Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity Introduction

Academic integrity is “the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner” which includes “a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception.” (see Senate policy 49-20).

Senate Policy 43-00 requires course instructors to provide students with a course syllabus that includes the academic integrity policy for the course and provides a recommended syllabus statement. Educators can find customizable language around student’s use of AI in the ‘Faculty Resources’ section of the University’s Academic Integrity Resources page, and both students and educators can find helpful academic integrity resources, including FAQS, on this webpage.

When an educator believes, for reasons beyond mere suspicion, that a student has attempted to violate or has violated a course academic integrity policy or assessment instruction in a way that (would have) affected the quality of the academic work, then they should submit an academic integrity claim. Educators are strongly encouraged to make reasonable attempts to discuss the situation with the student before they submit.

Because academic integrity information may become part of a student's academic record and conduct record, educators should strive to keep such information confidential. Those with questions or educators seeking consultation may consult with their Academic Integrity Contact Person (follow the ‘Contacts’ link located near the top left corner of the page). Educators seeking consultation from administrators or colleagues should take care to protect the identities of those who are allegedly involved.

Academic Integrity Process

When a faculty member believes that a student has engaged in behavior constituting an academic integrity violation as outlined in Policy G-9, they should engage in the process outlined by that policy, and summarized below:

1. Meet with the student to discuss your concerns, taking into account the confidential nature of the information and the goal of maintaining an environment that supports teaching and learning.
2. If, following that meeting, you still have evidence to suggest academic misconduct has occurred, submit an academic integrity claim using the Academic Integrity Portal.
3. Once the academic integrity claim has been submitted, the student will have an opportunity to accept or contest the claim. All claims are reviewed by at least one member of the Academic Integrity Committee prior to completion. If a student contests the claim, you and the student will have an opportunity to submit written responses and additional information for the academic integrity committee to review.
4. Contested claims will be decided on by either document review or a committee hearing. In a document review, the committee will review all documentation and written responses submitted by the student and instructor. In a committee hearing, the student will meet with at least 1 member of the Academic Integrity Committee via Zoom to present their case. All committee members will review the case documents and will issue a collective decision. If more information is needed from the instructor during this review, they will be contacted by the Committee.
5. Once the Committee has reviewed the claim and come to a decision, the instructor will be notified of the final decision and instructed to implement the approved sanctions.

If at any point during the review process, the student or instructor fails to respond to a request by the Committee Contact Person within five (5) business days, the Committee will move forward with the review process assuming no contest or addition to the existing materials.

Academic Integrity Committee

Academic Integrity Committee members are selected by the Dean and serve two-year long terms. For a list of the current Academic Integrity Committee Members, please visit the College of IST Faculty and Staff Committee Assignments.

Questions? Contact us.

Below is the current Academic Integrity Contact Person