By Allison Jones
jones@newsroom.byu.edu
This fall, students can save money on Microsoft's newest computer software by committing to follow the Honor Code.
BYU Bookstore directors and Microsoft representatives created a special program offering students significantly discounted prices on software.
The values and rules set by the Honor Code make it possible for BYU students to have this opportunity, said Roger Reynolds, BYU Bookstore director.
Currently only three schools, BYU, Harvard and Boston University, have the chance to participate in the new Student Select Pilot program, Reynolds said.
In previous years, a similar program allowed students at universities nation-wide to purchase Microsoft software at a discounted price.
Terry Holt, assistant supervisor and buyer at Cougar Computers, said the program was discontinued last year due to increased piracy.
Microsoft is concerned with high levels of piracy and copyright violation among students, Holt said.
Students would make illegal copies of computer software and give the copies out, violating copyright laws and making it hard for stores to monitor the release of the product, Holt said.
Since it is easy to burn software, Microsoft is hesitant to offer student discounts at major universities, Holt said.
Reynolds said a large reason why Microsoft chose BYU to participate in the Student Select program is because of the Honor Code.
The Honor Code sets BYU apart from most universities, Reynolds said.
To attend BYU, students must give their word to live by the standards set by the Honor Code, Reynolds said.
The Honor Code states that 'any attempts to gain unauthorized access or to copy unauthorized software is a serious breach of one's honor.'
The Honor Code also says that when students sign the Honor Code upon acceptance to the university, they are making a commitment to be honest 'with self, others and the university in regard to academic and non-academic issues.'
'Microsoft has confidence that the students will abide by the rules,' Reynolds said.
Harvard and Boston University students are expected to abide by similar codes of conduct.
BYU is counted among schools with great reputations. The students have shown a willingness to strive for personal integrity, Holt said.
Microsoft local sales representative Brad Beadles said Microsoft views BYU as a very important customer in the higher education arena.
Students' commitment to the Honor Code was part of the reasoning and justification for selecting BYU to be part of the Student Select Pilot Program, Beadles said.
Those affiliated with BYU agree to follow the parameters and guidelines set by Microsoft to ensure legal software on campus for faculty, staff and students, Beadles said.
More information about the Student Select program is available by visiting Cougar Computers in the Wilkinson Student Center.