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Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means that you are ensuring that all the work you do and the knowledge you show on assessments (tests, exams, essays, reports, assignments, etc.) are your own. It also means when you use information or ideas that are not your own, you properly cite all references. There are six values of integrity, according to the International Center for Academic Integrity: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, responsibility, and courage. Check out The Fundamentals of Academic Integrity article which highlights the importance of academic integrity values and outlines how you can demonstrate them in your studies.

Read how the values of academic integrity relate to the Seven Grandfathers Teachings (PDF resource from the University of Toronto on the University of Waterloo’s website).

Integrity is important because the value of your degree, diploma, or certificate depends on “the legitimacy of the education these students earn. A degree is valueless without integrity” (University of Waterloo). What value is your program if anyone can cheat their way through it?

Matters of academic dishonesty are taken very seriously in postsecondary education, so it is important to understand what constitutes breaches in academic integrity. Breaches in academic integrity could result in disciplinary actions and interruptions to your studies. Each postsecondary institution will have some kind of academic integrity policy that students must adhere to. It is your responsibility to understand these expectations, so you should find that policy and read it to ensure you don’t inadvertently breach the policy. While each school’s policy will be slightly different most will include the following:

• a definition of academic integrity, dishonesty, plagiarism, etc.
• the expectations of students
• an explanation of the process if a student is suspected of academic dishonesty
• the associated penalties should the student be found guilty of academic dishonesty

Most students believe that academic dishonesty only includes copying text word-for-word or cheating off someone else’s work. While these are two examples of academic dishonesty, there are others that are also considered an infraction and may result in disciplinary action. Let’s take a look at some of them:

Activity

Please complete the following interactive module from York University to help deepen your understanding of academic integrity: What is Academic Integrity?

Academic Dishonesty Consequences

Should you be accused of academic dishonesty, your postsecondary institution will follow a procedure. It is important for you to know the specific process and consequences. Let’s look at some of the basic consequences.

1. Grade impacts: if you are found guilty of dishonesty, you will likely receive a zero on the assignment (at the very least). You may also receive a zero in the class or be kicked out of the program and/or school. This often is put on your permanent academic record and may impact any future acceptance into postsecondary education.
2. Research and legalities: if you are involved in a research project that includes any type of external grant, being found guilty of dishonesty not only impacts you, but also the entire research team. This could result in fines or even lawsuits against you or the postsecondary institution.
3. Incorrect credential: if you get away with academic dishonesty and are awarded the degree, diploma, or certificate you are enrolled in, you may end up in a job that you are not adequately prepared for or qualified to do. This can have very serious consequences for those you work with.
4. Social and personal: beyond any academic consequences, there are social and personal consequences. You may feel guilty like you have gone against your morals and your peers may look at you differently.

Typically, if you are suspected of academic dishonesty you will go through some combination of the following steps:

• 1st offence: The professor will speak to you and you may receive a formal written notice and you may receive a zero on the assignment
• 2nd offence: Zero on the assignment, formal written notice, meeting with the chair, dean, or principal
• 3rd offence: removed from the class, or possibly even the program, meeting with the chair, dean, or principal, discussion with the academic integrity committee

The specific consequences of your postsecondary institution will be included in the policy, so be sure to locate it and understand it. Even accidental plagiarism is punishable.

Please see Seneca’s Academic Integrity policy for more information.