Academic Integrity

Overview

Texas A&M University–Central Texas expects its students and faculty to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative community. Students’ responsibilities include, but are not limited to, maintaining integrity in their own academic work; reporting incidents of academic dishonesty to the faculty member involved; learning about the general principles of academic integrity as well as those that pertain to particular disciplines and courses; and promoting academic integrity.

Documents

• Code of Academic Honesty
• Academic Appeals

What is Academic Integrity?

At A&M–Central Texas we are committed to academic excellence. Academic integrity is defined by the commitment of our students, faculty, and staff to the values of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility (The Center for Academic Integrity, 1999).

What It Isn’t…

Academic dishonesty is defined as cheating, plagiarism, and collusion. For specific definition of each, refer to the Code of Academic Honesty to the right.

• Plagiarism is… taking another person’s work without giving appropriate credit.
• Cheating is… intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials or technological devices in any academic work. Cheating may also include anything or anyone that gives students assistance without prior approval by your instructor.
• Collusion is… unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing written work in any academic setting.

Ways to Uphold Academic Integrity

1. Just because your instructor didn’t say something was prohibited, doesn’t mean you can do it. Our expectations are that students come prepared with an understanding of academic integrity basics. For example:
   • You are always required to cite your sources
   • You must complete your work independently (unless you are told you can work as part of a group). Collaboration is great and so are study groups; however, unless allowed by your instructor, you must turn in independent work
2. Understand what the different types of academic misconduct are. Every student should know what the differences are between plagiarism, cheating, and collusion. Students should also know the rest of the Code of Academic Integrity.
3. Don’t wait until the last minute to do an assignment. Many times students will feel a sense of desperation when a deadline is looming and they have yet to complete the assignment.
4. Communicate with your instructor. We are here to support students and help guide you through your education. We cannot help if you don’t communicate.
5. Don’t turn in already graded assignments from other classes. Yes, you can plagiarize yourself!
6. Use only the materials or sources your instructor approves

Maintaining Your Academic Integrity in Online Learning

Chances are, this is not the semester you pictured, but our responsibility for academic integrity and commitment to an ethical academic environment has not. Students must continue to observe institutional rules, treat all exams and assignments as if you were in-person to complete them, and maintain the highest standards of academic integrity. If you need to meet with Student Conduct staff, meetings are available using GoToMeeting, Webex, Zoom, and/or over the phone. If you have any questions, please email Student Conduct.

Academic Integrity and Conduct Concerns for Online Learning

Decorum in the Online Classroom

Many of our classes are operating online or are utilizing tools including Canvas, Webex, and Zoom. Each platform has helpful features and you should use them as though you were sitting in class next to your instructor. Misuse of Webex and disruptions of the online classroom will be treated just as if you disrupted a physical classroom. Some things to be aware of that could help you avoid a Student Rules violation:

• Follow any instructor directives on how to use the platform. If you are unsure, ask.
• Log into Webex using your Warrior ID and password, which is likely a requirement to start Webex.
• If you use a virtual background, use something that everyone would feel comfortable seeing. The simpler, the better.
• Only enter classes you are enrolled in.
• Do not share your screen unless told to.
• Stay muted with your video off unless otherwise requested to turn your video on.
• Do no use the chat function in Webex unless otherwise told. Even the “send privately” option is viewable.
• When participating, treat your participation as if it were in person.

Academic Integrity in the Online Classroom

The Code of Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct apply during online instruction. You are expected to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity in the online learning environment. Here are some tips, tricks, and suggestions to help you maintain a strong commitment to academic integrity while online:

Awareness

• Review your responsibilities in the Code of Academic Integrity and Code of Student Conduct.
• (Re)read your course syllabi. Familiarize yourself with any updates your instructors send out.
• Follow all directions from your instructors on how the online classroom is to function. If you are unsure what they mean, or if something is ambiguous, ask them for clarification. It is your responsibility to find out more about something you do not understand.
• Many online resources can track your access into their systems. Don’t assume your instructors are not aware of potential academic misconduct because students aren’t on campus.

Communication

• Ask your instructors for any clarification you need and don’t rely on your peers. Your classmates might not have the right answers.
• Use caution with group messaging apps. They can be helpful studying resources, but it is easy to cross the line into academic dishonesty. It is your responsibility to monitor what is going on in any group chats you are a part of. If you are concerned prohibited material is being shared (example: exam answers), remove yourself from the group/chat and let your instructor know of your concerns immediately. If you are unsure what is prohibited, ask your instructor.
• Don’t copy or distribute course material unless you have explicit permission.

Classwork and Exams

• Assume all work is to be done individually unless you are given specific permission by your instructor.
• If an instructor places an assignment on Canvas and requires any exam security software (example: Proctorio), follow all instructions as to its use. Prepare in advance and try the software in advance.
• During an exam or timed assignment, presume you need to be alone with no notes or other resources available to you unless other instructions are given. If you are unsure, ask your instructor.
• Ensure all work is your and is original to you.

Be Proactive

One of the best ways to avoid academic dishonesty is to manage your time and study habits. Student Success is a great resource for your success and can help you find ways of adapting your study habits to the online classroom.

If You Are Suspected of a Student Rules Violation

The student conduct process prioritizes due process. You will receive instructions through email from your instructor or Student Conduct staff. Keep any documents, emails, chats, or other evidence that could help you if you believe the allegation is in error. Your instructor and/or Student Conduct staff will meet with you to hear your narrative and review your evidence. They will also fully explain the conduct process and student rights.

Student Conduct Resources

• Academic Integrity
• Citing Sources
• Plagiarism, Paraphrasing, Quoting, Copyright, and Fair Use Guidelines
• Check your own work for plagiarism concerns
• Online tutorial on ensuring originality of your work
• How to Recognize Plagiarism
• Avoiding Plagiarism

Faculty Resources

Texas A&M University–Central Texas expects its students and faculty to maintain high standards of personal and scholarly conduct to preserve the honor and integrity of the creative community. If a faculty member or instructor suspects that a student has violated the Code of Academic Integrity, a report should be made to the Office of Student Conduct. Reporting an alleged violation of the Code of Academic Integrity allows us to track for repeat violations. It is possible that if a student violated the Code of Academic Integrity in your class, that the student has done it in another class.

Downloads

• Ten Principles of Academic Integrity
• Recommended Syllabus Statement

Evidence and Level of Proof

The standard of proof that A&M University – Central Texas uses is a “preponderance of the evidence” or 51%. It is not sufficient to say that you are “certain” a violation occurred, but are not able to provide any proof.

Evidence can be any of the following:

• Copies of the coursework involved
• Turnitin.com reports
• The syllabus for the class: Each instructor should include the academic integrity statement in the syllabus at the beginning of each class
• Email or other forms of written communication between the student and the instructor

If you have any questions what constitutes evidence or about the process, please contact us.

Student Affairs Resources

Health and Wellness Reports

• 2016 Biennial Alcohol and Other Drug Review
• 2014 Biennial Alcohol and Other Drug Review
• 2012 Biennial Alcohol and Other Drug Review