What is an academic integrity violation?

An academic integrity violation is a proven offense under the code, resolved either between an individual faculty member and student(s) or by means of an Academic Integrity Hearing process. In either case, a proven offense is not considered a recorded violation of the Academic Integrity Policy until reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities.

What is the new Academic Integrity Referral Process?
The Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, which handles all student conduct and academic integrity functions, has made it easier to report an incident of academic misconduct. Click on “Report an Academic Integrity Violation“, which will direct you to more detailed information about reporting a violation. You will be able to upload all materials including the Academic Integrity Violation Report Form in one convenient location which will automatically be sent to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities for review and action.

Are students or faculty required to report academic integrity violations?

Students and faculty are not required to report offenses. All members of the University Community are strongly encouraged to report offenses. Unreported offenses lead to a perception that academic dishonesty is tolerated. Student survey data from the Center for Academic Integrity suggest that cheating is highest in those courses where it is well known that faculty ignore cheating or fail to report it to the authorities. While students do not have to report violations, it is encouraged because doing so helps preserve the value of a degree from UNCG and maintains fairness. Whenever a grade-related sanction is imposed for a violation of academic integrity, faculty are strongly encouraged to follow the Academic Integrity Policy.

Is a proven academic integrity violation listed on a student’s academic transcript?

No, only academic grades and honors are so listed. However, a proven academic integrity violation once reported to the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities does become part of a student’s conduct record. This record may be accessed under guidelines explained in the Student Records Policy.

Where do I obtain information and reporting forms related to academic integrity at UNCG?

The Academic Integrity Policy is in the Student Policy Handbook: Academic Integrity. The forms are available on the Faculty-Student Conference page. Students or faculty may contact the Office of Student Rights and Responsibilities, 236B Elliott University Center, 336-334-4640.  Students may also contact the Student Government Attorney General at 234 Elliott University Center.

Is there an Honor Code (HC) at UNCG?

No, UNCG has an Academic Integrity Policy. An Academic Integrity Policy and an Honor Code are different. Unfortunately, people who came from schools with Honor Codes may have a hard time modifying that language. The Student Policy Handbook: Academic Integrity contains the “official” UNCG Academic Integrity Policy. 

What is the difference between an Academic Integrity Policy and an Honor Code?

Typically Honor Codes only give students one chance (i.e. you cheat, you’re out), and all students must report any violations that they witness. A goal of the Academic Integrity philosophy is to educate and help students learn from their mistakes. Typically, the harshest sanction for a first Academic Integrity violation is an F in the course. A second violation mandates suspension or expulsion from the university. Also, students do not have to report violations, although it is encouraged because doing so helps preserve the value of a degree from UNCG and maintains fairness.