The University takes a most serious view of such offences against academic honesty as plagiarism, cheating, and impersonation. Penalties for dealing with such offences are strictly enforced.
Plagiarism
Essentially, plagiarism involves submitting or presenting work in a course as if it were the student's own work done expressly for that particular course when, in fact, it is not. Most commonly plagiarism exists when:
- The work submitted or presented was done, in whole or in part, by an individual other than the one submitting or presenting the work.
- Parts of the work (e.g. phrases, ideas through paraphrase or sentences) are taken from another source without reference to the original author.
- The whole work (e.g. an essay) is copied from another source and/or
- A student submits or presents a work in one course which has also been submitted or presented in another course (although it may be completely original with that student) without the knowledge or prior agreement of the instructors involved.
Cheating
Cheating at tests or examinations includes, but is not limited to, dishonest or attempted dishonest conduct such as speaking to other candidates or communicating with them under any circumstances whatsoever; bringing into the examination room any textbook, notebook, or memoranda not authorized by the examiner, or leaving answer papers exposed to view.
When Academic Dishonesty Occurs
(Adapted from: Women’s Studies TA Handbook, University of Windsor, 2008)
If you encounter a case of academic dishonesty during your duties as an AAV, you should:
- Inform the course instructor and discuss the issue of academic dishonesty with them. The course instructor is the only one who has the authority to make decisions regarding suspected academic dishonesty. Your role is to bring the dishonesty to the instructor’s attention. Be prepared to outline the nature of the dishonesty (plagiarism, cheating…) and the reasons why academic dishonesty is suspected.
- Remember that it is the responsibility of the course instructor to make decisions regarding the evaluation of academic dishonesty. Do not make accusations of academic dishonesty without first consulting with the course instructor and do not assign a grade for student’s work where academic dishonesty is suspected. Allow the course instructor to asses the situation and to make an appropriate decision.
- Respect student’s privacy and integrity. Do not make public accusations of academic dishonesty; do not make derogatory comments regarding a student’s work or work ethic; do not name students suspected of academic dishonesty to other students, other AAVs or course instructors; do not threaten to assign a failing grade without consulting with the course instructor.
Penalties
A student guilty of academic dishonesty may be subject to the imposition of one or more penalties, of which those listed below shall be exemplary:
- Assignment of a grade of zero in the assignment, test, or exam;
- Assignment of a grade of zero in the course in which the offence is committed;
- Suspension from attendance in all courses in which the student is registered at the time the offence was committed, and loss of credit for any course or courses which have not been completed or in which no grade or final evaluation has been registered at the time the offence was committed;
- Suspension from the Faculty;
- Expulsion from the Faculty;
- Suspension from the University;
- Expulsion from the University.
- Withdrawal from a course will not preclude proceedings in respect of academic offences committed in the course, and the right to withdraw may be refused where an academic offence is alleged.
Instructor's Action
The initial responsibility for punitive action lies with the Instructor. The Instructor may assign a grade of zero for that particular assignment, test or exam, or may assign a grade of zero in the course.
The Instructor will advise the Department Chair, the Dean, and the Registrar of the action taken.
For more information regarding suspensions, expulsions, appeals and transcription notation refer to the Academic Calendar, policy on academic dishonesty.