Honor Code and Academic Integrity

The Honor Code is a formal process governing student conduct at Stratford University. It governs conduct directly related to academic life of the University and is in effect during all phases of a student’s academic career. The policy is applicable to any academically related experience involving University students whether occurring on-campus, in a distance learning environment, or at host institutions or sites. Honor Code violations may occur on an exam, test, quiz, laboratory, out of class assignment, during online work, or on any other work submitted by a student to fulfill course requirements and is not presented as solely the work of the student. Soliciting the assistance of another to commit an act of academic dishonesty or intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty are also Honor Code violations.

When a student is found responsible for a first violation, the faculty member makes the final decision about a grade-related sanction using the ranges outlined below. Additional sanctions, including dismissal from the University, may be recommended by the faculty member, but must be approved by the campus president. Any second violation, proven or admitted, results in failure of the course and may include dismissal from the University. All recommendations for dismissal by faculty after a second offense must be reviewed and approved by the campus president. In order to help students learn from their experiences, remedial activities may be assigned in addition to sanctions, particularly for first violations. These activities may be chosen by the faculty member who may also choose to include such assignments in the course grade.

Cheating

The use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in any academic exercise is considered cheating. This may include, but is not limited to, unauthorized copying from the work of another student, using notes or other unauthorized materials during an exam, giving or receiving information or assistance on work when it is expected a student will do individual work, or engaging in any similar act that violates the concept of academic integrity.

Plagiarism

Presenting the work of another as one’s own in any academic exercise is considered plagiarism. This can occur on any paper, report, or other work submitted to fulfill course requirements or as part of an educational activity. This includes submitting work done by another, whether a commercial or non-commercial enterprise, including websites, as one’s own work. Plagiarism can also be a misrepresentation caused by failure to document sources accurately, thoroughly, and appropriately; the use of information or phrasing from any source not cited or included in the bibliography and references; or submitting as one’s own work done by, copied from, or purchased from another.

Falsification

The invention or alteration of information or citation in an academic exercise is considered falsification. This includes knowingly reporting data, research, or reports as different from what actually occurred; falsely reporting attendance or participation in class, practicum, internship, or other types of field work experience; or submission of falsified excuses for tardiness or absences in such experiences. Falsification also includes submitting work to meet the requirements of one course when it was done in whole or in part to meet the requirements of another course, unless special permission has been granted from the faculty members involved. Exceptions to this provision must be given prior approval by the faculty member to whom the work is to be submitted. The recommended penalties for a first violation are at a minimum failure of the assignment or exam and the maximum is dismissal from the course for the term.

First Violation

A faculty member who believes a violation has occurred must contact the designated department representative to determine whether a prior violation was committed by the student. If the alleged violation of the Honor Code is a first violation, it may be resolved through a faculty-student joint conference or by requesting an Academic Integrity Review to determine the accuracy of the allegations and assign appropriate penalties, if warranted. The joint conference is to be held at a time acceptable to both parties. The faculty member informs the student of the details of the suspected violation and the reasons for believing it has occurred. The faculty member is under no obligation to disclose third-party individuals at this time. The minimum penalty for a first violation may be failure of the assignment and the maximum is failure of the course. The faculty works alongside the student to make this a learning opportunity. The student learns why their work is considered plagiarized and how to tie to other work or paraphrase. The assignment is returned, retaken, or a zero is given on the assignment. The faculty denotes the incident in the student’s record. The minimum penalty for a first violation may be failure of the assignment and required completion of antiplagiarism training.

Second Violation

If a student has been found to have committed an Honor Code violation at any time during enrollment at the University, any subsequent violation is considered as a second violation. Thus, a violation committed by a graduate student who also committed a violation as a Stratford undergraduate would be classified as a second violation. If the alleged violation of the Honor Code is a second violation, a joint conference may be held to determine whether the allegation has merit. An Academic Integrity Review by the campus president is conducted regarding all alleged second violations in addition to or in replace of the joint conference. All proven second violations of the Honor Code result in failure of the course and dismissal for the term. These decisions must be approved by the campus president, who is the only individual that may recommend alternative actions. A second issue with plagiarism results in a more in depth learning session held with the faculty, student, and campus librarian. Students may be required to repeat the online modules on avoiding plagiarism and APA.

Third Violation

The campus president and designated program representative are notified and the offense is noted in the student’s record. A student accused of an Honor Code violation may withdraw from the course in which the offense is alleged to have occurred only if the proposed penalty is less severe than failure of the course, dismissal for the term, or from the University. In all other situations, the student cannot withdraw. A record of a proven violation is kept even if a student is able to withdraw.

Withdrawal from a Course after an Alleged Violation

A student accused of an Honor Code violation may withdraw from the course in which the offense is alleged to have occurred only if the proposed penalty is less severe than failure of the course, dismissal for the term, or from the University. In all other situations, the student cannot withdraw. A record of a proven violation is kept even if a student is able to withdraw.

Academic Integrity Review by the Campus President

An Academic Integrity Review is conducted if the student does not admit responsibility for the violation, disagrees with the penalty assessed, or prefers not to enter into the joint conference with the faculty member. In addition, a faculty member not wishing to hold a faculty-student joint conference can request an Academic Integrity Review with the campus president. If the alleged violation is a second violation, an Academic Integrity Review must be held. The campus president either upholds faculty decisions or recommends an alternate grade-related penalty to the faculty member, who retains final discretion in assigning the grade if the student is found responsible. The campus president may assign additional educational activities to the grade-related penalty assigned by the faculty member.