Academic Integrity

Defining Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is defined as the honest and responsible pursuit of scholarship. Academic integrity is characterized by

  • completing exams and other academic assignments in an honest way
  • presenting truthful and accurate data and research information in academic assignments
  • avoiding plagiarism by properly incorporating and acknowledging sources

The reputation of a school and its assessment of student work depend on integrity.

Practice

Which of the following is NOT a vital characteristic of academic integrity?

  1. doing your own work on assignments
  2. correctly citing sources in a research paper
  3. completing all work without assistance or help from a TA
  4. presenting accurate and truthful data
  5. following assignment and exam instructions

Why Academic Integrity Matters

  • It’s vital to being a responsible part of the academic community.
  • Consequences for failing to give credit to sources can be severe. Violating your school’s academic integrity policy may lead to suspension or expulsion.
  • As a member of the academic community, it is important to build and uphold a positive reputation. This will carry over to life after college, as you seek recommendations from professors to enter a career field.