Student Athlete Resources & Information

Academic misconduct refers to any behavior that undermines the principles of honesty, trust, and fairness in an academic setting. It goes beyond just plagiarism and includes a range of actions that misrepresent your work or violate course expectations.

Maintaining academic integrity means completing your assignments truthfully, giving proper credit to others’ ideas, and following the rules set by your instructors and institution. It’s about building credibility, not just for yourself, but for your degree and your university community.

Common Types of Academic Misconduct

• Plagiarism: Presenting someone else’s words, research, or ideas as your own, with or without intent. This includes failing to cite sources or paraphrasing too closely without credit.

• Cheating: Using unauthorized materials, technology, or outside help during exams, quizzes, or assignments.

• Fabrication: Inventing or altering information, data, citations, or results in an academic submission.

• Unauthorized collaboration: Working with others on assignments that are intended to be completed individually.

• Reusing work: Submitting the same paper or project for more than one course without prior approval.

• Falsifying records: Altering academic documents, such as grades, attendance, or submissions.

Why Academic Integrity Matters

Upholding integrity isn’t just about avoiding penalties  - it shapes your development as a student and as a future professional. Academic honesty fosters:

• Strong research and critical thinking skills

• Respect for intellectual property

• A fair learning environment for everyone

• A trustworthy academic and professional reputation

Violations of academic integrity can result in disciplinary action, including receiving a zero on an assignment, failing a course, or facing formal review by your academic department.

Strategies to Maintain Academic Integrity

• Cite all sources clearly and accurately. When in doubt, give credit.

• Use citation tools or guides to help with formatting in APA, MLA, Chicago, or other styles.

• Keep track of your sources while researching to avoid accidental plagiarism.

• Clarify expectations with your instructors, especially for group work or take-home exams.

• Reach out early if you’re feeling overwhelmed—there are academic support resources available to help.

If you need help learning how to cite, understanding what constitutes plagiarism, or accessing writing support, contact the library or the writing center.

Remember: Failure to take the consequences of plagiarism seriously can affect your eligibility to play.