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Just one bombed test and there go my scholarship chances. I can't let that happen. Besides, what would my Parents think if I failed? One peek at that nerdy kid's paper won't hurt anybody. And if he sees me, he won't tell on me anyway, right?

Ever had this conflict? If not, you're in the minority. According to research by Donald McCabe, Rutgers University professor and founder of the Center for Academic Integrity (CAI), 75 percent of College students cheat at least once during their undergraduate Career. And, in a Who's Who Among High School Students poll, 80 percent of respondents admitted to  

cheating

  and thought it was commonplace.

More and more, however, student-led initiatives and school-wide honor codes are trying to ensure that everyone keep their eyes on their own papers. But can written pledges and promises with uncrossed fingers really help curb classroom dishonesty?

According to Penn State's Dr. Linda Klebe Trevino, who was also co-researcher in the CAI study, honor code students cheat significantly less than non-code students because they think differently about cheating. "If an institution works to create a climate that's one of integrity, a community with strong values and standards will result," she explains. Of course, students must be receptive to this idea for it to work.

"Students need to own it [their honor code], not feel like it's something being imposed on them," says Trevino. Having unproctored exams and not having to worry about anyone stealing your backpack if you leave it in the library are just two benefits of an honor code atmosphere, she says.

While Penn State has not yet implemented an official honor code, Trevino says the university is working every day to improve the integrity of its students.

Honor codes vary from school to school. They can involve students signing a pledge whereby they vow not to cheat and promise to report any classmates who do, or simply taking a spoken oath. Other institutions like Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, have judiciary councils that deal with those who break the code.

"If someone is caught cheating, it's a rather sobering experience," explains Phil Anderson, director of Kansas State's honor system. That's because, as he explains, even what seems a trivial offense is brought before the 32-member Honor Council made up of faculty and students. Guilty parties receive not only an F in the course, but an X on their student record signifying academic dishonesty.

"As students become more and more aware of the fact that we have a system vigorously pursuing dishonesty, and faculty members take more time to explain what is acceptable and unacceptable, cheating should decline," explains Anderson. Ultimately, he notes, cheaters will recognize that they're only hurting themselves. "I've had at least two students who have admitted to me, 'I realized I wasn't really learning anything when I cheated,'" he says.

At Washington and Lee University, Lexington, VA, the honor system is entirely in the hands of the students. That allows them the power to schedule their own final exams and have 24-hour access to classrooms and the library. The school boasts one of the lowest cheating percentages in the nation, which they attribute to their unique system.

Likewise, students at Allegheny College, Allegheny, PA, are in complete control of the honor code system, in which their Honor Committee reviews 10 to 20 cases of dishonesty a year. Some Colleges and Universities have gone a step further to boost student integrity by structuring their academic programs to make cheating almost nonexistent. At Hampshire College, Amherst, MA, for example, students aren't graded at all. They receive detailed evaluations from their professors rather than a numerical or letter grade.

"Our system changes the whole dynamic of how students see themselves and see learning," explains Gregory S. Prince, Jr., president of Hampshire. "They see themselves as being a part of their work. The idea of having to do someone else's work doesn't even cross their minds."

At Hampshire, students are encouraged to work in groups and help each other with projects as long as they credit where their information came from, says Prince. "Every student experiences the most transforming education here. That's why the culture is totally different."

Penn State's Trevino, however, is skeptical of schools with no-grading policies. "Grades are pretty hard to get away from. Students need some evaluation--most of us need that," she says. "The right way to eliminate cheating is to create an environment that supports integrity, trust, and honesty."

According to Prince, that's exactly the environment that exists at Hampshire. "Students come to know and respect each other because of their intellectual interests," he says.

Whatever the method, the push for honest students reflects a growing trend throughout the country. And so it should be, given the increased pressures facing students today.

At any college, students have to deal with exam anxiety and paper pressures, affirms Trevino. "There's pressure to get into a good graduate school and parental pressures. Surveys continue to show that at least some cheating is attributed to this."

But does being stressed-out really give three out of four college students the excuse to cheat? At an honor code college, the answer is definitely no. In fact, you'd better think twice before you cheat off that nerdy kid in front of you--he just might turn you in.

"Ooh, I'm Tellin'..."
"Never rat on your friends, and always keep your mouth shut," Robert DeNiro advises in the film "Goodfellas." At an honor code college, however, the opposite holds true: "If one student observes another committing what appears to be an act of dishonesty in academic work, it is the observer's responsibility to take the appropriate action." So says Article III of Allegheny College's Honor Code. But do students really tell on each other?

According to Chris Hallam, student chair of the school's Honor Committee, students willingly accept the responsibility of reporting violators of the Honor Code. "Turning people in is not held negatively at this college. We understand that we have to come forward when we see or overhear someone cheating," says Chris.

In fact, at least half of all reported cheating incidents are brought by students, not professors, at Allegheny. "We're flooded [with cases] during midterms and finals," says Chris, "because of pressure and procrastination." Since exams are unproctored, the students who have studied hard feel it's their obligation to report their classmates who are trying to take the easy way out, explains Chris. "I've yet to hear about any backlash from the students. Of course, the students caught aren't too happy, but overall, our system protects the student body on many levels," he says.

Perhaps that's why out of a student body of 1800, less than 100 voted to do away with the school's honor system last year, says Chris. Makes you think twice about that one peek, doesn't it?

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