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HOME > STUDENT JUDICIAL SERVICES > ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic Integrity

Academic misbehavior means any activity that tends to compromise the academic integrity of the institution or subvert the education process. All forms of academic misbehavior are prohibited at Wayne State University, as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct.

Students are expected to be honest and forthright in their academic studies. Students who commit or assist in committing dishonest acts are subject to downgrading and/or additional sanctions as described in the Student Code of Conduct. Faculty and students are responsible for knowing the different forms of academic dishonesty as well as for being aware of the Student Code of Conduct.

It is important that each of us share the responsibility for maintaining a reputable University committed to academic excellence. Faculty should encourage academic honesty among students by including a statement in the course syllabus and by discussing issues such as cheating and plagiarism. Similarly, students should protect themselves by thoroughly studying and preparing for tests and assignments and by discouraging dishonesty among other students.

Cheating
Intentionally using or attempting to use, or intentionally providing or attempting to provide, unauthorized materials, information or assistance in any academic exercise.

Examples:

• Copying from another student’s test paper.
• Allowing another student to copy from a test paper.
• Using unauthorized material such as a "cheat sheet" during an exam.

Fabrication
Intentional and unauthorized falsification of any information or citation.

Examples:

• Citation of information not taken from the source indicated.
• Listing sources in a bibliography not used in a research paper.

Plagiarism
To take and use another’s words or ideas as one’s own.

Examples:

• Failure to use appropriate referencing when using the words or ideas of other persons.
• Altering the language, paraphrasing, omitting, rearranging, or forming new combinations of words in an attempt to make the thoughts of another appear as your own.

Other
Other forms of academic misbehavior include, but are not limited to, the following acts:

• Unauthorized use of resources, or any attempt to limit another student’s access to educational resources, or any attempt to alter equipment so as to lead to an incorrect answer for subsequent users. Enlisting the assistance of a substitute in the taking of examinations;
• Violating course rules as defined in the course syllabus or other written information provided to the student;
• Selling, buying or stealing all or part of an un-administered test or answers to the test. Changing or altering a grade on a test or other academic grade records.

Q: What happens when a faculty member suspects that a student has committed a dishonest act?

A: When a faculty member has reason to suspect that academic misbehavior has occurred, he/she may adjust the grade downward for the test, the paper, the part or other course-related activity in question, or for the entire course.

Q: Can the student appeal the downgrading decision by the faculty?

A: YES. The student can appeal the action by filing a statement in writing with the department or unit head within ten school days of the oral note or postmarked written notice. NOTE: If the department head is the faculty, the appeal is to the dean. If the dean is the faculty, the appeal is to the provost.

Q: What should you do if you suspect wrongdoing?

A: Anyone can initiate charges against another individual or group believed to have committed academic misbehavior by writing and filing charges with the Student Conduct Officer.

If you know or suspect any individual or group of dishonesty please let someone know. The Student Conduct Officer, 577-1010, is responsible for directing and coordinating matters involving student discipline and is available to answer questions concerning the judicial procedure outlined in the Student Code of Conduct. The Office of the Ombudsperson, 577-3487, is also available to advise students at any stage in the proceedings.

Interim suspension: Whenever there is evidence that the continued presence of a student on University premises poses a substantial threat to that student or to others, or to the stability and continuance of normal University functions, the student my be suspended for an interim period pursuant to Section 7.0 of the Student Code of Conduct.

Q: What kinds of sanctions are there if a student is found guilty of academic misbehavior?

A: Students found in violation of committing, attempting or assisting to commit academic dishonesty may be subject to one or more of the following sanctions, in addition to the downgrading, depending on the seriousness of the violation:

DISCIPLINARY REPRIMAND
A formal notification to the student that his/her conduct has been unacceptable and a warning that another offense may result in a more serious sanction.

Disciplinary probation
A disciplinary status that does not interfere with the student’s rights to enroll and attend classes but that includes specified requirements or restrictions for a specific period of time as determined in the particular case.

Suspension
A denial of the privilege of continuing as a student anywhere within the University, and denial of all student rights and privileges for a specified period of time.

Expulsion
A permanent denial of the privilege of continuing or enrolling as a student anywhere within the University and permanent denial of all student rights and privileges.

Transcript disciplinary record
An entry onto the student’s transcript, permanently or for a specified period of time, indicating the violation and sanction imposed.

Other sanctions
Other sanctions may be imposed instead of or in addition to those specified above.

NOTE: The information contained on this page has been edited from the Student Code of Conduct and written in a condensed format. Anyone with specific questions regarding academic misbehavior should consult the source document at http://www.doso.wayne.edu/codeofconduct.pdf. If the provisions described on this page differ in any way from the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct, then the provisions of the Code shall prevail.

For additional information about the Student Code of Conduct, contact the Student Conduct Officer in the Dean of Students office, Room 351 Student Center, 577-1010.