Home > Policies > Procedures Manual > Academic > 02-028 Academic Integrity Policy

02-028 Academic Integrity Policy

The instructor may impose a penalty upon a student evidencing prohibited academic behavior. In those instances where cheating, plagiarism, and/or alteration of academic documents are proven, a student may be subject to a grade of “F” for the specific assignment and/or course. Similarly, a student may be dismissed from a course with a grade of “F” as a consequence of intentional disruption, obstruction, or comparable class misconduct. These consequences should be included in the class syllabus. Repeated violations of this policy may result in suspension from the College.

The State University of New York at Canton is an institution of higher learning where faculty, staff, and students work together to provide a hands-on educational environment where academic excellence is embraced and the highest standards of academic integrity are practiced.

I. SCOPE

• Students
• Faculty
• Dean of Students/Conduct Officers
• Academic affairs division
• Student affairs division

WHO SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH THIS POLICY

• Students
• Faculty
• Dean of Students/Conduct Officers
• Academic deans
• Department chairs
• College administration
• Staff (including coaches, advising professionals, library staff)

II. POLICY STATEMENT

The State University of New York at Canton is dedicated to holding its academic community to the highest standards of academic integrity. We believe that in order for students to have successful careers in their chosen fields, they must master their own course work and not imitate or copy human or computer-generated content and claim it as their own. Academic integrity is essential to the success of the College’s educational mission, and violations of this policy are considered a serious matter.

Students are therefore expected to comply with all academic integrity standards described in the SUNY Canton Code of Student Conduct, Rights, and Responsibilities which can be found in the Student Handbook. These standards include, but are not limited to, issues such as cheating and plagiarism. Breaches of our academic integrity standards will result in a variety of penalties depending on the severity of the problem.

The academic integrity policy was created to:

• Establish the College’s set of rules and principles governing academic integrity;
• Ensure that faculty and students are aware of and understand their responsibilities with respect to academic integrity; and
• Ensure that there is a clear framework with respect to the processes and procedure for investigation and resolution of charges emanating from breaches of the academic integrity

*Adapted from: Fashion Institute of Technology: Academic Honor Code, Policy AA007 and Westchester University: Office of the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Academic Integrity.

III. POLICY

STUDENT RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Student rights relative to the educational experience include:

• Academic pursuits: Students have the right to accurate and plainly stated information regarding maintenance of acceptable academic standing, graduation requirements, and understanding individual course objectives and requirements. Students can expect instruction from competent instructors and reasonable access to those instructors. Students have the right to a productive learning environment and bear the responsibility to attend class and know their academic requirements.
• Quality environment: Students have the right to expect a safe environment supportive of the College’s mission and their own educational goals. Students have the responsibility to protect and maintain that environment and to protect themselves from all hazards to the extent that reasonable behavior and precaution can avoid risk.
• Due process: Students have the right to due process before and after formal disciplinary sanctions are imposed by the College for violations of the Code of Student Conduct – as provided in the published procedures of this Code or other official College publications. No change in the status of any student shall occur for disciplinary reasons until after the student has been given notice of, and opportunity for, a formal hearing – except instances in which the student’s conduct constitutes a threat to persons or property as deemed by the Office of the Dean of Students, President of the College, University Police, or a combination therein.

Student responsibilities relative to the educational experience include:

• Demonstrate academic honesty: Students must avoid dishonest practice, including plagiarism and cheating, and other forms of academic misconduct. Examples of academic dishonesty might include misuse of software, data, equipment, or networks, or any act that compromises academic integrity.
• Know policies and expectations: It is each student’s responsibility to be familiar with College regulations and to abide by them. The complete guidelines for academic and social conduct for all students attending the College are found in the SUNY Canton Student Handbook and also located in hard copy within the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Report academic integrity violations: Dishonest actions, by even one individual, erode the very foundation of SUNY Canton’s integrity as an institution. All members of the SUNY Canton community must take action when the College’s collective honor is threatened or compromised. Violations of academic integrity can be reported directly to instructors, department chairs, the academic dean, or the Office of the Dean of Students, who will then determine the validity of the claim and report to the Provost.

