The Office of Honor and the Campbells

The Honor Code, unique to BYU-affiliated universities, is an important part of the student experience at BYUH. According to the BYUH website, the Honor Code Statement says:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men. . . . If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things (Thirteenth Article of Faith).

As a matter of personal commitment, faculty, administration, staff, and students of Brigham Young University, Brigham Young University—Hawaii, Brigham Young University—Idaho, and LDS Business College seek to demonstrate in daily living on and off campus those moral virtues encompassed in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and will 

·         Be honest

·         Live a chaste and virtuous life

·         Obey the law and all campus policies

·         Use clean language

·         Respect others

·         Abstain from alcoholic beverages, tobacco, tea, coffee, and substance abuse

·         Participate regularly in church services

·         Observe the Dress and Grooming Standards

·         Encourage others in their commitment to comply with the Honor Code

As missionaries whose call is to serve and administer in the Office of Honor, Elder Joel and Sister Linda Campbell have spent the last seventeen months encouraging students to remember their commitment to the honor code. Sister Campbell says they are “Here to keep you out of trouble, not get you into trouble.”

How did they get here and what are they doing to keep our students “honor code worthy” to attend BYUH?

Elder Campbell spent twenty years in law enforcement and another twenty investigating insurance fraud. He also spent time as the West Bountiful justice court judge. Sister Campbell said that, although she had never worked full-time or in an office and the computer is not her friend, she is willing to learn new things. And whether their qualifications fit the job description perfectly or not, they both say that, “Nothing prepared us for this.”

They have learned many new things, have introduced a new software program and new policies and procedures. Though her computer skills have dramatically increased, Sister Campbell reports that the computer is still not her friend.

In the office, they oversee conduct and advise and investigate honor code violations. Sister Campbell works with dress and grooming violations and Elder Campbell with the offenses that are more serious. Students usually come to the Office of Honor with a little fear and leave with hugs of appreciation. With a hint of emotion in her voice, Sister Campbell said, “I always approach the students as if they are my grandchildren.” She teaches them that Heavenly Father’s love and desires for them include proper dress and grooming.  They are encouraged to make better choices and most students appreciate the respect and kindness shown them.

Elder Campbell manages the bishop endorsements. When, after many opportunities for improvement, a bishop withdraws his endorsement, the student must leave the university. The ensuing meeting is filled with love, tears and humility. These are the times that are the most difficult.

One day Elder Campbell was working with an FBI agent who was here looking at the student records of a young man who was applying for a federal job. As he talked, he kept glancing at the black badge on Elder Campbell’s shirt. The ensuing discussion finally led to the church and the official remarked that he once belonged to a bagpipe band with a member of our church. Every time they played, whether practice or performance, the church member warmed up with the same tune, and the man proceeded to hum the tune to Elder Campbell. The familiar notes of “Praise to the Man” led to a discussion of the hymn, the church, the Prophet Joseph Smith and eventually to a gift of the Book of Mormon and a missionary referral.

Though work experiences may not have prepared the Campbells for this assignment in the Office of Honor, certainly Heavenly Father prepared them. They have had a wonderful impact on students and co-workers in one of the most important and sensitive areas on campus. 

By accepting appointment on the faculty, continuing in employment, or continuing class enrollment, individuals evidence their commitment to observe the Honor Code standards approved by the Board of Trustees "at all times and...in all places." (Mosiah 18:9)

Mahalo, Elder and Sister Campbell!