Statement of Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity is a core value of the academic mission of Brock University, and is defined as the pursuit of knowledge and scholarship through the provision of academic programs and a learning environment of the highest quality.
With a focus on student academic success and academic citizenship, the Office of Academic Integrity supports the University community by sharing information, promoting awareness and providing educational opportunities regarding academic integrity on campus.
It is in the interest of the University’s academic mission that every student adheres to the highest standards of scholarly integrity. As such, academic dishonesty is taken seriously: engaging in behaviours that are in breach of, or otherwise seek to abuse the University's academic policy will not be tolerated.
Academic Behaviour
There is an expectation that every student will act ethically and with integrity in all academic matters and exhibit behaviours that are in support of the University’s academic values. These behaviours may include, but are not limited to:
- Completing one’s own work.
- Citing the work of others appropriately (giving credit).
- Participating actively in Group Work situations.
- Collaborating appropriately.
- Asking questions to gain clarification.
- Managing one’s time.
- Knowing what’s expected of you.
- Helping others, where appropriate.
Expectations of Faculty Regarding Student Academic Behaviour
The faculty shall demonstrate confidence in the integrity of Brock students. Faculty shall also make reasonable attempts to define academic procedures that create an atmosphere of support regarding the importance of Academic Integrity. These may include, but are not limited to:
- Providing clear directions or instructions concerning course requirements, especially directions involving collaborative course work;
- Maintaining the security and integrity of exams;
- Providing students an adequate and equitable time period to complete required exams or course work;
- Taking practical measures during the exam period to create an atmosphere of mutual trust;
- Clarifying the roles and responsibilities of teaching assistants, lab demonstrators, tutorial leaders, and those individuals working within the course structure.
What is Academic Integrity?
It is a way of doing things.
It is acting ethically and with integrity in all academic endeavours.
It is setting the example by acting responsibly and supporting the values of Brock University as you pursue your scholarship.
Academic Integrity refers to a student's acknowledgement of and respect for academic principles and behaviours that support the University’s mission.
Academic Dishonesty refers to a student's engagment (knowlingly or otherwise) in behaviours that serve to deceive members of the University community in an effort to achieve academic benefit.
Academic Misconduct refers to any act or practice of behaviours, deliberate or otherwise, that has the potential to damage the learning environment and undermine the University's mission.
Reasons Why Students Cheat and Plagiarize
- Too many priorities.
- Don’t know how to cite.
- Easy to cut and paste from the Internet.
- Attitude: “My writing is not that good.”
- Poor time management.