Adapted from: The College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Academic Integrity at ESF Policy

 

FACULTY RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Faculty rights relative to the educational experience include:

• Quality environment: Faculty members have the right to a productive teaching and learning environment. Faculty members have the right to expect a safe environment supportive of the College’s mission and their own scholarly goals.
• Clear expectations: Faculty members have the right to clear articulation of their role in promoting academic integrity.
• Support and assistance: Faculty members have the right to obtain support and assistance from the administration as they endeavor to facilitate an educational environment characterized by academic integrity.
• Respect: Faculty members have the right to be treated with respect by students and to expect appropriate behavior from them.

Faculty responsibilities relative to the educational experience include:

• Affirm the importance of academic integrity: Faculty must demonstrate academic integrity and avoid dishonest practice, including plagiarism, cheating, and other forms of academic conduct. Also, faculty have the responsibility to make clear, in words and actions, that as an institution of higher learning, SUNY Canton is committed to the pursuit of truth. This pursuit is grounded in core values of integrity and honesty which faculty members must address and model with students.
• Clarify expectations of students: The primary responsibility of designing and delivering the SUNY Canton educational experience rests with the faculty. Expectations about honesty in academic work must be communicated clearly and early. Faculty are expected to include a statement about academic integrity in syllabi and review in class.
• Know policies and expectations: Faculty are expected to be familiar with College regulations. The complete guidelines for academic and social conduct for all students attending the College are found in the SUNY Canton Handbook, which is available on the College website at: https://www.canton.edu/student-handbook and in hard copy within the Office of the Dean of Students.
• Monitor student behavior: Faculty members are expected to monitor student behavior and, in a timely fashion, address concerns about behavior that might be considered dishonest or inappropriate. The Office of the Dean of Student is a resource for dealing with student behavioral issues as warranted.
• Report academic integrity violations: Dishonest actions, by even one individual, erode the very foundation of SUNY Canton’s integrity as an institution. All members of the SUNY Canton community must take action when the College’s collective honor is threatened or compromised. Faculty members who ignore violations or academic integrity send the message that the values of academia are not important. Violations of academic integrity should be reported to the faculty member’s department chair, academic dean, and the Office of the Provost.

Adapted from: The College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Academic Integrity at ESF Policy

IV. DEFINITIONS

DEFINITIONS OF ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

1. Plagiarism: Presenting as one's own words, ideas, or products of another source without providing a standard form of documentation, such as footnotes, endnotes, or bibliographic
2. Fabricating facts, statistics, or other forms of evidence in papers, laboratory experiments, or other assignments.
3. Presenting someone else's paper, computer work or computer-generated content, or other material as one's own
4. Deliberately unacknowledged or unapproved use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to complete one’s coursework or presenting work created by generative AI as one’s own work. Generative AI refers to any artificial intelligence applications that produce human-like content including, but not limited to text, images, audio, video, any other data and information, or are used to solve mathematical or logical problems. 
5. Writing, or attempting to write, examination responses, paper assignments, graded computer work, other graded material for another student, or allowing someone else to take one’s examination.
6. Buying and/or selling examinations: Possession of examinations or answers to examinations without permission of the instructor.
7. Looking onto another's paper, using cheat sheets, mobile devices, online resources, generative AI, or interacting with someone other than the instructor or proctor during an examination, unless allowed by the instructor.
8. Failing to follow the rules of conduct for taking an examination or
9. Presenting work for which credit has been received or will be received in another course without the consent of the instructor(s).
10. Forging of official college documents, grade sheets, change of grade forms, transcripts, and the like.
11. Facilitating Academic Dishonesty: If you allow another individual to cheat, you too are guilty of academic dishonesty. Students facilitate academic dishonesty when they allow another student to copy an assignment that was given as individual work, when they allow another to copy exam answers, when they take exams or complete assignments for another student, or when they provide their completed work to another in order for that student to submit the work as their own.

