Academic integrity

Expectations around academic integrity may be different from one course to another. In one course, learning outcomes as well as teaching and assessment methods may mean that students are encouraged to use artificial intelligence, to collaborate with peers on an assignment, or to consult certain websites in completing an evaluation. In another course, some or all these activities might be forbidden, and constitute misconduct.

When expectations are unclear, students must seek clarification from their professor. It is always the student’s responsibility to understand what working with integrity means, within each course, for every activity they are being asked to complete.

Academic misconduct is not limited to a pre-planned decision to cheat. Perhaps more often, academic misconduct happens when students feel under pressure and make bad choices that they later regret.

No matter how much pressure you are facing, there is always a better choice than academic misconduct. For example, if you do not have time to finish an assignment, consider asking your professor for an extension. Even if an extension is refused, it is better to accept a lower grade on that evaluation, than to jeopardize your overall academic standing by, for example, taking shortcuts and submitting a paper with improperly cited quotations and references.

Academic misconduct is any act by a student that may result in a distorted academic assessment for that student or another student. Resolution of academic misconduct is governed by Academic Regulation A4. Students must be familiar with this regulation.

Receiving an allegation of misconduct can be distressing. Students sometimes panic and assume that being found guilty of misconduct will result in suspension from their program or expulsion from the University. Such outcomes are extremely rare.

Regardless of whether the situation resolves via the pedagogical approach, the accelerated approach, or appearance before an inquiry committee, the Faculty’s goal in resolving the situation is to provide the student with an opportunity to learn from their mistakes, and for them to continue their studies with integrity.

Taking accountability for misconduct, whether intentional or accidental, will typically influence the Faculty’s decision about what sanctions are appropriate. If you are experiencing distress related to an allegation of misconduct, immediate wellness support is available.

Consult this link to read more about how to use artificial intelligence with academic integrity at the Faculty of Health Sciences.