Academic Integrity

What is integrity? What do you think “academic integrity” means?

Academic Integrity Principles (values, morals, ethics) to which one is held regarding academics Most colleges have a clearly defined academic integrity policy, although the details vary at different schools – Formal name (e.g., Honor Code, Honor System, Academic Integrity Policy, Code of Conduct, etc.) – Specific regulations (e.g., types of violations, process for reporting violations, etc.) – Consequences (e.g., types of sanctions, severity of sanctions, etc.)

Honor Code / Code of Conduct Set of rules and expectations governing students and faculty Defines honorable/acceptable behavior and dishonorable/unacceptable behavior Communicates importance of academic integrity to the school community May include non-academic expectations in addition to academic-related rules

Academic Integrity Violations

Cheating Using unauthorized materials or methods Receiving (or giving) unauthorized assistance Receiving (or giving) unfair advantage Can apply to any requirement, not just tests Examples – Copying homework or worksheet – Referring to textbook during online quiz – Telling a friend what’s on a test you took early

Plagiarism Representing another person’s work as your own; can apply to: – Ideas, thoughts – Language, direct quotes, phrasing – Structure, organization You must attribute everything you use that’s not original and cite the source Universities are increasingly using technology to detect and prevent plagiarism

Falsification Spoken or written untruths a.k.a. fabrication or misrepresentation Applies to coursework, s, conversations, documents, and more

Other Violations Unauthorized collaboration Compromising the security or integrity of an exam, assignment, or grading process Helping others to violate a policy in the code Failure to report a known violation Attempting to violate a policy in the code

Possible Sanctions Sanctions may come from the professor and/or the university Failing grade (on assignment and/or in course) Educational assignment/program Loss of privileges Community service Counseling Probation, suspension, or expulsion

Why is academic integrity important?

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