Some University of Virginia professors chose to opt out of the school's honor system in light of recent cases of cheating. In bypassing the system, the professors could violate UVA's policies or federal law, said The Cavalier Daily, the university's student newspaper.
"A faculty member who suspects an honor offense has occurred should contact an Honor advisor or the Honor Committee representative elected from their particular school ... [and] are expected not to use their own sanctions as a substitute for an Honor investigation," according to faculty policies on the UVA Web site.
Professors can use the faculty grading option, which allows them to give a student an F on an assignment if they believe the work is in violation of the honor system, no matter what the outcome of their trial.
Students who object can appeal the grade in the same manner they would appeal other grades, said The Cavalier Daily.
In general, however, faculty must use the formal honor system, part of a stipulation in their faculty appointment letters.
