor Code Council’s records. (OSU COVM,
p. 5)
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PROBATION – The student is given a written warning, as described
previously in 4.1. Additionally, the student must follow stipulations as
determined by the Honor Code Council. Failure to meet the stipulations
will constitute a new Honor Code violation. The Assistant Dean of
Student Affairs will take measures to ensure compliance with terms of
probation. (OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.2
3.3
SUSPENSION – The student is separated from the CON, without
assurance of re-enrollment, for a period of one or more quarters, not to
exceed 3 quarters. The student is eligible for re-instatement after the
expiration of the term. The student must petition the appropriate CON
committee for re-instatement. (discuss which committee) (OSU COVM,
p. 5)
3.4
DISMISSAL – The student is permanently expelled from the College.
(OSU COVM, p. 5)
Other Sanctions – In addition to the previous sanctions 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
4.4, the Honor Council may recommend other sanctions it feels
appropriate to the offense and the circumstances of the case, including but
not limited to: grade penalties, research assignments, counseling, class
presentations, or additional clinical rotations. If the sanction involves class
performance, the Course Head will also be notified of the recommended
sanction. (OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.5
3.6
All recommendations for sanctions shall be forwarded to the Associate
Dean for Academic Affairs for review, and all proceedings will be kept on
record in the office of the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the CON.
The Associate Dean for Academic Affairs will review all recommendations
for sanction within 30 days of the Honor Council’s meeting.
(OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.61 During the 30 day review period, the student with the alleged
violation may continue with coursework.
The Assistant Dean for Student Affairs may call a special meeting with the
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, if appropriate. The student chair of
the Honor Council will make a presentation to the aforementioned Deans.
At least one faculty member of the Honor Council will be present at this
meeting during the report to support the student chair’s presentation. If the
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and the Assistant Dean for Student
Affairs support a recommendation of suspension or dismissal, the
recommendation will be forwarded to the Executive Vice-President and
Provost for review, in compliance with University Rule 3335-5-48.7,
University Senate.
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4.0
3.7
If the investigation reveals that the manner in which an examination was
administered resulted in compromising circumstances, the Course Head
will be notified. (OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.8
If an Honor Code violation was found to occur during a course, the Course
Head will be notified of the nature of the violation, without revealing the
name(s) of the student(s) who violated the Honor Code, unless a grading
sanction is recommended. (OSU COVM, p. 5)
3.9
Sanction decision letter - In all cases, the accuser and the accused will be
informed via certified mail of the Honor Council’s decision within fifteen
class days after the decision has been reached. The letter will state the
decision of the Honor Council, list the sanctions approved by the
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. In the event of a guilty verdict, an
outline of the appeals process will be included in the letter to the accused.
(OSU COVM, p. 4-5)
Right to Appeal – It is the right of any student to appeal the decision of the Honor
Council and the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs under guidelines
established by University Rule 3335-23-18, COAM Procedures & Rules. Appeals
must be filed with the Executive Vice President and Provost or the Executive
Vice President and Provost’s designee within ten calendar days after the date on
which the written notice of decision is sent to the student. Guidelines for an
appeal will be included in the sanction decision letter. (OSU COVM, p. 5)
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References:
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees. (2007). Code of Student Conduct. Retrieved May
1, 2007, from http://trustees.osu.edu/Rules%2023/index.php
The Ohio State University Board of Trustees University Senate. (2006). Code of Student
Conduct. Retrieved May 1, 2007, from http://trustees.osu.edu/rules5/ru5-48.7.php
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. (2007). Code of Honor and Professional
Conduct. Retrieved April 16, 2007, from http://www.dent.ohio-state.edu/studentaffairs/
Student_Reference_Manual/conduct.htm.
The Ohio State University College of Nursing Graduate Student Handbook. (2006). Code of
student conduct & academic integrity. Retrieved May 3, 2007, from
http://studentweb.con.ohio-state.edu/sites/sa/Masters%20Library/200607%20GRADUATE%20(Trad%20MS%20and%20GE)%20HANDBOOK.pdf
The Ohio State University College of Nursing PhD Student Handbook. (2006). Code of student
conduct & academic integrity. Retrieved May 3, 2007, from http://studentweb.con.ohiostate.edu/sites/sa/Doctoral%20Library/
2006-07%20PHD%20STUDENT%20HANDBOOK.pdf
The Ohio State University College of Nursing Undergraduate Student Handbook. (2006).
Professional standards and misconduct. Retrieved May 3, 2007, from
http://studentweb.con.ohio-state.edu/sites/sa/Undergraduate%20Library/200607%20UNDERGRADUATE%20HANDBOOK.pdf
The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. (2007). Veterinary Honor Code.
Retrieved April 16, 2007, from http://vet.osu.edu/2013.htm.
The Ohio State University Committee on Academic Misconduct. (2004). Procedures and Rules.
Retrieved May 1, 2007, from http://oaa.osu.edu/coam/procedures.pdf
The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. (2007). Moritz College of Law Honor Code.
Retrieved April 16, 2007, from http://moritzlaw.osu.edu/registrar/docs/honor_code.pdf.
The Ohio State University Office of Academic Affairs. (2007). Committee on Academic
Misconduct. Retrieved May 1, 2007, from http://oaa.osu.edu/coam/home.html
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The Ohio State University Student Affairs. (2006). Code of Student Conduct. Retrived May 1,
2007, from http://studentaffairs.osu.edu/resource_csc.asp
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