Honor Code & Councils

The Honor Code

Among the most significant traditions of the College of William and Mary in Virginia is its student-administered honor system. The essence of the honor system is individual responsibility in all matters relating to a student's honor. Our expectations regarding honorable conduct are enumerated in the Honor Code, and students are entrusted to maintain the Code and to adjudicate matters involving alleged violations of the Code.

The Honor Code is an enduring tradition at the College with documented history that originate as far back as 1736. Today, students administer the Honor Oath to each student upon matriculation, and students lead the College's efforts to educate students, faculty, and administration on the relevance of the Code and its application to students' lives at the College. Students administer the Code through six Honor Councils and the Council of Chairs.

The Honor Code prohibits lying, cheating, and stealing.  For definitions of each offense, view our Infractions Guide.

Read the Honor Code (PDF)

Report a Violation (PDF)

The Pledge

"As a member of the William and Mary community, I pledge on my honor not to lie, cheat, or steal, either in my academic or personal life.  I understand that such acts violate the Honor Code and undermine the community of trust, of which we are all stewards."

The Councils

William and Mary's Honor Council consists of six councils: Undergraduate, Education, Law, Marine Sciences, Business, and Arts and Sciences.  The governing bodies of each of these entities determines the criteria for selection/election of their officers and council members.

Undergraduate Election Committee and Criteria

Read Section I.B.4 of the Undergraduate Honor Council Bylaws (pdf)