Harold B. Lee Library

Brigham Young University Honor Code

Introduction

Brigham Young University is a private university that seeks to develop students of faith, intellect and character who have the skills and the desire to continuing learning and to serve others throughout their lives. Tracing its roots to Utah’s rich pioneer heritage and to Brigham Young Academy, the original school established in 1875, the university continues to provide an outstanding education in an atmosphere consistent with the ideals and principles of its sponsor, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In the late 1870s, Karl G. Maeser developed the Domestic Organization to aid students in living according to the standards of the Brigham Young Academy.  The Honor Code was officially adopted by the university in the 1940s and aimed to help students be more responsible and successful in living the standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Honor Code has evolved over the years to include dress and grooming standards, morality, and academic honesty. The remarkable history Brigham Young University’s Honor Code can be uncovered through many of the collections held in the University Archives.  The following source materials can get you started on your exploration of the Brigham Young University Honor Code.

Secondary Sources and General information

Collections held by the University Archives will be more useful to your specific research topic after you understand more about the general history of the university. The following resources are available to help you develop that understanding.

• Histories of Brigham Young University
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. Brigham Young University: The First One Hundred Years (4 volumes). Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1975
  • Wilkinson, Ernest L. and W. Cleon Skousen. Brigham Young University: A School of Destiny.  Provo, UT: Brigham Young University Press, 1976

Primary Sources

• Sample materials dealing with the Brigham Young University Honor Code: A sample of the materials that contain information about the BYU Honor Code. To map out a research strategy, please schedule an appointment with the University Archivist at 422-5821 or gordon_daines@byu.edu for additional help in discovering what other collections we may have that pertain to your research topic.
  • UA 239 Domestic Department Records, 1879-1881 Collection includes domestic department records with typewritten transcript of minutes and description of organization for maintaining honorable conduct.
  • UA 195 Domestic Department Records, 1879-1900 Collection includes minutes of meetings and lists of students involved. The Domestic Organization, created by Karl G. Maeser, concerned itself with regulating student life through a self-policing system. It concentrated on curfew times, boarding house regulations and adherence to the Word of Wisdom. The 1884-1885 volume also includes minutes of the missionary meetings and the general theology class.
  • UA 5285 B Y and You!, 1950-1951 Pamphlet produced by Brigham Young University to orient new students to campus. It includes information on the honor code, student life, songs and yells, and athletics as well as messages from campus leaders.
  • UA 64 History of the formal honor system at Brigham Young University during the first ten years, 1950-1960 Collection includes a report on the history of the Honor System at Brigham Young University since its formal adoption and an analysis of its major problems.  It also discusses the attitudes of students and faculty and methods of operation used by the Honor Council.
  • UA SC 56 Miscellaneous items on the BYU honor system, 1957-1960 Includes student handbooks and two recommendations to the faculty council on the honor code.
  • UA 971 Tributes, 1969-1979 This collection contains tributes to Brigham Young University that were gathered during the administration of President Dallin H. Oaks.  Topics include the cleanliness of the campus, the honor code and the appearance of students and faculty.
  • UA 1022 Pamphlets concerning the Honor Code, 1974-1994 This collection contains pamphlets from the Honor Code office, the student Associations, and from the Athletic Department explaining the Honor Code.

This Popular Search Topics page offers only samplings of materials included in the University Archives that document the Brigham Young University Honor Code. Be sure to visit Special Collections to discover other material.