Because each student signs the Honor Code during Orientation, everyone is expected to comply with all aspects of the process to ensure that the Code is a living document that we all abide by. There have been news reports of students at other MBA programs engaged in conduct that reflects on the brand of the entire program. As such, students here at Smeal have decided to take action into their own hands and want to expand the Honor Code to cover more than academics.

On Tuesday, October 29, students came together to discuss expanding our current Honor Code to encompass Career Services and one’s internship and job search. A lively discussion took place with students debating the extend to which the Honor Code should be expanded to Career Services, what type of actions would be deemed violations and how soon this effort should be initiated. Students also raised concerns around ensuring that companies understand their role and engage in ethical recruiting practices as well. As the VP of Academic Affairs and Student Relations for the MBAA, it was refreshing for me to see so many students dedicated and involved in the process and ready to take ownership of the Honor Code.

Faculty, administration and staff from the program also attended the luncheon to show their support. The MBA Career Services team and the MBA administration supports the Honor Code in the Smeal College of Business and are willing to assist in any way possible to have the Honor Code umbrella over Career Services. Having this bottom up approach to expanding the Honor Code rather than a top down effort is refreshing as a student in the program. I really feel like we have ownership in this endeavor and I look forward to seeing where else the Honor Code expands for Smeal students.

-Tai Parks, tdp151@psu.edu

Tai is a second year student in the MBA program concentrating in Supply Chain Management , Product and Market Development and Strategic Leadership. She is a native of Philadelphia and a huge sports fan