Adapted from: SUNY Brockport: The Policy on Student Academic Dishonesty and The College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Academic Integrity at ESF Policy and Procedure

V. OTHER RELATED INFORMATION

AVOIDING ACADEMIC DISHONESTY

Citing Sources

Citing sources allows an individual to use content or ideas that are not their own. If you quote a source, you must use quotation marks, and you must cite it. If you paraphrase or summarize from a source, you must cite it. In writing a paper, you show, in the body of the paper, the source of your information (using an appropriate format), and you provide detailed information about the sources in a bibliography or footnote (again, using appropriate formatting). In a formal presentation, you acknowledge the source on your exhibit (slide, graph, chart).

Citing sources serves many functions: It demonstrates that you have completed your research, it gives credit to the work created by other individuals and/or entities, and it provides additional information to others for their research and/or additional questions. You should always cite sources, including, but not limited to: published materials, digital and AI-generated materials, recorded materials (audio and visual), the spoken word (including interviews and conversations with experts), images (photos, figures, tables, digital), and data.

Special note regarding the internet: Everything printed on the internet should be cited as you would print (or published) sources. Be aware, however, that anyone can post on the internet and not all information found on the internet or produced by generative AI is valid or reliable.

Note: Every discipline has a preferred formatting style. Ask your instructors about their preferences. Styles include:Modern Language Association Style (MLA); American Psychological Association (APA); Chicago Manual or Style (CMS); Council of Editors Style (CBE).

For more detailed information about how to cite sources, refer to Citing Sources collection from SUNY Canton Southworth Library.

Quoting and Paraphrasing

Quoting: Quoting the words of an expert or authority is not only recommended for when the message is particularly clear or expressive – quotes should be reserved for those instances in which the words are particularly powerful. Quotes should be used when exact wording is needed for accuracy, when the message of another lends weight to an argument, and/or when the language is especially descriptive. Authors show that they are quoting when: they name the source in an introductory phrase, use quotation marks or indent long quotes, and cite sources appropriately. IF YOU DON’T DO THESE THINGS, IT IS PLAGIARISM!

Paraphrasing: Paraphrasing is actually using your own words to restate the words of another. Using synonyms, changing sentence structures, and modifying the tense and parts of speech are strategies for paraphrasing. Even if you use the above strategies, you must still cite your source. IF YOU DO NOT, IT IS PLAGIARISM! Note: You should follow these guidelines for summarizing as well.

Adapted from: The College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Academic Integrity at ESF Policy

Original Source	Accurate Quoting	Plagiarism	Paraphrase
Because of their unique perspective, Americans fear globalization less than anyone else, and as a consequence they think about it less than anyone else. When Americans do think about globalization, they think of the global economy as an enlarged version of the American economy. Thurow, L. (1993). Fortune Favors the Bold (p. 6). New York: Harper Collins.	Lester Thurow (1993) asserts that the American reaction to globalization is different from that of the rest of the world in that “Americans fear globalization less than anyone else, and as a consequence… think about it less than anyone else.” (p. 6). Why is this accurate? The writer has introduced the quotation with his/her own words and has indicated where exact words of the source begin and end. S/he has also named the source in an introductory phrase. (Complete Thurow reference appears in bibliography)	The American view of globalization is unlike that of the rest of the world. Because of their unique perspective, Americans fear globalization less than anyone else, and therefore think about it less than anyone else. (Thurow, 1993).  Why is this plagiarism? Although the writer has identified the source, s/he has not put quotation marks around his words, thereby allowing the reader to think the words are the writer’s, not Thurow’s.	Lester Thurow (1993) maintains that because Americans see globalization simply as a bigger form of their own economy, they are less concerned about it than is the rest of the world. Why is this acceptable? The writer has kept the meaning of the original passage without copying words or structure. Words like globalization and Americans are generic terms (i.e. terms that are commonly used for the concept they illustrate- it is difficult to find synonyms for them). Thus you may use these words without placing them in quotation marks. (Complete Thurow reference appears in bibliography).

