The Ashesi Judicial Committee (AJC) heard and deliberated on a case of cheating during the Precalculus 1 end-of-semester examinations involving a student from the Class of 2029.

Background
During the Precalculus I final examination, the faculty member reviewing the submitted examination scripts observed that a student had crossed out their original response to a question and replaced it with a solution corresponding to a different version of the examination. Students were given varying versions of the examination, the revised response contained variables that matched those on the examination paper of a student seated across from the student. When questioned about the discrepancy, the student admitted copying from the examination script of their colleague. The matter was reported to the Dean of Students and subsequently escalated to the AJC.

Hearing
During the hearing, the student formally admitted to copying another student’s work during the examination and acknowledged that this conduct constituted a direct violation of examination regulations.

In its deliberations, the panel highlighted a particularly severe aggravating factor: following the act of copying, the student proceeded to sign the official Honour Code pledge on the examination script. The panel determined that signing the pledge while being fully aware of the ongoing violation represented a conscious, deliberate misrepresentation of integrity. This action fundamentally undermined the spirit of the Honour Code and significantly elevated the gravity of the offense.

Verdict & Recommendation(s): After deliberating, the AJC concluded that the student was found guilty of examination misconduct and would receive a failing grade (E) for the course and will be suspended for one semester. As stated in the Student Handbook:

• “Academic dishonesty includes plagiarism, unauthorized exchange of information or use of material during an examination, unauthorized transfer of information or completed work among students, use of the same paper in more than one course, unauthorized collaboration on assignments, and other unethical behaviour. Disciplinary action will be taken against academic dishonesty.” (Section 7.4)
• “Ashesi University, its students, and its professional associations will not in any way condone cheating, lying, or any other misrepresentations. Moreover, anyone who willingly conceals these activities will be considered accomplices and equally culpable.” (Section 7.5)

Advice to the Ashesi Community: The AJC wishes to use this case as an opportunity to remind the entire Ashesi community of the true weight and meaning of the Honour Code:

• Signing the Honour Code is a personal pledge, not a formality. When you sign the statement at the end of an exam, you are not simply completing a procedural step. You are affirming, on your honour, that you neither gave nor received unauthorised help during that examination.
• Signing also affirms that you witnessed no violations. Beyond your own conduct, signing the pledge means you are personally vouching that you did not see anyone else cheating, exchanging answers, or violating the Examination Code of Conduct around you. If you witnessed a violation and signed the pledge regardless, you have also broken the Honour Code.
• The Honour Code only works because we choose to uphold it together. Ashesi’s examination system depends on the trust that each student will hold themselves and their peers to the same standard of integrity, without the need for an invigilator standing over them. Every signature either strengthens or weakens that trust.
• Silence in the face of a violation is not neutral. If you become aware of cheating and say nothing, while also signing the pledge, you are not a bystander; you are complicit. The Handbook is clear that those who knowingly conceal academic dishonesty are considered accomplices and held equally responsible.
• Pressure is never a justification for dishonesty. Whether it is the pressure of retaking a course, fear of failure, or any other circumstance, academic dishonesty is never an acceptable response. Reach out to your professors, peer tutors, faculty interns, or the Learning Lab instead.

We hope this case reminds every member of our community that the Honour Code is not just a line on an exam booklet; it is a daily choice to do the right thing, even when no one is watching. A true reminder of our mission to train a new generation of ethical and entrepreneurial leaders in Africa; to cultivate within our students the critical thinking skills, concern for others, and the courage it will take to transform a continent.