Academic Integrity at Sinclair AJ Owen M.Ed. Student Conduct Officer Lisa Mahle-Grisez, Ph.D. Dean of Liberal Arts, Communication, and Social Sciences

Overview Who What When Where Why How Why Who When Where What How

Why… do we have this policy? “The intent of the policy is to improve students’ understanding of academic integrity while affirming the concepts and philosophies established in the Sinclair Community College Honor Code.” (Sinclair AIP 2011)

Who… is involved with this policy? Faculty This is your policy; investigation, enforcement and documentation. Instructor Chair – this is typically who will submit the report* Dean (Assistant) Provost (Assistant / Associate) Students Student Judicial Affairs Central documentation warehouse

When is this policy used? This policy addresses willful acts of cheating, dishonesty, and plagiarism and establishes common procedures to be followed when such acts occur. (Sinclair AIP 2011)

Where… is this policy applicable? “…all courses taught by Sinclair Community College faculty.” (Sinclair AIP 2011)

Where… can I find this policy? https://www.sinclair.edu/services/conduct-safety/student-judicial-affairs/academic-integrity-policy/ Link out an walk through the process

Where… can I report a violation? https://www.sinclair.edu/services/conduct-safety/student-judicial-affairs/report-an-incident/ Link out and walk through

What… is in the policy? Definitions Guiding Principles Individual vs Group Work Procedures (How) Statement of Understanding Penalties Appeals (How)

What… definitions are in the policy? Cheating Seven IBNT’s Dishonesty Five IBNT’s Plagiarism

What… are the guiding principles outlined in this policy? “Cheating/dishonesty/plagiarism in any academic environment is a serious and delicate issue.” The instructor must determine willful intent. When in doubt, seek help.

What… does the policy say about group work? You make the call, but… Remember Broidy’s Law be very clear.

Intent and Cultural Differences Students can be confused on what constitutes common knowledge First-year college classroom can be a new culture to students The “rules” of authorship in your discipline need to be explicitly explained -from Washington State Univ. Libraries “Different cultures have various customs about how to use texts, how borrowing should happen, and where names should be placed. The "I" writing this text is unnamed because the group producing this web site agreed to work and share collaboratively. In some traditional cultures in Asia and the Middle East, for example, college students are expected to quote or paraphrase the best known political or religious authorities without attribution because readers, especially professors, are expected to know what texts are being circulated. Indeed, it might be a serious insult to the teacher if the student writer formally cites the text being borrowed. The student writer in one of these traditional cultural settings must understand what she or he can reasonably expect readers ­ professors ­ to know as a source text being quoted or paraphrased without being cited. If the student misjudges what is common knowledge, either by citing what is common knowledge or by not citing what is not common knowledge, the student writer gets into real trouble. Gaining enough intellectual maturity and experience to know what is common knowledge in a traditional culture is a complex and demanding task.” Wash State Univ Libraries

Assignment Design “Students are most likely to cheat when they think their assignments are pointless, and least likely to cheat when they admire and respect their teachers and are excited about what they are learning.” -Sally Cole and Elizabeth Kiss (2000) “What Can We Do About Student Cheating”

Strategies to Discourage Plagiarism Closely tie assignments with class discussions and outcomes Favor depth of discussion over breadth Require drafts for high-stakes assignments Require citations be submitted ahead of final due date Require that correct citation be used

What… is a Statement of Understanding? A cover page for the documentation related to the incident.

What… are the possible penalties? First violation: The student will receive a grade deemed appropriate by the assigning faculty member as outlined in the course statement. Second violation: Any student who violates the policy twice in the same term will receive an F for the course. Repeat violators will receive additional sanctions from the college following the procedures set forth in the Code.

How the policy flows. Instructor investigates the matter Alleged violation Instructor investigates the matter (meeting with student) If willful intent is determined, notify Student and Supervisor Student meets with Supervisor / Faculty Review S.o.U. Determination made by Supervisor Inform student of outcome Potential for appeal IF final determination is a policy violation, supervisor forwards case to SJA for record keeping

How the appeal process works. Policy violation Appeal filed (3 reasons) Appeal reviewed by next level supervisor Stands Reduced Overturned

The Outsider’s Two Cents Document, document, document. Follow the policy. * “In all instances, departments may develop and enforce academic integrity policies that are more stringent than, but not in conflict with, this policy.” (AIP 2011) Review the policy with all stakeholders. Keep the student informed and involved.

Resources For You Policy: Reporting Form: https://www.sinclair.edu/services/conduct-safety/student-judicial-affairs/academic-integrity-policy/ Reporting Form: https://www.sinclair.edu/services/conduct-safety/student-judicial-affairs/report-an-incident/

Questions

Sources https://www.sinclair.edu/services/conduct-safety/student-judicial-affairs/academic-integrity-policy/