*Source: Academic Integrity at Massachusetts Institute of Technology: A Handbook for Students. from http://web.mit.edu/academicintegrity/

Common Knowledge

Any specific information, such as facts and statistics must be cited. However, there is some information that is considered “common knowledge.” Examples of common knowledge include general information most people know (e.g. water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit); information shared by a culture (e.g. holidays); knowledge shared by individuals in a particular field (e.g. HIV/AIDS has significantly impacted population growth). When the information likely known by the average, educated reader and it is unlikely that the information would be challenged, it need not be cited. NOTE: If in doubt, always cite!

Common Knowledge Test: Which of the statements below would need to be cited?

The growth of the human population has long been of concern to environmental scientists.

Answer: No, citation is not needed as the information is widely known.

Global population reached six billion on October 12, 1999, and according to a 1998 study, it is expected to reach seven billion in 2013.

Answer: Yes, citation is needed because of the specific reference to a 1998 study, and the average person would not be aware of the statistics.

Source: Populi, December 1998, p. 3

Almost all of the projected growth will take place in the less developed countries.

Answer: Yes, citation is needed as most people would not be aware of exactly where population growth is projected to take place.

Source: People and Place, vol. 7, no. 2, p.11

As an intergovernmental agency, the United Nations facilitates dialogue on worldwide issues such as global population and its impact on human rights and economic development.

Answer: No, citation is not needed as the information makes sense and likely would not be challenged.

Generative AI

Generative AI refers to any artificial intelligence applications that produce human-like content including, but not limited to text, images, audio, video, any other data and information, or are used to solve mathematical or logical problems. When using generative AI in your work, be aware that AI outputs might include bias, prejudice, inaccurate and misleading information, or plagiarized and unethically obtained information.

When using AI, always ensure critical evaluation of outputs and adherence to the principles of academic integrity. All materials obtained using generative AI must be fully cited and referenced.

Collaboration

As previously stated, at SUNY Canton we believe that collaboration skills are important. However, there are instances in which working with others is inappropriate. Every instructor and every assignment vary on this point. Find out from your instructors how much collaboration is acceptable for each project and assignment. Again, be well aware of the difference between acceptable collaboration and what would be considered inappropriate (and therefore cheating!).

Adapted from: The College of Environmental Science and Forestry: Academic Integrity at ESF Policy

VI. PROCEDURES

Procedures for Handling Academic Integrity Violations

At SUNY Canton, the authority is given to the faculty to determine grades for work submitted in their courses and for determining the viability of that work. Faculty reserve the right to seek more information to determine if coursework submitted has, in fact, violated the College’s academic integrity policy. The information below outlines the College’s process for handling academic integrity violations.

Academic Integrity Notification and Sanctioning Guidelines

The following process will serve as a guide for the handling of violations of the Academic Integrity Policy.

If you have questions about this process, please reach out to the Provost’s Office for consultation.

Notification Process

Faculty/instructor who believes they have evidence of academic dishonesty shall take the following action:

Notify the student of the allegation in writing, using standard email template. Notify the student of the time, date,and place of the meeting to review the allegation, which should occur within 5 days after the student is made aware of the allegation. This meeting can occur in person, through Teams/Zoom/streaming platform, electronically, or on the phone.

Email template for Academic Integrity Violations:

Dear (Student),

SUNY Canton and classroom policy prohibit students from engaging in dishonest academic behavior (as outlined in the College Catalog pp. 44). It appears that you may have violated this policy. I would like to meet with you on (DATE/TIME) to discuss this matter. This is a required meeting, so if you are not available to meet during this time, please email me with a date and time that works for you. This meeting can occur in person,through Teams/Zoom/streaming platform, electronically, or on the phone. This is the first step in the College’s Academic Integrity policy. Failure to meet within the next 5 days will result in the matter being referred to the Provost’s Office.

