Texas A&M University Aggie Honor System Office Academic Integrity Educate Adjudicate Remediate aggie honor system office Henderson Hall, Suite 102 979-458-3378 http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu/

“An Aggie does not lie, cheat or steal, or tolerate those who do.”

Aggie Honor System History The first known honor pledge here at Texas A&M University was in the year 1877. Professor Louis Lowry McInnis had his students sign the pledge: “I pledge my sacred honor, that I neither gave nor received any assistance during the examination on English Grammar on Monday last.” From University Archives

Aggie Honor System History In 1953 there was a campus wide vote to adapt the Code: “I hold my honor above all other personal considerations. In observance of this, I pledge on my honor, that in this section; “I will not lie, cheat, nor steal, nor will I condone them. “I will not take unfair advantage of my fellow student nor of the teacher. “If I come to know of the violation of any of these by a fellow student in this class I will make known to the teacher in private, the offense, but I need not report the offender and leave to the discretion of the teacher any action that shall be take in continuing or revoking the Honor System.” From The Battalion and University Archives

Message From Dr. Robert Gates We must forge a partnership of student and faculty, administrators and staff, with the aim of making the Aggie Code of Honor the core value of our university and in our personal lives. This is an Aggie tradition dating from our earliest days that we must strengthen, a fire we must re-kindle in our own hearts. Texas A&M President, Roberts Gates Convocation 2002  

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY AGGIE HONOR SYSTEM STATEMENT Upon accepting admission to Texas A&M University, a student immediately assumes a commitment to uphold the Honor Code, to accept responsibility for learning, and to follow the philosophy and rules of the Honor System. Ignorance of the rules does not exclude any member of the TAMU community from the requirements or the processes of the Honor System.

Academic Integrity The Honor Code becomes the fundamental social contract within which the university community agrees to live. The personal and academic integrity of each individual validates the intellectual work of the entire academic community. Within the university, academic integrity is the most critical core value of the learning community.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT Abuse and Misuse of Access and Unauthorized Access Violation of Departmental or College Rules Violation of University Rules on Research Cheating Fabrication Falsification Multiple Submissions Plagiarism Complicity

Cheating Intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials, information, notes, study aids or other devices or materials in any academic exercise.

Examples of Cheating During an examination, looking at another student's exam or using external aids (for example, books, notes, calculators, conversation with others, or electronic devices) unless specifically allowed in advance by the instructor. Having others conduct research or prepare work without advance authorization from the instructor. Acquiring answers for any assigned work or exam from any unauthorized source. This includes, but is not limited to, using the services of commercial term paper companies, purchasing answer sets to homework from tutoring companies, and obtaining information from students who have previously taken the examination.

Fabrication Making up data or results, and recording or reporting them; submitting fabricated documents.

Falsification Manipulating research materials, equipment, or processes, or changing or omitting data or results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.

Fabrication/Falsification Examples The intentional invention and unauthorized alteration of any information or citation in any academic exercise. Failing to acknowledge the actual source from which cited information was obtained. For example, a student shall not take a quotation from a book review and then indicate that the quotation was obtained from the book itself. Changing information on tests, quizzes, examinations, reports, or any other material that has been graded and resubmitting it as an original for the purpose of improving the grade on that material. Providing a fabricated document to any University employee in order to obtain an excused absence or to satisfy a course requirement.

“Collaboration” – When in doubt, ask the professor! Complicity Intentionally or knowingly helping, or attempting to help, another to commit an act of academic dishonesty. “Collaboration” – When in doubt, ask the professor!

Complicity Examples Collaborating with other students in the completion of assigned work, unless specifically authorized by the instructor teaching the course. It is safe to assume that all assignments are to be completed individually unless the instructor indicates otherwise; however, students who are unsure should seek clarification from their instructors. Distributing test questions or substantive information about the test without the instructor’s permission. Taking an examination for another student. Signing another's name on an academic exercise or attendance sheet.

Multiple Submissions Submitting substantial portions of the same work (including oral reports) for credit more than once without authorization from the instructor of the class for which the student submits the work.

Multiple Submission Examples Submitting the same work for credit in more than one course without the instructor’s permission. Making revisions in a paper or report (including oral presentations) that has been submitted in one class and submitting it for credit in another class without the instructor’s permission. Representing group work done in one class as one’s own work for the purpose of using it in another class.

Plagiarism The appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or words without giving appropriate credit.

Plagiarism Examples Intentionally, knowingly, or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s own (i.e., failing to credit author/sources used in a work product). Attempting to receive credit for work performed by another, including papers obtained in whole or in part from individuals or other sources. Students are permitted to use the services of a tutor (paid or unpaid), a professional editor, or the University Writing Center to assist them in completing assigned work, unless such assistance is explicitly prohibited by the instructor. If such services are used by the student, the resulting product must be the original work of the student. Purchasing research reports, essays, lab reports, practice sets, or answers to assignments from any person or business is strictly prohibited. Failing to cite the World Wide Web, databases and other electronic resources if they are utilized in any way as resource material in an academic exercise.

