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Academic Integrity

Respect for ideas—our own and others—is a hallmark of academic integrity. We show respect by acknowledging when we have used another’s words or ideas in our work. We expect others to acknowledge when they use our ideas or words in their work.

Students are expected to do their own work on quizzes, papers, examinations, class assignments, etc. Normally, a paper may be submitted in fulfillment of an assignment in only one course. Exceptions require permission from the instructors. Collaboration must be noted in writing and requires the consent of the instructor. (The Community Standards describe violations of the academic code. Please refer to them.)

Reducing the Incidence of Plagiarism

We expect our students to properly attribute the ideas and words of others in their work. We can help them learn to do so by designing our assignments consistently and carefully to include the evaluation of evidence and critical reflection on its importance and relevance to the course content. We can show our students, in class and on assignments, how a scholar acknowledges the ideas and words of others. We can remind our students in our syllabi and in class about our expectations for academic integrity. We can guide our students as they prepare to write reports, papers, and examinations, in which they are expected to incorporate the ideas and words of others.

Students can avoid plagiarism by following some very simple advice. We need to tell them, explicitly:

  • Always provide clear and accurate citations for the sources that inform your work. This is an admonition that goes to the heart of your academic responsibility.
  • Remember that almost all quotations and statistics require citations. Specific facts and ideas borrowed from others, even if expressed in your own words, also require citations.
  • Summaries of an author’s argument require citations. It is true that matters of general knowledge do not usually require citations, but when in doubt, provide appropriate acknowledgement according to citation style for the course.
  • Students who rely on parents, friends or others for specific contributions to their work should acknowledge this indebtedness in a citation.
  • Understand that paraphrasing means to summarize in your own words. The surest way to avoid plagiarism when summarizing is to write with sources and notes closed. If you cannot explain what an author argued from memory, then you probably do not understand it well enough to paraphrase.

Talking with students about academic dishonesty

Advisors and instructors who work with first-year students, in particular, should be explicit with students about the nature of and expectations surrounding academic dishonesty. If students are unfamiliar with methods for properly attributing sources in their work, they may inadvertently plagiarize. It is important to state expectations clearly, and as early in the course as possible. A written summary of expectations for academic conduct in the course should appear in the syllabus. It is also useful to identify resources on campus if students need additional assistance in citing sources.

Preparing First-Year and Transfer Students to meet our expectations

All incoming students are required to complete the Academic Integrity session designed to help students avoid plagiarism, and to ensure that all students understand College expectations. Students will not be allowed to request courses for the Spring semester until they complete this module.

The Role of the Academic Advisor

The college does not automatically inform the academic advisor of any allegations. It is the student’s decision whether he or she will inform you of the alleged violation.

The Role of the Hearing Advisor

A student charged with a violation of the Community Standards is encouraged to have an advisor for the hearing. A student may ask any member of the College community who does not hold a law degree to serve in this role. The hearing advisor assists the student in preparing for the hearing. The hearing advisor attends the hearing, but may not speak on behalf of the student. Additional guidance regarding the role of the hearing advisor and a list of experienced advisors is available from the Assistant Dean in the Dean of Student’s Office.