"Do nothing on the sly."

This simple, direct statement forms the basic foundation of Webb School's honor code. The sentence was a frequent admonition of the School's founder, Sawney Webb and was translated into Latin as the School's motto: "Noli Res Subdole Facere."

The Honor System is The Webb School's own approach to dealing with misconduct that is essentially moral in character. Cheating, stealing, plagiarism (passing off another's work, words, or ideas as one's own), and lying (including willful distortion or misrepresentation) are considered honor offenses.

The Honor Pledge is signed by all students at the beginning of each academic year. It states: "I pledge my word of honor as a Webb gentleman or lady that I will not lie, cheat, or steal."

An additional pledge signed on all tests, papers and other assignments states: "I pledge my word of honor as a Webb gentleman or lady that I have neither given nor received any help on this assignment."

"Personal integrity is more important than money, power or fame." These words, written many years ago by Sawney Webb, are as vital today as when first expressed. The principles of the honor code are not simply rules to follow in order to remain in good standing on Webb's campus. The honor code is a means of ensuring the highest standard of personal integrity among Webb students. Embracing the code continually enriches a campus culture of trust, freedom, security, and academic integrity that has existed since 1870.

Webb School strives for its students to embrace the honor code so that it becomes a part of their lives, even after they graduate. 1966 graduate John Callow's words, "Just because I graduated from Webb School does not mean my commitment to the honor code has ceased," express the impact the honor code has made on countless alumni.

The Honor Council
The Honor Council is the oldest student organization on campus. Students are elected to the Honor Council annually by their classmates.

Honor Council members are responsible not only for upholding the Honor Code through personal example but also for educating the student body in the finer points of honorable behavior. If you have any questions of what may or may not be honorable, please seek out a member of the Honor Council. They will be happy to assist you. The Honor Council investigates violations of the Honor Code and recommends penalties for offenders to the Headmaster.

Honor Offenses
Stealing
Taking anything from another person in or outside the Webb community is strictly prohibited. Webb students are expected to leave their schoolmates' belongings alone. One should not borrow or use anything that belongs to another person unless he or she is given express permission to do so.

Lying
Webb students are expected to be truthful and honest in their discussions and actions with others. In being truthful, students are expected to speak the whole truth. Answers to questions are expected to be entirely factual. There may be a time when being completely honest can result in one fully admitting a mistake or rule violation he or she has committed. Under the honor code, students must take full responsibility for their actions.

Cheating
Webb students are expected to neither give nor receive any unauthorized aid on any academic work. This statement covers many actions. One cannot: copy someone else's work for any academic assignment; bring or use a cheat sheet in a test or quiz; download a paper from an internet site and turn it in as one's own work; or give improper credit (citations) in a paper. The last two examples refer to a form of cheating known as plagiarism. In no way should one pass off another's work, words, or ideas as one's own in any academic work.

Conspiracy
There are two forms of conspiracy. First, students may get together as a group to create a false story to cover up actions that may prove incriminating. This is clearly the same as lying and is therefore an honor offense.

A second form is a conspiracy of silence. As a community, we are responsible for not only ourselves, but for the safety and well-being of the community. If we know someone's actions are contrary to the honor system, it is our responsibility to address these issues with that person and if necessary, address them with an appropriate adult supervisor. It would be dangerous to that individual and the community to allow that behavior to go unnoticed.

Discipline Under the Honor Code
Cheating, Lying and Plagiarism:

1st Offense: Demerits, disciplinary probation, and such academic penalty as the teacher involved will see fit to levy. The Department Chair, when appropriate, shall be involved with the teacher in levying the punishment.
2nd Offense: Liable for dismissal.

Stealing:

1st Offense: Demerits, disciplinary probation, liable for dismissal, restitution of stolen property or its cash equivalent.
2nd Offense: Dismissal