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Students have many people who can support and guide them through the Honor Council process. They include:

  • Resident Dean (RD)
  • Student Academic Integrity Fellow (SAIF)
  • Personal Adviser

Students will ordinarily be accompanied and advised throughout the process by their Resident Dean. The RD is not an advocate; instead s/he serves as a liaison with the College. The role of the RD is to help a student understand how the Council works and to help the student decide how best to explain the issues the Council is considering. If a student believes that her/his RD is not the most appropriate support, a list of alternatives will be provided.

Students are provided the opportunity to select a SAIF or Personal Adviser. Students who would prefer not to select a SAIF may be more comfortable with the support of a personal adviser. A personal adviser must be an officer of the University affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, such as a proctor or tutor, varsity head coach, teaching fellow, instructor, or faculty member. Undergraduate students, other than those designated as SAIFs, and family members may not serve as personal advisers for these purposes, even if they are affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences. A personal adviser receives all case information, may attend any meetings with the student, and provides general advice and support similar to a SAIF, although personal advisers may not be trained in the Honor Council's policies and procedures.

Each Freshmen Yard and House is served by a Resident Dean who, under the direction of the Dean of Harvard College, is responsible for the well-being of the students in that Yard or House. The Resident Dean represents Yard/House members at the Administrative Board, accompanies students through the Honor Council process, and serves as a liaison with the College.  The role of the Resident Dean is to help a student understand how the Council works and to help the student decide how best to explain the issues the Council is considering. If a student believes that her/his Resident Dean or RDF is not the most appropriate support, a list of alternates will be provided.

A Student Academic Integrity Fellow (SAIF) is an undergraduate trained in the procedures and policies of the Honor Council who can help the student to understand her/his options and can serve as a peer who does not sit in judgment but accompanies the student with her/his interactions with the Honor Council. If a student is found responsible for a violation of the Honor Code or rules on Academic Integrity, the SAIF may also serve as a point of contact during any periods of probation or withdrawal and following the student’s return to campus.

SAIFs may attend any interviews with the student and provide general advice and support. SAIFs participate in the discussion with the Council for two primary reasons: to suspend the Council proceedings briefly if their students need a break; and, with permission by the Council, to explain relevant facts that the student discussed with her/his SAIF but that the student failed to raise in the interview.

A Personal Adviser must be an officer of the University affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, such as a proctor or tutor, coach, teaching fellow, instructor, or faculty member. Undergraduate students and family members may not serve as Personal Advisers for these purposes, even if they are affiliated with the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.

A Personal Adviser receives all case information, may attend any interviews with the student, and provides general advice and support similar to a SAIF, although personal advisers may not be trained in the Council’s policies and procedures.