Academic integrity is a core value of the University of Calgary. At UCalgary, academic integrity is a commitment to, and the demonstration of, honest and responsible scholarship.

Academic Misconduct

Violations of academic integrity are termed academic misconduct. The UCalgary Student Academic Misconduct Policy states that academic misconduct is "any student behaviour that compromises proper assessment of a student's academic activities." This includes the following types of academic misconduct:

Type of Academic Misconduct Definition Examples
Cheating Trying to give or gain an improper advantage in academic activities.
  • Copying from someone else's work
  • Talking to another student during an exam
  • Having, using or attempting to use unauthorized material or devices during an exam
  • Attempting to read another students' exam papers
  • Obtaining assistance from another in completing coursework, such that there is a real question as to whose work is being assessed*
Fabrication Creating or using false records or citing work which does not actually exist.
  • Inventing sources, quotes, statistics, etc.
  • Altering factual information
  • Citing or using generative AI-hallucinated content without verification*
  • Fabricating a transcript or other document
Falsification Altering or attempting to alter work or records for academic gain.
  • Manipulating, changing or omitting source material, data, methods or findings
  • Impersonating another student
  • Altering transcripts, attempting to change recorded grades
Plagiarism Presenting the ideas, expression of ideas or work of another individual as your own.
  • Purchasing, or otherwise acquiring work and submitting it as the Student's own original work
  • Using all or a portion of Generative AI answers or someone else's work, without appropriate acknowledgement or attribution*
  • Submitting the Student's prior work for evaluation in another course, or in a subsequent attempt of the same course, without the express approval of the Instructor
  • Plagiarism applies to but not limited to algorithms, code, composition, data, images, art and ceremonies, scientific and mathematical concepts, etc.
Unauthorized Assistance Cooperating, collaborating, or otherwise giving and receiving assistance without the instructor's permission.
  • Receiving help on assessments from family, friends or peers
  • Receiving and using AI-generated answers to complete academic activities
  • Working on an individual paper with another student
  • Purchasing papers online
Failure to comply Failure to comply with an instructor's expectations or with the exam regulations.
  • Not complying with an instructor's expectations and requirements in completing course work and assessments*
  • Not complying with exam regulations applied by the Office of the Registrar.

* In all these instances, the improper use of generative artificial intelligence outputs may constitute academic misconduct and carry serious consequences, therefore students must exercise caution and ensure their use aligns with instructor guidance and institutional policy.

Consequences

Failing Grade: A student may be given a failing grade in either an exercise or course in which that student is found guilty of plagiarism, cheating or other academic misconduct. A student may not avoid a failing grade by withdrawing from the course.

Probation: If a student is found to have committed plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty, then that student will be placed on probation. The duration and conditions will be set at the time the student is placed on probation and may last up to two years. Any subsequent violation of the University of Calgary's expectations regarding academic honesty would likely result in suspension or expulsion.

Suspension and Expulsion: Where the offence is deemed as more serious or is a repeat incident of academic dishonesty, it could lead to the requirement of a student to temporarily or permanently withdraw from a program of study.

Study Permit (International Students): If you do not successfully pass your classes, it may impact your full-time enrolment status and negatively impact your compliance with your study permit conditions.

Guidelines

  1. When plagiarism, cheating and other academic misconduct is suspected, the instructor should first try to resolve the issue with the student.
  2. If the incident cannot be resolved between the instructor and the student, the instructor has the obligation to report all suspected cases of plagiarism, cheating or other academic misconduct to the Program Manager or Director responsible for the course.
  3. At this time, the Program Manager or Director will meet with the instructor and the student in order to resolve the issue. The instructor will prepare a written report stating the alleged facts and their reasons for suspicion in writing prior to the meeting with the Program Manager or Director. As necessary, the Program Manager or Director will gather evidence and interview the instructor and the student(s) involved, conclude whether academic dishonesty has taken place, and assign (if necessary) consequences to the student(s).
  4. Appeals: Students may appeal a decision regarding a failing grade or other consequences resulting from academic dishonesty by submitting a written appeal to the Director of Continuing Education.

Report Academic Misconduct

If you believe a student has or plans to violate UCalgary's Academic Misconduct Policy, please use the Academic Misconduct Reporting Form to submit a report.

Student Resources

Resources for avoiding plagiarism:

Required fields are indicated by .