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Defining Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is broadly defined as any prohibited and dishonest means to receive course credit, a higher grade, or avoid a lower grade.

Academic misconduct misrepresents your knowledge and abilities, which undermines the instructor's ability to determine how well you're doing in the course.

Instructors have the authority to define academic integrity in their classes, because the expectations for academic conduct are tied directly to the objectives of the class. So there will be different rules and expectations for every class, and maybe every assignment in the same class!

However, you can generally assume the following rules apply unless the instructor tells you otherwise:

  • Complete all academic assignments by yourself.
  • Don't use aids during an exam.
  • Acknowledge and cite source material in your papers or assignments.
  • Don't alter a graded exam and submit for regrade.
  • Don't copy another student's assignment, in part or in total, and submit it as your own work.

If you're unsure about how to complete an academic assignment with integrity, talk to your instructor or teaching assistant.

Learn more:

Questions?

Contact the Academic Integrity Office, (858) 822-2163.