Academic Integrity
Academic integrity demands responsible use of the work of other scholars. It is compromised by such practices as plagiarism and cheating.
Cheating is the copying or the use of unauthorized aids or the intentional falsification or invention of information in any academic exercise or the presentation of a single work in more than one course without the permission of the instructors involved.
Plagiarism is the act of presenting the ideas or words of another as one's own. While it may be argued that few ideas are original, instructors expect students to acknowledge the sources of ideas and expressions that they use in essays. To represent them as self-created is dishonest and academically reprehensible.
One may quote or paraphrase other writers if they have stated an idea strikingly, as evidence to support one's arguments or conclusions, or as a point against which to argue, but such borrowing should be used sparingly and always indicated in a footnote. The aim of scholarship is to develop one's own ideas and research and only by trying to develop one's own thoughts and arguments will one mature academically.
To provide adequate documentation is not only an indication of academic honesty, but also a courtesy enabling the instructor to consult sources with ease. Failure to do so constitutes plagiarism.
Furthermore, a student who knowingly helps another to commit an act of academic dishonesty is equally guilty. A student who is uncertain whether or not a course of action might constitute plagiarism or cheating should seek in advance the advice of the instructor involved. Penalties are levied in relation to the degree of infraction of academic honesty. They range from requiring the student to re-do the piece of work, through failure on that piece of work, to failure in the course, and to dismissal from the University.
Procedures concerning infractions of academic integrity
Faculty members, following consultation with their director/head and dean, and the student involved, shall attempt to determine the personal responsibility of the student and impose any penalties where appropriate.
If the matter cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of both parties involved in the initial step, then the issue shall be referred to the Vice-President (Academic) who shall inform the student of his/her decision as to the student's personal responsibility.; If the student is found culpable, or admits culpability, then the Vice-President (Academic) shall inform the student of the penalty imposed.
A student has the right to appeal the decision of the Vice-President (Academic) to the Senate Committee on Academic Discipline. Students have the right to have legal counsel when appearing before Senate Committee on Academic Discipline
Computing Services publishes policies for the use of university computer facilities, both hardware and software. Violation of these policies, or other abuse of university computer facilities, will be dealt with in the same manner of other forms of cheating or as a non-academic offence. Some violations may also lead to criminal prosecution. It is the students' responsibility to familiarize themselves with the Computing Services policies.
Note: The Registrar maintains a list of students who have been penalized for plagiarism. If you discover a case of plagiarism, you should check with the Registrar to see whether this student has been involved in a previous incident, as this knowledge may affect your decision on the severity of the penalty.
Procedures on complaints in other academic matters
The complainant should first attempt to resolve the matter with the instructor. If it cannot be so resolved, the complaint, preferable in writing, must be presented to the appropriate head of department or director of the school who will conduct an investigation and attempt a resolution. If the matter cannot be settled by the head/director, it shall be referred to the appropriate dean of faculty. Any complainant may at any time have the assistance of the academic commissioner of the Students' Union.
