We, as students of Clemson University, will not tolerate any forms of academic dishonesty. Although many factors encouraged us to enroll here, including student organizations and sporting events, the primary motivation was the school’s academic record. Attempting to bolster our grades using illicitly obtained information not only “detracts from the value of [our] Clemson degree[s],” but also those of every other student and alumni (Clemson Academic Regulations). We owe it to the Clemson family, of which we are now a part, to value our education by honestly portraying our abilities.

The University’s official policy describing academic dishonesty outlines several examples of violations of this integrity. First, “giving, receiving, or using unauthorized aid on any academic work” is considered a violation of the policy (Clemson Academic Regulations). We realize that for our degrees to have value, all students at Clemson must be given equal opportunities to succeed. By allowing ourselves or others to gain unfair advantages, we hurt the entire community. We pledge to aid each other when appropriate while demonstrating our skills honestly.

The second clause defining dishonesty prohibits plagiarism, the undocumented use of other people’s ideas (Clemson Academic Regulations). As part of our learning, we must honestly represent the extent of our knowledge. Using the ideas of others as our own is a violation of academic trust; we rely on the many individuals who, using the works of others, have added their own ideas, leaving records for us to learn from and pass on. By plagiarizing other’s ideas, we discredit our own additions by first discrediting those ideas which we use. Similarly, allowing others to use our ideas as their own is detrimental to both their studies and ours. As students, we pledge to stand on the shoulders of others, giving credit where credit is due.

Finally, we pledge to continue our studies while always following the University’s core values of honesty, integrity, and respect. We will honestly claim only the ideas that are our own, and respect the hard work of those who have studied with us and before us. In all of our academic life, we pledge to maintain ethical studies, continuing to always learn with integrity.

Signed,
John Adcock
William Flake
Cody Willis