Academic Integrity

The process for addressing academic integrity or misconduct begins when the University receives notice of a potential violation of its policies, specifically the Student Code of Conduct, PPM 6-22 section 6.4.

Academic issues generally include, but are not limited to:

  • ‌  Academic dishonesty
  • ‌  Grade disputes
  • ‌  Course sanctions
  • ‌  Standing in restricted enrollment programs
  • ‌  Program completion concerns

Ideally, academic complaints are reviewed and resolved at the lowest possible level within the academic program where they arose (e.g., with the faculty member, staff member, or director).

Reporting Academic Misconduct

If a student is found in violation of academic dishonesty, their name may be forwarded to the DOS Office for institutional sanctions, in addition to any academic sanctions imposed by the faculty member.

When reporting academic issues to the DOS, include the following information:

  • Student's name and W#
  • Course name
  • Assignment details
  • Details of the misconduct
  • Academic action taken by the faculty member

The DOS maintains a database of student academic misconduct. They may become involved in student behavioral misconduct processes if a pattern of academic issues or misconduct emerges.

All members of the university community are obligated to report instances of academic dishonesty to the responsible faculty member.

Student Expectations

Students are expected to:

  • Maintain academic standards set by the institution, school, department, program, and individual courses.
  • Maintain academic ethics and honesty.
  • Obtain a faculty member's permission at least one working day in advance before bringing children (including infants) into a classroom, workshop, or laboratory. In emergencies, approval can be sought up to the start of the class. If a child becomes disruptive, they must be removed immediately.
  • In the absence of a faculty member, remain in the classroom for at least 15 minutes from the class starting time, unless otherwise notified.
  • Notify faculty members in advance of any planned absences for University-approved group activities and discuss the terms, options, and outcomes of these absences.
  • Avoid unethical, wasteful, or inappropriate use of computer systems, libraries, or other campus resources, or interfering with other users' productivity.
  • Avoid misrepresenting a research project or paper for anything other than its original intended use.
  • Determine, before the last day to drop courses without penalty, if course requirements conflict with core beliefs. If such a conflict exists, students should consider dropping the class. If impractical, a written request for a resolution can be submitted to the faculty member, with a copy to the department head's office, articulating the burden the requirement places on their beliefs. The faculty member is not obligated to grant the request unless denial would be arbitrary, capricious, or illegal.

Prohibited Activities (Examples of Dishonesty)

Cheating includes, but is not limited to:

  • Copying from another student's test
  • Using unauthorized materials during a test
  • Collaborating with others during a test without authorization
  • Knowingly obtaining, using, buying, selling, transporting, or soliciting any part of a test without authorization
  • Bribing someone to obtain a test
  • Soliciting or receiving unauthorized test information
  • Substituting for another student or allowing someone to substitute for oneself during a test
  • Knowingly obtaining academic credit for work that is not one's own
  • Knowingly being involved in arranging fraudulent academic credit or false transcripts

Plagiarism is the unacknowledged (uncited) use of another person's or group's ideas or work, including purchased or borrowed papers.

Collusion is unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing work offered for credit.

Falsification is the intentional and unauthorized altering or inventing of information or citations in an academic exercise, activity, or record-keeping process.

Other Prohibited Activities:

  • Giving, selling, or receiving unauthorized course or test information
  • Using any unauthorized resource or aid in coursework
  • Infringing on the copyright law of the United States

Sanctions

Potential sanctions for academic misconduct include:

  • Grade adjustment: A lower grade is determined and administered by the faculty member. A hearing committee may recommend this.
  • Loss of credit: A hearing committee may mandate loss of credit for a specific academic course.

 

Appeal: Academic Misconduct Petition Process & Standards