By Jessica Gurnsey
Adherence to the Honor Code dictates students'' dress, hair, speech and church attendance, setting BYU apart from the many other universities across the country.
In many ways, the Honor Code resembles the moral codes of not only The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but of most faiths. Frances Naluwemba, graduate student and president of BYU''s Baptist Student Union, said the standards of the Honor Code are not a challenge for her because her religion also adheres to a moral code.
'We believe in uprightness and being exemplary before God,' Naluwemba said. 'So it matches very nicely with my beliefs.'
Even though most parts of the Honor Code apply to all faiths, some students feel frustrated by certain sections of the Honor Code.
'Some of the grooming standards for boys are ridiculous,' said Ashkan Memarian, BYU Christian Fellowship president. 'The Honor Code makes it sound like people with long hair and facial hair are bad.'
He still willingly complies with the Honor Code, because he gave his word. Memarian said he really tries to follow the Honor Code, even when he is at home.
'It''s because of integrity,' he said. 'I believe in the spirit of the law.'
Students are asked to abide by the principles of the Honor Code the entire time they are affiliated with the school, whether they are at BYU or at home, said Steven M. Baker, director of the Honor Code office.
The Honor Code applies to all students equally, regardless of their religious affiliation, he said.
'I think the reason is because students are looked at as ambassadors for the school and for the Church,' Baker said.
One portion of the Honor Code asks students to participate in church services regularly. Everyone is encouraged to attend church services, Baker said, but there is a lot more focus on attending church for LDS students. According to the Honor Code, non-LDS students are encouraged, but not required, to attend church.
To ensure students understand and follow the Honor Code, the university requires each student to complete an ecclesiastical endorsement each year.
While members of The LDS Church receive these endorsements from their bishop, non-LDS students can receive their endorsement from their local church leader, the bishop of the ward they live in or the BYU chaplain.
BYU Chaplain, James Slaughter, said he completes more than 400 ecclesiastical endorsements for non-LDS students each year. He also interviews non-athletic recruits to the university, to ensure they understand and will adhere to the Honor Code, before they receive scholarships.
Professors are also required to live by the Honor Code. Each professor must have a current temple recommend or an ecclesiastical endorsement. The dean of each college completes ecclesiastical endorsements for professors who need them.