Academic Integrity Guide: What Students Must Know

Academic integrity is the foundation of college. Understanding what it means and how to maintain it is essential for every student.

What is Academic Integrity?

Academic integrity means submitting work that is your own, properly crediting sources, and maintaining honesty in all academic activities.

Plagiarism: Using others' words or ideas without attribution

Cheating: Using unauthorized materials on exams

Fabrication: Making up data or sources

Collaboration: Working with others when told to work alone

Self-plagiarism: Submitting same work for multiple classes

Academic integrity violations have serious consequences:

Grade penalties (zero on assignment, F in course)

Academic probation or dismissal

Permanent record that affects graduate school/jobs

Loss of student financial aid

Damaged academic reputation

Read your school's academic integrity policy

Ask your professor if unclear about expectations

Always cite your sources

Submit original work

Know when collaboration is allowed vs prohibited

Talk to your professor. Most educators appreciate students who ask about appropriate behavior more than those who guess wrong.