One rule, enforced by the students themselves.

Communal integrity

The Code governs the whole of student life, academic and personal alike. Graduate students are bound by a comparable Honor Code.

Teamwork collaboration

From freshman year, undergraduate studies and class assignments are encouraged to be team efforts, not competitive, relying on a peer environment which permeates the House residence system. Caltech grads are imbued with the canons of scientific endeavor, as one of teamwork, cooperation, questioning, debate and open collaboration for the benefit of a joint exercise.

Personal responsibility

Caltech students are trusted with 24-hour access to labs and facilities. They are trusted to respect their common freedoms and responsibilities. Caltech tests are typically take-home, open-book, with self-disciplined time limits.

Student enforcement

Unlike other universities, students are expected to report violations. Reports are adjudicated entirely by students. A panel of the Board of Control may rule to dismiss; nullify the effects of the violation; protect the Institute from further exposure; and to mete out accountability, up to including recommended suspensions.

Dispensation puts primary emphasis on students’ honesty in proceedings, to take responsibility. With prompt appeal rights, virtually all BofC decisions are upheld by the Dean of Students.