Princeton University

A suspected violation of the honor system is brought to the attention of the Honor Committee by a reporting witness. The reporting witness is typically a faculty member, a student, or the violator. The member of the committee receiving the report calls the chair. On a rotating basis, two members of the committee conduct a preliminary investigation of the allegation. The meeting in which investigators notify the student in question of the alleged violation will be recorded for possible use by the committee or the accused student if a hearing is held. If the evidence warrants it, the chair sets a time and place for a hearing. A representative from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students will serve as a procedural adviser for the student in question. The two investigators and/or the chair inform the student in question of the charge at least 24 hours before the hearing and may also ask potential witnesses to appear at the hearing. As much confidentiality as possible is maintained during the investigation in order to protect the principals from rumor.