Examples of Violations of Academic Integrity

Violations of academic integrity include cheating, forgery and plagiarism. The following are presented as examples only, not as a comprehensive list. For further examples or more precise information, one should consult the recognized sources of authority in a particular field of study. Students should consult directly with their teachers. Ignorance of these or other breaches of academic integrity will not be deemed by the University as an excuse for failure to meet its expectations.

Cheating — Cheating is the violation of the letter or spirit of an academic endeavor in order to gain an advantage, put someone else at a disadvantage, or both. It includes, but is not limited to: [1] using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, notes, information, and study aids on an examination;[2] copying someone else’s paper; [3] fabricating or falsifying information; [4] submitting the work of another as one’s own; [5] using or circulating previous examination materials without the instructor’s permission; [6] submitting the same work for more than one class without the permission of both instructors; [7] accessing or using computer information without authorization; [8] encouraging, assisting, or otherwise facilitating any violation of academic integrity; [9] any form of intentional obstruction or destruction that inhibits the progress, accomplishment, or evaluation of academic endeavors in order to gain an advantage, put someone else at a disadvantage, or both.

Forgery — Forgery refers to falsifying or inventing information, data, or citations. It includes, but is not limited to: [1] fraudulently using academic records; [2] falsifying or inventing academic credentials or letters of recommendation; [3] falsifying official signatures of any member of the University community; [4] altering documents affecting academic records.

Plagiarism — Plagiarism is the use or representation of words or ideas of another without attribution, so that they appear to be one’s own. It includes, but is not limited to: [1] using another’s words, ideas, methodology, or formulation of a problem without proper acknowledgment; [2] using approximate wording or paraphrasing inappropriately; [3] claiming someone else’s work as one’s own; [4] allowing students or research assistants to gather research information without recognition of their work; [5] failure to acknowledge all sources of information or contributions to an assignment or other academic work.

Misuse of AI – The misuse of artificial intelligence technologies (AI) to circumvent learning goals or to engage in research misconduct is considered a violation of academic integrity comparable to cheating or plagiarism. What constitutes use or misuse of AI will differ depending on context and discipline. It may include, but is not limited to: [1] submitting work generated by AI as one’s own without proper acknowledgement; [2] accessing or using AI tools without authorization; and [3] failure to acknowledge AI-generated contributions to an assignment or other academic work.