Carnegie Mellon

How Does the Community Benefit?

Open Communication Builds Trust

If students develop the habit of showing respect for the work of others, it becomes natural to acknowledge the sources for ideas formally and to do a fair share when involved in a collaborative group effort. Discussing course-related difficulties with peers, faculty and/or teaching assistants when they first arise builds better working relationships among students and between students and faculty.

Persevering Builds Integrity

If students experience academic or personal difficulties and continue their academic work - either by talking with faculty or other CMU staff who can help or by working through the situation independently - they gain a better sense of self. Because they learn to cope with difficult circumstances, students know their own limits. Because they haven't compromised themselves, they don't feel that they have let down their family, their instructors or themselves. They have learned more than just the course material, they have learned how to succeed.

Rewards Are Meaningful

If all students invest time and effort effectively in their academic work and faculty plan their courses well, both students and faculty can feel confident that the resulting achievements represent valuable learning. No one will have to worry about whether a cutthroat or desperate student found shortcuts to "beat the system."

A Wide Community Reaps Benefits

If the Carnegie Mellon community communicates and supports clear standards of integrity, undergraduate and graduate students internalize those standards and carry them forward in their personal and professional lives. Alumni can then be extremely proud of their accomplishments and many professions will gain outstanding leaders.