"Adherence to moral and ethical principals; soundness of moral character; honesty"
Academic Integrity
Why Act with Integrity?
1. Respect, pride, and character
When you are acting with academic integrity, you are exhibiting pride in your work, as well as respect for your instructors, and fellow students. You are demonstrating that you are a persona of character who values knowledge and the process of learning.
Acting with integrity can be challenging, but there are benefits to using it in all aspects of your life. People with integrity are often role models for their peers and they act for the good of others and the world around them, not just themselves.
2. Credit where credit is due
Another person's ideas, theories, research, words, and creations are there intellectual property, and while it is important to engage with the ideas of others, there are many ways to acknowledge this in your academic work. Properly quoting, crediting, and citing sources is key to differentiating between your own ideas and someone else's.
3. Show what you know and can do
The purpose of any academic exercise is to help develop and evaluate your knowledge and skills in preparation for real world applications. Those who choose dishonesty deny themselves the chance to learn vital information and skills, damage others' opinion of them, and potentially impact their own future success.
Please note that at the university level, students can fail a course, or be expelled for academic misconduct, and have it noted on their official transcript. What university are you planning to go to? Check out their website to see what to expect.
What is Academic Integrity?
"The moral code of ethical policy of education, includes values such as avoidance of cheating and plagiarism, maintenance of academic standards, honesty, and rigour in research"
What is Academic Misconduct?
"Academic misconduct is any action or attempted action that may result in creating an unfair academic advantage for oneself or any other member(s) of the academic community"
What are the consequences of Academic Misconduct at Westwood?
- Parents/guardians will be notified and a conference with administration, parents/guardians, and the class teacher will be held
- The student will be required to complete a different assessment
- Staff have the right to refuse letters of reference to any student found guilty of academic misconduct.
Further Consequences
Repeated or more serious incidents will result in further consequences that may include:
- receiving a zero on the assessment
- an academic malpractice letter going into the student's file
- an in-school suspension
Examples of Academic Misconduct
Plagiarism
Using someone else's words, ideas, or creations without acknowledgement; passing off someone else's work as your own. This can include:
- Directly copying portions of text written by others into your own work
- Rewording, using, or explaining someone else's ideas
- Handing in work written by someone else as your own
Falsifying Information
Providing false information, data, or citations. This includes:
- Making up research or results
- Fabricating citations
Unauthorised or Excessive Collaboration
Copying others' work or letting them copy yours, dividing up an assignment when you do not have permission to do so. this includes:
- Copying assignments or homework
- Handing in the same assignment as someone else
- Dividing up assignments intended to be completed individually and swapping answers
Cheating
Using dishonest means to achieve an unfair advantage in an academic evaluation. This includes:
- "Wandering Eyes" during an exam
- Taking and/or sharing photos of assessments
- Use of unauthorised electronic devices during assessments
- Stealing tests
- Memorizing answer keys
- Entering test questions or formulas into calculators
- Faking 'clearing' your calculator before an assessment
These are general examples, but academic misconduct can look different depending on the subject. If you are ever in doubt if something is ok, ask your teacher