Student’s reasons for Plagiarizing I didn’t know I was plagiarizing I don’t really understand the concepts of academic honesty and plagiarism I didn’t have time I have a heavy workload at school, a part-time job, responsibilities at home, I am involved in extra-curricular activities. Ontario School Library Association This slide, and the following one,can be left blank if the teacher/teacher-librarian wishes to extract this information from the students through questioning and discussion: Why do people plagiarize? Lack of understanding of plagiarism Not sure what constitutes plagiarism Don’t know how to use and cite sources correctly Lack of skills Lack of research skills and appreciation of the process Inability to synthesize and organize their researched information Don’t know how to paraphrase or put things into their own words Lack of time Heavy workload - too many courses Procrastination Assignments all due at the same time Part-time jobs Family Responsibilities Pressure to perform Parents, peers, universities and colleges

More excuses for Plagiarizing I was under a lot of pressure School is very competitive and I need top grades for my resume I didn’t think I could do a good job on my own I’m not confident that my research and writing skills are as developed as they should be I thought I could get away with it Lots of other students do Ontario School Library Association

Resources TAMU Libraries Tutorial on Academic Integrity and Plagiarism http://library.tamu.edu/services/library_tutorials/academic_i ntegrity/index.html

TIPS….. Don’t look for “short cuts” Give yourself time Be confident in the value of your own ideas Be yourself in your writing Develop strong research and literacy skills Ask for assistance Ontario School Library Association Don’t look for “short cuts”. Learning is a process with many important steps along the way – Hey, you need the practice! The journey is one you’ll take many times throughout your life Worth the effort – the grade belongs to you and you alone Give yourself time Don’t leave it to the night before when you may be tempted to plagiarize Be confident in the value of your own ideas The assignment was given to you with the purpose of having you demonstrate your learning-not someone else’s! Be yourself in your writing The teacher does not expect your writing to be that of a professor, or wordsmith. Your unacknowledged use of an author’s distinctive word or “unique phrase” often is the red flag to teachers. Remember that the only the expression of information is protected by copyright. So putting ideas or information that you have researched into your own words is not an infringement of the copyright, as long as you cite it. Developing your own personal style of writing is only done with practice. Develop strong research and literacy skills Learn a research process Learn how to cite sources Ask for assistance Teachers are there to help throughout the process. They have been there before!

Sanction Examples for Violations An "F*" in the course and "Honor Code Violation Probation“ on the transcript A course grade reduction A zero on an assignment Required to participate in extra requirements for a course Educational Sanctions (academic integrity seminar, university or community service) Separation from the University (Suspension, Dismissal, Expulsion)

THE “F*” GRADE DESIGNATION A student who is assessed a grade of “F*” shall have it documented on his/her transcript with the notation “FAILURE DUE TO ACADEMIC DISHONESTY.” The grade of “F*” is intended to recognize a student for failing to uphold the values of academic integrity at Texas A&M University. The grade of “F*” shall be treated in the same way as an “F” for the purposes of calculating Grade Point Ratio and determination of academic class standing. A student who receives a grade of “F*” will be considered to be on “Honor Violation Probation” with the university for reasons of academic misconduct.

“Honor Violation Probation” A student who is on “Honor Violation Probation” is subject to the following restrictions: Ineligibility to hold an office in any student organization recognized by the university or to hold any elected or appointed position within the university. Ineligibility to represent the university to anyone outside the university community in any way, including representing the university at any official function, intercollegiate athletics, or any forms of intercollegiate competition or representation. Ineligibility to receive a university-administered scholarship or fellowship when the “Honor Violation Probation” is in place for longer than one semester. Some scholarships adhere to more strict guidelines, therefore, ineligibility may result from a lesser length of time on “Honor Violation Probation.” Ineligibility to receive an Aggie Ring, to pre-register for classes, or to receive a diploma. Additional restrictions or conditions also may be imposed, depending on the timing, nature and severity of the misconduct such as inability to receive an official transcript and inability to participate in commencement exercises.

Appeals Process A student who is found responsible for a violation and assessed a sanction has five (5) university business days from the date of notification of the sanction to file an appeal with the Honor System Office. Four Possible Reasons of Basis for an Appeal: Substantial new evidence not available at the time of the original hearing Violation of Due Process Rights The sanction is not commensurate with the violation The finding of responsibility is inconsistent with the facts presented in the hearing

In Closing… The ultimate goal of the Aggie Honor System Office will always be to educate and develop students who follow the ideals of the Aggie Code of Honor. If a student does not live up to those ideals, our office has an effective process in place to confront and resolve violations. Aggie Honor Office: http://aggiehonor.tamu.edu