An Instructor’s Message on Academic Integrity Given to Students

(prepared by Dr. Jean Svacina, adapted from work by Bill Taylor in “Innovation Abstracts,” Dec. 3, 1999)

Academic integrity, I believe, is an essential ingredient in any educational experience. It is crucial to me as a faculty member and to you as a student.  Academic integrity is important in this course because it is important in all aspects of life.

Integrity isn’t something we are born with. It’s a quality of our character we need to develop. We must “practice” integrity on a daily basis. So what does this mean to me as your instructor for this course and to you as a student in this course?

For me, academic integrity requires that I:

• Plan class time so that it is worthwhile for you to be here.
• Provide a stimulating and challenging environment in which you can learn and grow.
• Come to class on time.
• Assume that you are prepared for class and are ready to participate in the class.
• Do my best to answer your questions.
• Evaluate and return your papers in a timely fashion.
• Be available for conferences in my office.
• And most importantly, treat you with respect by providing the best instruction that I can.

For you, academic integrity requires that you:

• Arrive on time and not leave early.
• Come to class prepared with homework and materials ready.
• Come to all classes; take a break only at designated times.
• Complete all work honestly:

This means:

• no cheating or helping others to cheat on quizzes and tests.
• carefully observing all rules governing the use of sources in homework and papers.
• collaborating on work only when the instructor stipulates that such collaboration is appropriate.

• Make good use of class time by taking notes, participating, and asking questions.
• Use the computer only as determined by the instructor.
• Treat your classmates and the instructor with respect by refraining from any distracting or disruptive behavior.

I understand, and I agree to honor these requirements of academic integrity throughout this class.

______________________________________                    __________________
            (instructor’s signature)                                                   (date)

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I understand, and I agree to honor these requirements of academic integrity throughout this class.

_____________________________________                      ___________________
            (student’s signature)                                                      (date)

[Please sign, cut along the dotted line, and return to me.  Thank you!]

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