What Is Academic Integrity Really?

Here is an article from Kim Dares, News Editor at the Journal. This article was originally published November 19th, 2008. Hopefully I cited this article about plagiarism correctly...haha

By Kimberley Dares

So chances are if you have picked up a recent issue of The Journal and bothered to even skim the perspectives page you would have seen something about academic honesty and integrity. Sure it seems like a fairly cut and dry subject, but is it really? Could it be more mysterious than you think? Probably not, but in case you were curious or need a little reminder, prepare to be educated in Academic Integrity 101.
First off, the big scary word: Plagiarism. Every semester Prof’s start class with a lecture on not to do it (at least in Arts classes), or at least point you to the page in the student handbook. Basically what it tells you is to cite everything, and trust your instincts. Don’t copy word for word, there is enough technology available that you will get caught, paraphrasing and/or summarizing is the same as copying if you don’t cite the original work. Other more obvious examples of plagiarism are, buying a term paper online, or from a classmate, or handing in the same assignment to all your Professors. If you are unsure how to properly write citations talk to your Prof, or head to the library or Writing Centre (Burke Building) where there will be lots of resources available to help you out.
Next on the docket: Cheating. Just don’t do it. If you are unsure what cheating is, maybe you should ask the person peering over your shoulder right now. Cheating is defined by the University as “attempting to secure a grade by unethical means”, also if you help your best friend cheat you could go down in flames right along with them. If you pretend to be someone else during an exam, or send someone else to write your exam, you are a cheater. If you slide your exam to the corner of your desk to let someone else get a peek you are a cheater, if you peek you are again, a cheater. Notice a pattern yet? One thing worth noting however, if you and your classmates do an individual assignment as a group (ie. Sharing answers to problems you were supposed to answer individually) the University could find grounds to call you a cheater. Sure group work is encouraged in many classes but if your Prof has specified that an assignment be done individually you should be wary of the consequences for sharing answers.
Another No-No: Falsification. If you lie about an illness, or make up sources for your research paper you could find yourself in hot water. Worse though is the falsification of personal information on admission forms or any other university documentation, including hiding the fact you attended another university before applying to SMU. The old adage “Fake it until you make it” is also a bad idea on your resume, pretending to know French will catch up with you.
The last major offense against Academic Integrity is tampering with university resources. These include library books, computers and programs as well as any official records.
What happens if you are found guilty of academic dishonesty? It depends, on the offense of course. If it is your first offense, if you can prove it was an accident or are genuinely apologetic the penalty will reflect that. The more serious the offense the more serious the penalty, ranging from repeating an assignment, a failing grade, expulsion, loss of scholarships or removal from the Dean’s list.
To ensure your academic integrity is upheld be honest. Don’t lie, don’t copy and don’t cheat. If you can follow these guidelines, the university will have no reason to question you.
For a more serious look at Academic Integrity, consult your handbook.