Name: Charlye Barfield
Year: 2015
House: Friedman D4
Major: Economics
Hometown: Conroe, TX
Extracurricular activities: Smith Fund Intern, Celebration Committee Chair, Smiffenpoof groupie
What is Honor Board?
Academic Honor Board handles cases of academic dishonesty pertaining to the Honor Code. The Honor Code is signed by every student at Smith and holds all of us to a standard of original work with our professors and each other. The Honor Board steps in when we receive reported cases of academic dishonesty or possible Honor Code violations.
How does it work?
A student is reported to the Honor Board by another member of the Smith community, be that a professor or another student, and has a scheduled meeting before members of the board. The student presents her statement of what brought her before the board, and then the board reviews the submitted evidence and deliberates. If a student is found in violation of the Honor Code, appropriate sanctions are placed on her course or exam/paper grade.
How did you first become interested in running for the position?
I wanted to get more involved on campus and ran for Honor Board Secretary during the fall of my Junior year. The position spans two years – the first year as Secretary and the second (Senior) year as Chair.
How can other people get involved?
Run for a class representative position or for secretary! We have interviews during spring semester for new positions on the board. Each class year at Smith (except first years) has a representative on the board. We’re always looking for new voices and points of view. If you’re interested in being Secretary (and eventually Chair), the election takes place during Spring semester as well.
What is one piece of advice for all students?
It’s okay to not know how to write a paper or cite a source and it’s okay to ask for help. You’re at Smith to learn! There are so many people on campus who want to help you succeed. If it’s 4am and you’re so stressed that you think the only option is to plagiarize or cheat – don’t turn anything in. Email your professor or class dean and explain the situation. It will end better than a potential Honor Board hearing.