Sincerely,

(Faculty Name)

Should the student or faculty not show to the meeting, the matter should be referred to the Provost’s Office. The faculty can do so by completing the Academic Integrity Reporting Form, or the student can email provostoffice@canton.edu.

Possible Meeting Outcomes

The options below outline possible meeting outcomes and any further action that should be taken.

1. The student and faculty both attend the meeting and determine the charges should be dropped:
2. After discussion, there is agreement that a violation of the College’s Academic Integrity Policy did not occur. The matter is considered closed and no further action is necessary.
3. The student and faculty both attend the meeting, and the student accepts responsibility and sanctions:

The accused student may accept responsibility for the charges pending against them. The faculty determines the appropriate sanction using the chart below, which will be recommended to the Provost’s Office for final approval. The student agrees to accept the sanction recommended by the faculty and is notified that the sanction could be modified by the Provost’s Office. The Provost’s Office will notify the student and faculty of the final, approved sanction.

3. The student and faculty both attend the meeting, but disagree on whether a violation occurred or on the appropriate sanction:

If the student and the faculty disagree on whether a violation occurred or on the appropriate sanction, the student has a right to request a hearing before the Academic Integrity Committee. The faculty:

• Contacts the Provost’s Office to request the scheduling of a hearing before the Academic Integrity Committee.
• Provides information about the allegation and supporting evidence to the Provost’s

Sanctioning Guidelines

These sanctioning guidelines are a tool for the faculty to consider and recommend to the

Provost’s Office for final approval. This chart represents sanctioning across the entirety of a student’s academic career at SUNY Canton; should multiple violations occur simultaneously, they will be reviewed and adjudicated in communication with the Provost’s Office.

VIOLATION LEVEL	DEFINITION/EXAMPLES	MINIMUM RECOMMENDED SANCTION*
FIRST	First-time violation of Academic Integrity Policy, which may include plagiarism,cheating, unauthorized collaboration, and/or falsification of materials.	Zero on the assignment in question with the warning that additional sanctions could include lowering of the class grade. Recommended participation in educational course.
SECOND	Second violation of Academic Integrity Policy, and particular attention will be paid to type of violation (should violation be the same as FIRST VIOLATION, stronger sanctioning may be warranted). Academic Integrity Committee will review the case to either agree with sanction or determine if a stronger sanction is recommended based on the type of violation.	Zero on assignment and lowering a course grade.
THIRD	Third violation of Academic Integrity Policy or egregious violation of any level, such as providing course materials from student(s), forgery, bribery, etc.	Grade of F in the course. Possible suspension from the College.
FOURTH	Fourth violation of Academic Integrity Policy or egregious violation of any level.	Suspension from the College

*The College reserves the right to impose any of the sanctions, regardless of level, up to and including suspension from the College, given the severity of the violation.

Academic Integrity Appeals Process

The student may appeal any charges and/or sanctions made by the faculty member. The student will be required to provide documentation and materials used to support the appeal to the Provost’s Office at provostoffice@canton.edu. The Academic Integrity Committee consisting of a faculty member from each of the Schools will be convened. The committee will review the documentation and make a recommendation to the Provost who will confer with the faculty member of the second offense with regard to the committee’s recommendation. Student appeals must be requested no later than seven days after the receipt of the notification of violation sanctions.

The Provost’s Office will notify the student and the faculty member of the final decision.

VII. FORMS

Academic Integrity Reporting Form

VIII. AUTHORITY

None

IX. HISTORY

None

X. APPENDICES

None

XI. FREQUENCY OF REVIEW AND UPDATE

Policies will have a normal review period of every five (5) years unless required otherwise.


Top