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 and obtaining assistance from another in completing coursework.
Fabrication Creating or using false records. Fabricating a transcript or other document, or citing work that does not actually exist.
Falsification Altering or attempting to alter work or records for academic gain. Altering transcripts, attempting to change recorded grades, impersonating another student, manipulating, changing or omitting source material, data, methods or findings.
Plagiarism Presenting the ideas, expression of ideas or work of another individual as your own. This includes algorithms, code, composition, data, images, art and ceremonies, and scientific and mathematical concepts.
Unauthorized Assistance Cooperating, collaborating, or otherwise giving and receiving assistance without the instructor's permission. Working on an individual paper with another, purchasing papers online, receiving help on assessments from family, friends or peers.
Failure to comply Failure to comply with an instructor's expectations or with the exam regulations. Not complying with an instructor's expectations regarding conduct required of students completing academic assessment in their courses, or with exam regulations applied by the Office of the Registrar.

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:

* Please note that the Student Success Centre does not provide services for Continuing Education students.

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