Academics

Signing event enables communications students to commit to honor code

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The College of Communications is one of two academic colleges at Penn State with an honor code, and on Tuesday, Nov. 11, communications students can commit themselves to excellence and integrity by signing the code in the lobby of the Carnegie Building.

The signing event -- from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the historic building’s lobby -- is hosted and organized by the College of Communications Student Council.

View the video. 

Zachary Slater, president of the College of Communications’ Student Council, is hoping more than a 1,000 students will participate during the three-hour signing window. Due to its anticipated turnout, the event will utilize both floors of the building.

Signees will be using the computer labs in Carnegie Building to digitally commit to the code. Students who participate in the event can also look forward to food, including macaroni and cheese, pizza and wings.

Students who sign the honor code and maintain that standard during their Penn State careers will receive a pin at commencement.

For Slater, signing the honor code is an important reminder for students to be fair, to produce their own work and to be creative. It also serves as a binding agent in a diverse academic unit.

“In the college, everyone does different things. Public relations is so different from broadcast journalism, for example. The code unites us,” he said. “No matter what fields we are in, we are all committing ourselves to excellence and honesty.”

Along with signing the code, attendees can also take part in a door-prize raffle. Prizes include thumb drives and College of Communications T-shirts. In addition, students may have their picture taken in front of the honor code on the second floor lobby. The College of Communications Student Council will also conduct a Yankee Candle fundraiser during the event.

Students who have already signed the code are welcome to sign it again. RSVPs are not required and any College of Communications student may participate. “It won’t take up a lot of time, it’s just touch and go,” Slater said. 

Students who commit to the honor code and maintain the standard throughout their career receive this pin at commencement. Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

Last Updated June 2, 2021