The rights and responsibilities of students are clearly articulated in the Student Handbook and the Code of Student Conduct. An emphasis on ethical behavior is embodied in the Monarch Creed.

MONARCH CREED

Old Dominion University is an academic community committed to education, scholarship and the overall development of the individual. The following ideals establish a model of conduct for our members.

As a member of the Old Dominion University Community, I will

Make personal and academic integrity fundamental in all my endeavors; Honesty and accountability will guide all of my actions. I will be true to myself and my own goals and will give credit to others for their ideas and accomplishments. I will not cheat.

Offer service to the University and to the community; Recognizing that as a community we are all interdependent, I will seek ways to be involved actively in the University and the broader community through organizations, programs, and volunteerism

Nurture a climate of care, concern, and civility for others; I will contribute to a campus atmosphere characterized by friendliness, welcoming attitudes, cooperation, equity, and appreciation for others.

Accept responsibility for all my actions; Recognizing that my actions affect others, I will be aware of and adhere to campus policies, make conscious choices, act with intention, and understand and accept the consequences of my own behavior. I will not make excuses or blame others for my actions.

Respect the dignity, rights, and property of all people; Recognizing that I am an individual among a community of individuals, I will strive to treat others as I want to be treated, I will be considerate of other's freedom to express themselves and respectful of other's choices and lifestyles.

Commit to the ongoing pursuit of intellectual and personal development; Realizing that life is a continuing process of growth, I challenge myself to learn, to examine critically my beliefs and goals, and to be the best I can be.

Heighten my awareness of individual and cultural differences and similarities; Aware that our strength is our diversity [and that each individual is endowed with unique gifts], I choose to be attuned to the strength of each individual. I will seek new ways to learn about others, to challenge stereotypes, to recognize the human similarities that bond us together as people, and to respect and value the differences instead of criticizing them.