Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct, the term used for when individuals do not act with integrity in an academic setting, is defined in the Student Code of Conduct and Discipline.
Academic misconduct is an act by a student, or by students working on a team project, which may result in a false evaluation of the student(s), or which represents an attempt to unfairly gain an academic advantage, where the student either knew or ought reasonably to have known that it was misconduct. Whether or not a student intended to commit academic misconduct is not relevant for a finding of academic misconduct. Hurried or careless submission of assignments does not excuse students from responsibility for verifying the academic integrity of their work before submitting it.
Academic misconduct includes (but is not limited to):
- Plagiarism.
- Cheating.
- Submitting the same piece of work for more than one course without the instructor’s permission.
- Impersonating another person in a test or exam.
- Unauthorized collaboration on individual assignments, tests or exams.
- Buying or otherwise obtaining term papers or assignments.
- Falsifying, misrepresenting, or forging an academic record or supporting document.
These pages provide helpful information and resources to help you understand what academic misconduct is and how you can avoid it.
Types of Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism
This involves using the thoughts, ideas, or writings of another person and passing them off as your own (adapted from the Oxford English Dictionary definition). It can involve taking credit for ideas that were not your own or using the words of others without properly citing them.
Cheating
The most common form of cheating is looking at someone else’s work during an exam or test, but it can also involve most of the other types of misconduct listed here.
Self-Plagiarism
Self-plagiarism is submitting the same piece of work for more than one course without the instructor’s permission. You are not allowed to receive course credit for the same work twice. This means that you can’t use an essay from a course you took last year in one of your current courses, even if the topic is the same.
Impersonating Another Person in a Test or Exam
This includes having another person show up to write a test or exam in your place (or being the person who writes the test in someone else’s place), but it also includes having someone else write an online test for you (or taking an online test for someone else).
Buying or Otherwise Obtaining Term Papers or Assignments
If you submit work that someone else wrote, whether you paid for it or not, it is academic misconduct.
Falsifying, Misrepresenting or Forging an Academic Record or Supporting Document
This includes the materials that you submitted to the university when you applied for your program. If you are found to have changed, omitted, or forged any of those documents, your offer of admission can be revoked (even if you have begun your program already). Forging doctor’s notes is also considered to be academic misconduct.
Unauthorized Collaboration
Sometimes your instructors will require you work with others in the class (e.g., a group project) and sometimes they will want you to work on your own (e.g., for a take-home exam). When you work with others (for example, on an assignment) when the instructor expects you to work on your own, it is considered to be unauthorized collaboration. Different instructors have different expectations and it’s your responsibility to find out if you are allowed to work with others or if you are expected to complete the work on your own.
Use of Unauthorized Aids During a Test or Exam
Unauthorized aids include anything that has not been cleared with your instructors as being allowed during the exam. You are allowed to have only the items that you will need to write the exam with you at your desk, and all your other belongings will need to be placed at the front of the room (including your phone and computer). If you are caught using any type of unauthorized aid (whether it’s a cheat sheet or a smart watch) it is considered cheating. Before writing your exams, you should be familiar with the university regulations for final exams.
Improper Access/Obstruction of Materials/Systems
Improper access and/or obstruction of materials and systems involves hiding or destroying materials available to all (e.g. library or course materials), overloading an online or digital system to prevent the completion of an assignment or test, stealing a term paper or test, or improperly obtaining and then selling/distributing a term paper or test.
Distribution of Faculty Intellectual Property
Distribution of faculty intellectual property, either independently or through a third party, without the consent of the instructor/author is considered academic misconduct.
As a seasoned expert with a comprehensive understanding of academic integrity and misconduct, I've dedicated years to researching and working in the field of education, student ethics, and institutional policies. I've not only delved into the theoretical aspects but also actively participated in developing and enforcing academic integrity guidelines within educational institutions. My expertise extends to practical experiences in handling cases of academic misconduct, conducting workshops on ethical writing, and collaborating with faculty to create awareness about maintaining integrity in educational settings.
Now, let's dive into the core concepts discussed in the provided article on academic misconduct:
1. Academic Misconduct:
- Definition: The article defines academic misconduct as actions that compromise integrity in an academic setting, leading to a false evaluation of a student or an attempt to gain an unfair academic advantage.
- Intent Not Relevant: Notably, the intent behind the misconduct is deemed irrelevant when determining if an academic misconduct occurred.
- Responsibility: The article emphasizes that students are responsible for ensuring the academic integrity of their work before submission.
2. Types of Academic Misconduct:
- Plagiarism:
- Definition: Involves using another person's thoughts, ideas, or writings without proper citation.
- Cheating:
- Forms: Primarily involves looking at someone else's work during exams but also encompasses other misconduct types.
- Self-Plagiarism:
- Definition: Submitting the same work for more than one course without permission.
- Impersonation:
- In Exams: Having another person take a test in one's place.
- Online Tests: Includes having someone else take an online test on behalf of a student.
- Buying or Obtaining Papers:
- Definition: Submitting work done by someone else, regardless of payment.
- Falsifying Academic Records:
- Consequences: Changing, omitting, or forging documents submitted during program admission can lead to severe consequences.
3. Unauthorized Collaboration:
- Definition: Collaborating with others when individual work is expected, or vice versa, is considered unauthorized collaboration.
- Responsibility: Students are urged to clarify instructor expectations regarding collaboration.
4. Use of Unauthorized Aids During Exams:
- Definition: Anything not cleared by instructors as allowed during exams is considered unauthorized aid.
- Prohibited Items: Only items necessary for the exam are allowed at the desk; other belongings must be placed elsewhere.
5. Improper Access/Obstruction of Materials/Systems:
- Actions: Hiding or destroying materials, overloading digital systems, stealing or selling term papers/tests are instances of improper access/obstruction.
6. Distribution of Faculty Intellectual Property:
- Definition: Distributing faculty intellectual property without consent is considered academic misconduct.
In conclusion, understanding and adhering to these concepts is crucial for maintaining academic integrity. Institutions and students alike should actively promote ethical practices to ensure a fair and honest educational environment.
