<p>Ava, I hope you’re wrong that the Honor Committee members have a ‘good old boys’ mentality when it comes to trials. That said I prefer a random jury too, believing deeply that UVA students come to understand and respect the honor system as an intrinsic aspect of the university, and come to understand that it is a critical reason their diplomas are as highly valued by alumni as they are. I would hope that any jury seated at an honor trial would be fair and just. Many things at UVA have changed I suppose, but I believe that the sense of honor which binds students and faculty remains intact. The single sanction must remain unchanged. People who are certain that they have witnessed an honor violation must report, and those who violate the code must be held accountable. In too many ways now, people are not made to accept the consequences of their actions. I would hate to see the University adopt this “year off” idea, as it completely undermines the central tenants- you will not lie, cheat, or steal, or you are gone. Not gone for a year to think about it, just gone. If a student honestly doesn’t think he or she can manage to live an honorable life, that person should not attend UVa in the first place; it’s not the place for them. The importance of the honor system is made clear in the literature students receive, on the applications they sign, and in every tour they join.</p>