The more than 1,400 freshmen on campus became the latest in thousands to pledge to uphold the Elon University Honor Code at the 6th annual Call to Honor Ceremony.
Held this morning in the Academic Village, administrators and SGA representatives emphasized the four hallmarks of the university's Honor Code – honesty, integrity, responsibility and respect.
In an introduction to the ceremony, Darris Means, associate director of the Elon Academy and a 2005 alumnus, emphasized the responsibility of the class to uphold the foundation laid by more than 30,000 alumni.
"The reputation of a university campus can be affected by the actions of just a small group or even a single person," he said.
Means said the ongoing issue with diversity on campus has reminded him there is still much to improve upon. The class must make a conscious effort to be inclusive of all members of Elon's campus, he said.
"How will you be a part of the solution, not the problem?" he said.
Senior Taylor Martin, junior David Brown, sophomore Ryan Budden and freshman Joe Incorvia, all SGA presidents for their respective classes, highlighted one of the four themes of the Honor Code before signing their own names to the Call to Honor Book.
"We have pledged as a community to live these values of Elon, it is a way of life," said Elon University President Leo Lambert following the reading of The Call to Honor. "We are all bearers of Elon's honor. You hold the honor of this institution in your hands."
At the conclusion of the ceremony, students signed posters signifying their pledge to uphold the Honor Code.