The Student Honor Code was formulated and refined by the student body of Patrick Henry College, and ratified by the Board of Trustees. It binds all PHC students, constituting an obligation of honor that each student owes to all other students.
The Honor Code is distinct from the Patrick Henry College Standards (available in the Student Handbook). The PHC Standards, formulated by the College’s legislative process and ratified by the Board of Trustees, constitute the specific behavioral obligations that each student owes to the College. As a condition of admission to the College, every student agrees to be held accountable, by the College, to the PHC Standards. The College thus enforces the PHC Standards, including those which may overlap with the tenets of the Honor Code; however, students are responsible for holding each other accountable to the Honor Code.
We, the students of Patrick Henry College, fully aware of our daily dependence on the grace of God,2 commit to set ourselves apart in thought,3 word,4 fellowship,5 and deed,6 to honor Jesus Christ, and to love our neighbor.7 We passionately aspire to live our best for the Lord by conducting ourselves in the spirit of Titus 2:11-12: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Therefore, I pledge, by the grace of God, to submit to proper authorities,8 to be honest,9 to respect the property10 and consciences11 of others, and to speak edifying words.12 I will refrain from using any substances,13 such as alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, in any way prohibited by proper authorities such as the government, church, family, or school.14 I will reserve sexual activity for marriage,15 and shun sexually explicit material.16 Finally, I will seek biblical resolution and reconciliation in my conflicts.17 I pledge to hold my fellow students accountable to these principles and ask that they do the same for me,18 in order that Jesus Christ might be honored and glorified.19
2 2 Corinthians 12:9
3 2 Corinthians 10:5, Philippians 4:8-9
4 Ephesians 4:29; Exodus 20:7, Colossians 3:8
5 Hebrews 10:25, Acts 2:42, Romans 12:4-5, Colossians 3:16
6 Colossians 3:17, I Corinthians 10:31
7 Matthew 22:37-40, John 15:12
8 Romans 13:1, I Thessalonians 5:12, Hebrews 13:17
9 Ephesians 4:25, Exodus 20:16
10 Exodus 20:15, 17
11 Romans 14:13, Colossians 2:16-17
12 1 Thessalonians 5:10-11, Ephesians 4:29, Titus 3:9
13 Ephesians 5:15-18
14 Titus 3:1
15 I Corinthians 6:18-20, Hebrews 13:4
16 Romans 12:2, Philippians 4:8-9, Proverbs 4:23, Colossians 3:2-5, Matthew 5:27-28
17 Colossians 3:13, Matthew 18:15-17
18 Galatians 6:1-2, James 5:16
19 Philippians 1:27, Matthew 5:16, I Peter 1:14-15
