An academic code provides a framework for guiding ethical and moral behavior at the campus among faculty, staff and students. Having a written code that spells out the boundaries of morality and the goals for integrity among the campus population also has a unifying effect. Knowing the type of character and moral development that is expected of the community creates a type of organizational or campus ideal.
At many institutions the academic code of ethics must be read and signed by everyone in the university community, from students to staffers to faculty. To sign the document is to agree to uphold the code of ethics.
Often within the code of ethics is a section regarding how the code will be upheld and enforced. A section on how those who violate the code will be dealt with may be included as well.
Most academic codes of ethics have a preamble. This section sets a tone and expresses the overall purpose of the code. The preamble may also define the moral goal for the university community as well.
For instance, the preamble for Howard University begins with the assertion: "Howard University affirms that the central purpose of a university is the pursuit of truth, the discovery of new knowledge through scholarly research, the teaching and overall development of students, and the transmission of knowledge and learning to the world at large."
In this way a preamble identifies the goals for the institution and the campus community.
Following a preamble, most codes of ethics detail actions considered academic dishonesty, including cheating, copying, plagiarism, misrepresentation and not giving proper credit.
Many codes also cover other violations, such as vandalism, theft or inappropriate or unauthorized uses of school property.
They may detail behavior such as drinking, illegal substance use, gambling and sexual behaviors--especially harassment or inappropriate behaviors.
Some codes of ethics detail personal responsibility issues, such as treating others in the community with respect and not lying or committing fraud against the institution or another student or campus member.
Once an academic code of ethics has been violated, some procedure for enforcing the code has to be enacted.
The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania has a section on the ethics committee, how it convenes for charges of violation, the rights of the accused, the appeals process and disciplinary system of the school.
Without any guidelines for what to do in the case of infractions, the code of ethics is merely an ideal for the academic community.