Academic Integrity Doug Welch September 8, 2006 SGS101 – Part 2

Principles High standard of integrity required Same policy applies to all students Expectations and obligations well-defined Procedures clearly described Procedures fair Policies have force of law Appeals process exists

“Defence in depth” You! Your Supervisor Your Associate Chair/Graduate Advisor Your Associate Dean (SGS) The Academic Integrity Officer Ombuds (Judicial Review)

Plagiarism Many, many forms Academic integrity policy gives many examples of what may constitute plagiarism Underlying principle: There must be no ambiguity regarding what is your work and what has been done by others Bibliography is NOT enough

“Common Knowledge” One exception to the need to always cite sources is “common knowledge” (CK) CK is usually not anyone’s work, is known by many/most people Examples: –The Earth orbits the Sun –Ontario’s Provincial Bird is the Common Loon –There are seven days in a week

“Common Knowledge” Usually common knowledge is some piece of information which is not in dispute. When in doubt, provide a citation!!!

Hearings Faculty Adjudicator (Graduate) Notification Formal hearing Burden of proof is a “civil” standard “preponderance of the evidence” (NOT “beyond a reasonable doubt”!) Adjudicator issues finding (and determines penalty if the student is found guilty)

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “My English isn’t very good and what I found in the book/paper/website was written very well and said exactly what I wanted to say.” There is no doubt that it is tougher (at first) for an ESL graduate student. However, you are required to do your own work and write your own assignments to the best of your ability.

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “Transcribing the text into my paper was a lot of work and I should get partial credit for that.” Transcribing (without attribution) is a crystal- clear example of plagiarism. No credit will be given for transcription at the graduate level. Graduate students are expected to make intellectual contributions to the work they do.

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “This practice was acceptable at my last institution.” The standards at your previous institution may have been different. No allowance is made for the standards of other institutions. The standard expected at McMaster is that articulated in Academic Integrity Policy.

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “My instructor thought that what I did was okay or should be given partial credit.” Bad advice from instructors is obviously not helpful! Nevertheless, you have a responsibility to understand academic integrity independent of your instructor. (In such a case you might still be guilty of an academic offence, but the penalty might take the bad advice into account.)

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “Everyone else does it. It is unfair that I got caught and am getting punished.” At a hearing, the only issue being considered is whether or not you committed an academic offence.

Common (Unsuccessful) Explanations “I’m sorry. I did it. It was wrong. It will never happen again.” If you did indeed commit an academic offence and recognize it, this is certainly a reasonable plea. It won’t, however, forestall a hearing, a finding and a penalty.

Bottom Line You are responsible for your actions Read the Academic Integrity Policy Seek clarification from your instructor or supervisor when you are unsure If you are still unsure, ask someone else who is responsible for knowing these answers.