In the first devotional of the 2007-2008 school year, BYU-Hawaii President Steven C. Wheelwright told students, faculty, and staff that their attitudes toward the Honor Code likely fit into one of four categories— rebellion, ignorance, hypocrisy, or discipleship. He then called for increased obedience to the Honor Code, saying that greater blessings would come to the campus community.
Wheelwright encouraged all to take an inventory, or self-assessment, with regards to the Honor Code. He said this self-assessment should happen in terms of understanding, adhering to, and embracing the code, both in spirit and letter.
"One of the wonderful blessings the Lord promises is that if we will accept and live the small and simple things that we have been given—like the Honor Code—we will not only be blessed for doing so, but we will learn wisdom," he said.
Wheelwright began by talking about the Liahona and how Lehi's family was shown the way to go according to their faith. "If we daily do the small, simple things that the Lord directs us to do through His prophets, like Lehi and his family, we experience small daily miracles," Wheelwright said.
Though the world becomes increasingly separated from the standards of the Church, Wheelwright said students must not separate themselves from any of the four aspects of the Honor Code. These include adhering to the academic honesty policy, dress and grooming standards, residential living standards, and being interviewed annually for an ecclesiastical endorsement.
"While there are many marvelous principles in the Honor Code such as honesty, integrity… chastity… the Word of Wisdom and adherence to the standards of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, there are also many small and simple things in each of these four components of the Honor Code."
Some of these small and simple things include wearing clothing that is modest and neat in appearance. Among other things, men are expected to be clean-shaven. When women wear dresses and skirts, the clothing must extend at least to the knee. All students must wear appropriate footwear in public places and wear athletic attire only at athletic events or exercises.
"Now I know that many of these elements [specific requirements] of the Honor Code… are not big things. They are small and simple, possibly they seem even insignificant. But… obedience to these small and simple things enables us to recognize and accept those small, daily miracles that strengthen us," Wheelwright said.
Wheelwright said an increased understanding of doctrine, along with increased desire and commitment, can help the student follow the path of discipleship. "I left the devotional with a new resolve to assess my personal life in a way that will fulfill his instruction, or better yet the Lord's instruction, to live a life that would reflect discipleship," said Dennis Torres, a senior majoring in business management, from Henderson, Nevada.
Many students identified directly with the message. "Sometimes it's hard if opposition comes along against your standards, but it made me feel very comfortable that president sticks to what he believes," said Shelby Wood, an open major from Columbus, Ohio.
As the new school year begins, President Wheelwright stressed the importance of paying attention to detail.
"Adherence to the Honor Code—in both letter and spirit—teaches us the habits and commitment that can lead to even greater things, if we will but continue on the path and be not weary in well-doing."
Download Quicktime to listen to audio:
:: Download a copy of President Wheelwright's devotional address here.
:: Listen to President Wheelwright's devotional address here (32 min.)