5.5: Part V- Academic Integrity

Academic integrity means submitting your own original work, written in your authentic words. Ensure you have not plagiarized from other authors. If you use information from sources like textbooks, you must cite them in parentheses. For verbatim (word-for-word) quotes, use quotation marks and cite the source. This practice credits the original authors and avoids plagiarism. Remember, copying text from internet websites or another student's paper, even with some words changed, is still plagiarism.

Academic dishonesty is any type of cheating or behavior that violates the academic code of integrity. The main reason for cheating is usually laziness — instead of studying diligently, these students take shortcuts and copy from others who have worked hard and completed the assignments honestly. Academic dishonesty is an attempt to gain an unfair advantage over other students and obtain a grade they did not earn and did not deserve. Colleges and universities do not tolerate academic dishonesty, plagiarism, or any other type of cheating.

The following terms related to academic integrity are shown with examples of dishonesty that violate the college's academic integrity policy. Academic dishonesty may be intentional or unintentional and includes:

• ChatGPT. Copying prose generated by ChatGPT or other types of artificial intelligence (AI) means the student did not write their own original, authentic sentences, phrases, or paragraphs.
• Plagiarism. Example: copying someone else’s work and presenting it as your own. Refer to the explanation above.
• Cheating and fraud. Example: gaining access to test answers and using that information rather than thinking critically on your own. A student who has someone else write their paper, whether for payment or not, is committing fraud.
• Fabrication or falsification of information. Example, making up a fake reference source or citing one source and attributing it to another source.
• Inappropriate or unauthorized collaboration. Example, students taking an exam talk to each other about the answers.
• Online “spinner” content-changer. Copyrighted content is pasted into a field, and the computer program substitutes synonyms for some of the text. The result is often gibberish and it is quite obvious to your instructor when sentences do not make sense.

All of the above typically constitute cheating and violate a college's academic integrity policy. Academic dishonesty could result in disciplinary actions including earning an "F" grade in the class and/or possible suspension from the school. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation that could jeopardize a student’s academic future and possibly their career qualifications. It may have financial aid implications as well.

Students who choose to disrespect the academic environment receive consequences. Students may receive zero (0) points for each assignment in which academic dishonesty is detected. Instructors may complete an administrative form to report the student that is then forwarded to the appropriate college personnel for documentation in the student records and possible further action. If multiple students are involved, each student may be reported separately. The ultimate penalty is suspension from the college or university. Who would want to forfeit the opportunity for a better life? No one wants to be expelled from college!

The bottom line is: do not jeopardize your academic journey and the promise of your new career by cheating. Do the work. Set aside time in your schedule and continue working hard every day. Do not be tempted to compromise. On your graduation day, you will be proud that you completed each and every assignment to the best of your ability. Consider how you will use your new knowledge and skills to impress employers when you interview for a promotion. Yes, attending college requires effort and a sacrifice of personal time, but in exchange you receive the reward: a college diploma that can dramatically improve your life.

Academic integrity is a serious subject. College and university guidelines are very clear; they do not tolerate any type of academic dishonesty. Your discussions, essays, papers, assignments, quizzes, and tests must be your own, unique, authentic original creations.

Recycling Your Own Content

Recycling is the practice of students re-using their own previous work in a new course. Typically, recycling is not allowed. However, there are some limited exceptions and the student must be granted written permission by the instructor first. In many courses, students write small assignments which are then inserted int the final term paper. This is an instructional process known as scaffolding, and in this case, it is encouraged and expected for the student to re-use their own work during the class.

What is Turnitin?

Turnitin is a verification tool that alerts instructors to possible plagiarism. Assignments can require submission through Turnitin, which checks for plagiarism by scanning the paper and comparing the text with other student papers (current and past) as well as with text in online websites. Turnitin gives the paper a “similarity score” showing what percentage of the paper appears to be similar to other sources. Any similarity between the student’s work and other sources will be highlighted.

Turnitin shows the exact source of the work that is similar. For example, if a student copies a sentence or a phrase from a website (or from the textbook) and does not give credit to the author, that will be discovered and reported by Turnitin. Also, a sentence or phrase copied from another student’s work will be highlighted, and Turnitin will show whose paper was copied. The instructor will analyze the similarities to determine if there is academic dishonesty involved.

Students may be able to use Turnitin to self-check their own paper if it is completed in advance of the deadline. The best advice is to always write your own content using your own original ideas and words. Be sure to insert quotation marks around quoted text and add a citation when you quote another source.

Be Original. Be Authentic. Be YOU!

The best way to avoid plagiarism is to write from your own unique perspective. Steps for writing original assignments may include:

• First read the textbook and research the topic.
• Then, take a moment to process the knowledge and think about what it means.
• Next, write your original thoughts from your own specific viewpoint, based on the information you just learned.
• Last, cite the textbook (or other reference sources).
• If you paraphrase the source (put it into your own words), cite it.
• On the other hand, if you quote it word-for-word (verbatim), cite the source and use quotation marks around the text you copied.

Remember, academic integrity is paramount. By properly citing your sources and giving credit where credit is due, you demonstrate respect for the work of others and showcase your own understanding of the material. This not only avoids plagiarism but strengthens your academic credibility and fosters a more honest learning environment for everyone.