Welcome From the Chair

Dear Class of 2029 and transfer students,

I hope this letter finds you well. My name is Jed Straessle, and it is my privilege to serve as chair of the Honor Council for this academic year. I know that I am probably not the first to say this, and I definitely will not be the last, but I am excited to welcome you all to the Mountain. If your experience at Sewanee is anything like mine, you will grow and learn more than you thought was possible. In the coming weeks, you will meet what feels like a million new friends, explore some of the 13,000 acres of trails, bluffs, caves, and lakes that the Domain has to offer, and many of you will take your first college classes. All of these, and so many more, will signify your first steps into the Sewanee community.

Although it has been a few years since I was in your shoes, I still find myself in awe of the traditions that this University holds. From the “passing hello” that all of you will come to love, to tapping the roof of your car to collect your Sewanee angel as you pass through the gates, to membership in the Order of the Gown—these traditions transcend generations. However, it is my opinion that the most important tradition the University has is that of Honor, which takes form in Sewanee’s over century-old Honor Code.

The Honor Code is a pillar of Sewanee. Without it, all else fails—the roof collapses in on itself. While the Code lays out the rules and processes that take place with violations of the Honor Code (which I will speak on momentarily), it means much more than the regulations that are contained within its pages. It is a public affirmation to all—to the generations of Sewanee students who have come and gone, and to all of those who will come after, that we strive for excellence, that we strive for the betterment of ourselves, and, which is more, the betterment of everyone we encounter. Upon signing the Code, you matriculate into this community and dedicate yourself to the ideals of living with honor and integrity.

For me, the most important aspect of Sewanee’s Honor Code is that it is written, signed, and enforced solely by students, which makes it unique among other universities. The Honor Code is enforced by the Honor Council—a group of students elected by their peers to promote the voices of the student body. The Council consists of four seniors, four juniors, three sophomores, and one first-year student elected during their first semester. To restate my previous point, one of you, in the class of 2029, will sit on the Council this semester.

For each suspected violation of the Code, it is up to the Council’s discretion to determine if the Code was violated. If clear and convincing evidence is not found during the process, the case is dismissed. If clear and convincing evidence is presented, and a student is found responsible for a violation, the Code requires that a penance is served, ranging from a probationary period to a two-semester suspension from the University. In order to protect the integrity of the degrees we earn here, all forms of academic dishonesty result in an F in the course, and a possibility of suspension. Regardless of the outcome, all information presented throughout this process is held in strict confidence.

I do want to bring up AI directly. The use of all forms of AI has become a major problem throughout academia, not just in Sewanee. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking your academic journey here is only about making good grades, but the University values your pursuit of knowledge. Using AI without permission is not only a violation of Sewanee’s Honor Code, but a cheapening of your education. The most common type of case that comes before the Honor Council is unpermitted use of AI, especially on papers and larger assignments. Students have lost an entire semester’s worth of course credit for being found responsible for one use of AI—the best advice I can give to all students is to ask for assistance when you need it, rather than jeopardizing your academic career.

Before you enter Sewanee’s angel-guarded gates for move-in day, I encourage you to read the Code, linked here. Reflect on what honor means to you, and, when you enter into this place that so many call home, how living honorably leads to the betterment of us all.

Please, do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions regarding the Honor Code or the election process at honorcouncil@sewanee.edu. Finally, from the entire Sewanee family, welcome home.

With Regards,

Jed Straessle

Chair of the Honor Council