Academic Dishonesty
Dishonesty within the academic community is a very serious matter, because dishonesty destroys the basic trust necessary for a healthy educational environment. Academic dishonesty is any treatment or representation of work as if one were fully responsible for it, when it is in fact the work of another person.
Academic dishonesty includes cheating, plagiarism, theft, or improper manipulation of laboratory or research data or theft of services. Plagiarism occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other original (not common-knowledge) material without properly acknowledging its source.
Examples of Academic Dishonesty include, but are not limited to:
- Copying off another student’s exam;
- Using a “cheat sheet” during a close-book exam
- Previewing an exam from a “test” file when the professor does not permit this and is unaware of the file;
- Faking the results of a lab experiment of work;
- Asking for exam content of answers from another student;
- Working in a group or in pairs when an assignment is assigned as individual work;
- Having another student write a paper for you;
- Purchasing or receiving notes from a fellow student;
- Allowing another student to look at your answer sheet during a quiz or exam;
- Attempting to cheat, even if unsuccessful;
- Faking an illness when you’re not sick to postpone a quiz, exam, or handing in an assignment;
- Faking the death of a loved one to postpone a quiz, exam, or handing in an assignment;
- Purchasing or taking a paper from the internet.
A substantiated case of academic dishonesty may result in disciplinary action, including a failing grade on the project, a failing grade in the course, or expulsion from the College. If a substantiated case of academic dishonesty results in a failing grade in the course, a student who chooses to withdraw from the course will receive a grade of “F.”
Penalties for dishonesty should be determined by the instructor in consultation with the department chair and must be clarified in the instructor’s course syllabus and/or assignment sheet. In cases where no instructor plagiarism policy is outlined, students are still expected to understand which actions constitute plagiarism and are subject to the sanctions outlined in the Student Handbook. These actions are discussed in Writing 102 and Communication 203, and information on plagiarism is available through the ARC Tutoring & Writing Center.
In cases of suspected academic dishonesty, the instructor is advised to consult with his or her chair and, if deemed necessary, with the Provost. If it is determined that academic dishonesty has occurred, it is the responsibility of the instructor to notify the Provost and the Dean of Student Life of any penalties that have been applied. Those offices will keep a record that may guide action in case of another offense in the future.
Students have the right to appeal charges of academic dishonesty. Faculty members selected to serve on an appeals committee are asked to determine whether or not the alleged academic dishonesty occurred and/or whether the penalty is appropriate.
This policy applies to all students at Marietta College, both undergraduate and graduate. In the case of graduate students, “program director” replaces “department chair” in the procedures.