Changes to the Academic Integrity Policy

Changes to the Academic Integrity Policy
Photo Submitted

Last year the university saw an increase in the number of cases submitted for plagiarism, submitting another’s work as your own, and unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments. Considering this trend, the Faculty Senate approved an update to the academic integrity sanction rubric. New guidelines about plagiarism and collaboration have been instituted as well as a new Level 0 violation.

If a student is found responsible for plagiarism or submitting another’s work as their own, a Level 0 sanction will be applied only if the plagiarized/copied material constitutes less than 10 percent of the assignment and it is a student’s first academic integrity violation. A Level 1 sanction will be applied if the plagiarized/copied material constitutes 10 percent or more of the assignment or if it is a student’s second offense regardless of the percentage.

If a student is found responsible for unauthorized collaboration on homework assignments a Level 0 sanction will be applied only if evidence of collaborating/copying constitutes less than 10 percent of the assignment and it is a student’s first academic integrity violation. A Level 1 sanction will be applied if evidence of collaborating/copying constitutes 10 percent or more of the assignment or if it is a student’s second offense regardless of the percentage.

What happens if a student receives a Level 0 sanction? A Letter of Reprimand will be issued, but no sanction points or grade sanction will be applied. However, instructors must still submit the case through the reporting process to the Academic Integrity Monitor, after which the normal process will ensue. Further, if a student is found responsible or accepts responsibility for the violation, it will be noted for any future instances of academic dishonesty.

A new online system has also been implemented for reporting and managing academic integrity referrals. If faculty members need to report an incident they can do so by submitting an Allegation Reporting Form on honesty.uark.edu.

Contacts

Debbie Frederiksen, Graduate Assistant
Academic Initiatives and Integrity
479-575-5229, dafreder@uark.edu

Headlines

Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences

A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.

Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery

Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.

College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer

Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.

Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected

Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.

Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research

Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.

News Daily