Endnotes: What Does the Caltech Honor Code Mean to You?

Credit: Shutterstock

It was one of the things that made the environment manageable. It is also a point of pride. I use it as a teaching point that, as scientists and engineers, honesty and integrity are important.—Albert Nichols (BS ’80), SAN RAMON, CA 

The Honor Code embodies the Institute’s commitment to trusting and empowering students to reach their full academic and leadership potential. It gives faculty the freedom to push the intellectual limits of their classes, unrestrained by time limits or whether an exam can be proctored, and it holds the administration to a higher standard in how it treats the student body. Caltech is united by everyone’s shared responsibility in upholding the Honor Code in letter and spirit.—Mason Smith (BS ’09), IRVINE, CA 

One of the main factors in my choice for undergraduate education—and a source of pride since.—Stan Shepherd (BS ’71), MORGAN HILL, CA 

I loved the latitude the Honor Code gave students to take exams when and where we felt comfortable. I have “fond” memories of taking exams late at night in the second-floor library in Kerckhoff, or while blasting Dave Matthews Band at my off-campus apartment.—Anandi Raman Creath (BS ’96), PHOENIX, AZ 

I recall being in the middle of a one-hour take-home closed-book exam at 4 a.m. in my apartment when a 4.0 earthquake began. I continued with the exam and did not leave the building, sticking with the Honor Code.—George Pashel (MS ’75), PITTSBURGH, PA 

The Honor Code alone was a nice philosophy, but it became the core of my Caltech experience once I recognized that other students believed in it. Being trusted felt good, but the responsibility that came with it turned the Honor Code into action.—John Andelin (BS ’55, PhD ’67), ARLINGTON, VA 

It meant I’d reached a point where my genuine goal was learning—grades were a tool for self-awareness, so cheating would be self-defeating. It’s an ethic that helped motivate me then and continues to do so now in life and career.—Ron Goodman (BS ’89), SANTA CRUZ, CA 

The Honor Code—A quintessential expression of how an individual should behave when interacting (in any way) with any member of society.—Rene Gandolfi (BS ’74), CASTRO VALLEY, CA 

It is quite simple: Not lying to yourself comes first, then not lying to others. I taught the code to my granddaughter when she was 6, and she continues to apply it. No need to steal cookies.—Paul Wegener (BS ’71), SAN DIEGO, CA

Everything.—Peter Schupp (MS ’90), BREMEN, GERMANY 

The truth is you are no longer the smartest person in every room. Come to grips with that and enjoy the freedom.—Tim Cotter (BS ’88), SUNNYVALE, CA