Student Handbook

Academic violation is any act, or attempt, which gives an unfair advantage to the student. Academic violation includes, but is not limited to: 

Abuse or Misuse of Academic Resources and Unauthorized Access. Students may not misuse University technology, electronic resources, or other academic materials, or gain unauthorized access to information, systems, or resources for the purpose of obtaining or attempting to obtain an unfair academic advantage. 

Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Accessing, attempting to access, or sharing examinations, answer keys, assignments, grades, or other academic materials without authorization. 
• Using another person's account, credentials, or identity to access academic information or complete academic work. 
• Accessing or attempting to access course materials, online learning platforms, or University systems without permission. 
• Altering, deleting, or interfering with academic records, electronic files, or course materials without authorization. 
• Misusing University technology or electronic resources to facilitate or conceal an academic integrity violation. 

Academic Misconduct in Group Assignments. Students are individually responsible for maintaining academic integrity in group projects and collaborative assignments. Each student is expected to contribute honestly, understand the work being submitted on behalf of the group, and ensure that their contributions comply with the University's academic integrity standards. 

When academic misconduct occurs in a group assignment, responsibility may extend to all group members if they participated in, knew of, or reasonably should have known of the misconduct. Students are encouraged to clearly document individual contributions and promptly report suspected academic misconduct to the instructor or the appropriate University official.

Bribery. Offering, giving, soliciting, or accepting money, gifts, favors, or anything of value in exchange for a grade, academic credit, or assistance in committing an academic integrity violation.

Cheating. Cheating is any act of deception or dishonesty in which a student uses, attempts to use, or acquires unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids, or other devices (including artificial intelligence) or materials in any academic coursework completed in whole or in part.   

Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Copying or attempting to copy another student's work during an exam, or any other academic exercise including but not limited to discussion posts, papers, quiz, clinical notes, reports, lab assignments.
• Using or possessing unauthorized notes, materials, devices, or electronic resources during an examination or other graded activity. 
• Using generative AI or other technology in a manner that is not authorized by the instructor or course requirements. 
• Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance on an examination, quiz, assignment, or other academic exercise. 
• Having another person complete or attempt to complete an examination or graded activity on the student's behalf. 
• Falsifying, fabricating, altering, or misrepresenting research, laboratory results, data, records, or other academic information. 
• Altering or resubmitting graded work for re-evaluation without the instructor's knowledge or permission. 
• Signing another student's name on attendance records or academic documents. 
• Obtaining, possessing, sharing, buying, selling, or using an examination, assignment, or answer key without authorization before or during its administration. 
• Assisting or attempting to assist another person in committing an academic integrity violation. 
• Posting or sharing an instructor's assignment, examination, or assessment to obtain completed answers from another person or online service. 
• Requesting or obtaining exact answers to assigned questions through tutoring services, homework websites, social media, online forums, or other unauthorized sources. 
• Submitting responses created by another person or unauthorized technology as the student's own work. 
• Using anonymous accounts or other methods to conceal participation in unauthorized academic assistance or contract cheating services. 

Collusion. Unauthorized collaboration with one or more individuals on academic work when independent work is required or when the collaboration results in an unfair academic advantage.  

Flagrant Academic Violation.  A serious or repeated violation of the University's academic integrity standards that demonstrates a significant disregard for academic honesty. 

Lying. Knowingly making false statements or providing false information in connection with an academic matter, including academic submissions, investigations, or proceedings. 

Plagiarism. Plagiarism is presenting another person's words, ideas, data, creative work, or intellectual property as one's own without appropriate acknowledgment or authorization. 

Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Copying or paraphrasing another person, organization, online service or other unauthorized resource without proper citation or attribution. 
• Presenting another person's ideas, research, or creative work as one's own. 
• Purchasing, borrowing, receiving, or otherwise obtaining work created by another person and presenting it as one's own. 
• Submitting the same or substantially similar work for credit in more than one course without prior permission from the instructor(s). 

Violation of College, Program, Departmental, or Course Rules. Students are responsible for complying with all academic rules, requirements, and expectations established by their college, academic program, department, instructor, or course syllabus. Failure to comply with these requirements may constitute an academic integrity violation when the rules are consistent with University policies. 

Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Violating course-specific requirements for completing or submitting academic work. 
• Failing to follow published examination or assignment instructions. 
• Using materials, technology, or resources prohibited by the instructor. 
• Violating academic standards or professional requirements established by a college, department, or academic program. 

Violation of Research Integrity Standards. Students participating in research, scholarships, creative activities, or other academic inquiries are expected to conduct themselves honestly, ethically, and responsibly. Students engaged in research must comply with all applicable University rules, federal and state laws, sponsor requirements, and ethical standards governing research and scholarship. 

Examples include, but are not limited to: 

• Falsifying, fabricating, or misrepresenting research data or results. 
• Failing to obtain required approvals or comply with established research protocols. 
• Violating standards for responsible conduct in research, authorship, or publication. 
• Failing to comply with University policies governing research and scholarly activities.