Every incoming class to Christopher Newport is unique in composition. Many of the new Captains are freshmen just out of high school. Some have transferred from other colleges, while others are beginning their academic journey after serving in the military. But what connects each new class to the one before is the tradition of signing the University’s Honor Code.
This year’s group of new Captains, more than 1,200 strong, gathered to do just that at the annual Community of Scholars Honor Convocation held at Diamonstein Concert Hall at the Ferguson Center. The ceremony is not only a welcoming ritual but an introduction to the shared values that shape Christopher Newport.
President William G. Kelly spoke to the new students about the value of a liberal arts education, emphasizing that it will prepare them to think critically, communicate effectively, and make ethical judgments. He also addressed the technology that sets the most recent classes apart from older generations.
Artificial intelligence (AI), President Kelly told students, will likely play a much bigger role in their college experience, but the University is committed to helping students understand how AI can be taught and used honorably.
“Our AI literacy initiative will help you understand these tools and use them well. But ultimately, you will have to exercise judgment, and that is why I want you to remember this: We will teach you to use artificial intelligence, but we will never ask you to surrender your intelligence to it,” said President Kelly. “Technology will continue to evolve. We know that. Our commitment to honor will not. Do not outsource your thinking. Do not outsource your creativity. Do not outsource your curiosity, and perhaps most importantly, do not outsource the hard work of becoming the person you are most capable of being, because that is what your education is ultimately about.
President Kelly encouraged students to lean into human relationships, particularly with faculty, for guidance.
“The faculty on stage with me comprise some of the most talented and dedicated educational professionals in our nation. They are here because they believe in you and the transformative power of education. So engage them. Challenge them. Learn alongside them. They will be your professors, but many will also become your mentors, advisors, and research partners. And in a world increasingly shaped by technology, those human relationships will become more important - not less.”
Haley Edmondson, a freshman who grew up in nearby Hampton, said, “I’m glad President Kelly addressed AI and CNU’s goal of making sure students learn to use it properly and in a way that’s ethical.”
Because her hometown is so close to the University, Edmondson said she’s had a front-row view of all that Christopher Newport has to offer, which is why she decided to attend to study biology. The University’s values and honor code, she believes, are a nice bonus.
“I'm very interested in the medical field, where ethics and personal responsibility are especially important. I’m excited to be here and ready to learn and find out what Christopher Newport has in store for me,” she said.
For freshman Andrew Bound, “Understanding and being a part of a community of honor is pretty important to me. I plan on going to medical school, so Christopher Newport will not only look good on my future application to med school, but attending here means I’ll spend the next four years studying at a school that values honor and trust,” he said.
Tamsin Brightbill, a new member of the Sailing team, believes the Honor Code is a critical element of campus culture. “We all need to be accountable for our actions. I’m looking forward to signing the Honor Code,” she said.
With faculty, alumni and other members of Christopher Newport looking on, Edmondson, Brightbill, Bound, and the rest of the incoming class stood and recited Christopher Newport’s Honor Code:
On my honor, I will maintain the highest standards of honesty, integrity and personal responsibility. This means I will not lie, cheat or steal, and as a member of this academic community, I am committed to creating an environment of respect and mutual trust.
Class members then came forward to sign the Honor Code Registry and were given a “lucky penny,” which they’ll hold until graduation day, when tradition calls for each senior to toss the penny into the Geese Fountain for good luck.
Following the ceremony, the freshman took part in another cherished tradition - ringing the Clock Tower Bell.