Academic Integrity and The Honor Code

Dear CS1 Students, Be forewarned about the consequences of cheating in [CS1], and give them serious thought. In the end your costs strongly outweigh your benefits. Even though the class can be confusing and sometimes even overwhelming, you must not let your frustration get the best of you. When and if you are still unsure just turn in what you have, don’t take the risk of copying someone else’s work. Taking the attitude that you are invincible and that you will never get caught could land you in the Dean’s office at the end of the quarter. So don’t take the cheat finder lightly because it really does exist (for homework and lab projects!) Unfortunately, as a former [CS1] student, I can personally assure that if you are going to cheat you are going to pay a heavy toll for it. “Smart people learn from their own mistakes, geniuses learn from other’s mistakes.” Sincerely, Anonymous CS 1301 Student Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Student Misconceptions About Academic Integrity: “Cheating is only stealing answers off a test.” “You can’t cheat on homework.” “ It’s okay to work together; it will help me understand the material better.” “ The definitions of cheating are universal from one professor to another.” Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech and modified for use at RU

What Is Cheating? Cheating is gaining an unfair advantage over others and/or misrepresenting yourself on your work for academic gain. The intent to cheat is not a prerequisite for cheating to occur. Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Course Expectations: Don’t talk about or show your work Talk about general concepts, not specifics Group projects on homework or programs are not acceptable Don’t share a tutor Read your syllabus on the web Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

How to Avoid Trouble Don’t show your work or look at other’s work Don’t take someone else’s work Don’t think that others are getting away with cheating so maybe you should try it. Cite anything you did not write (e.g., recitations /lecture / review sessions /journal /book). Be honest and helpful if your name appears in an investigation Do everything you can to protect yourself Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Protecting Yourself… Do not copy a file to a community computer Remove all copies from files, directories, desktops and anywhere else Don’t ever make a CS file a shared file Wait at the printer until all copies are printed Never give out your password or a clue to the password Have a password that protects your personal computer Protect your computer disks Don’t trust your roommate with your computer files Don’t forget to remove deleted files from the recycle bin Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Why Should You Follow These Expectations? The Consequences Are Serious : 0 on the assignment, as a minimum Written warning Possible university probation for follow-on offenses Possible loss of scholarship Lowered GPA- with possible probation or even expulsion from the university Loss of job opportunities Possible ineligibility for the special programs Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

“On the Honor Code… it seemed insulting in an odd way. After all, no one considers themselves dishonest or a “cheater.” However, when a student becomes over- burdened with the workloads and deadlines, some of the important promises made within the honor code can become overlooked. Concern for a “check mark” or credit for a problem has over-ridden the importance of understanding the material. You may have violated the honor code without even stopping to think. After four years here, unfortunately I chose to use [the on-campus “scoop”] instead of working the problem out on my own. Instead of having the self-trust of my abilities, which might have meant getting a lower grade, I chose to improperly represent my understanding of a problem. Not only did embarrassment come after someone realized what I had done, but also I suffered the consequences from a mistake that I could have easily avoided had I taken the extra time to think independently. I have some advice for you newcomers: make good, SMART use of your resources and most of all, TRUST YOUR MIND rather than someone else’s…in the long run, you WILL come out ahead.” -- former CS1 student Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Academic Integrity DO’S If instructions are in writing, read and follow them. Protect yourself and your work. Keep your password private. Tell the truth when asked. Avoid classes with a sibling, significant other or friend. Turn in accurate reflections of your knowledge. Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU

Academic Integrity DON’TS Copy another’s work Look at someone else’s work. Share a tutor, especially to review your homework. Use someone else’s work and try to amend it with added white space or reordered sections, etc- It will NOT fool the instructor. Share anything electronically with another student. Help your friends- it does not help them in the long run. Reference: Slides by Dean Karen Boyd of Georgia Tech, modified for use at RU