Academic Integrity Policy
1. Purpose
The Mission of Nipissing University is to exemplify the highest standards in scholarship, teaching, and research. As such, Academic Integrity is a core value that supports the University’s mission.
Academic Integrity is defined by the basic principles of honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility (as articulated by the International Center for Academic Integrity, www.academicintegrity.org). These values serve as the foundation for the development and acquisition of knowledge, for students, adherence to these fundamental values is essential for earning academic credit in all courses, whether offered on- or off-campus, online, or as placements, practicums or internships.
Accordingly, the Academic Integrity Policy provides members of the Nipissing University community general guidelines of appropriate academic behaviours and identifies prohibited academic conduct. The intention of Nipissing University is to ensure presumption of innocence, fair treatment, transparent processes, and consistent application in the administration of this policy.
Nipissing University acknowledges the following institutions, whose related policies and procedures provided background and a foundation in best practices that assisted in the development of this policy: Brock University, McMaster University, Trent University, Ryerson University, Carleton University, York University, University of Leicester, and Algonquin College.
2. Scope
The Academic Integrity Policy applies to all current and former Nipissing University students at all levels of study (e.g. undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate programs and continuing education) and applicants.
Where circumstances warrant, a student may be subject to disciplinary procedures under both the Nipissing University Academic Integrity Policy and the Nipissing University Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Furthermore, in some programs students may be required to abide by the standards of a professional code of ethics or code of conduct as a condition of successful completion of a practicum or field placement. Where such professional codes substantively differ from or impose requirements that conflict with the Nipissing University Academic Integrity Policy, violations of such codes are not to be pursued under this policy.
Statement of Confidentiality and Protection of Information
Nipissing University is bound by its policies regarding the confidentiality of student information and complies with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA). In the administration of this policy, information, documentation or evidence may be accessed by, submitted to, and/or reviewed by members of the University community who require it in order to perform the functions of their position (e.g, Instructor, Department Chair, Director, Dean, Associate Dean, Appeal Committee, Registrar, etc.). In addition, details of a particular case may be shared in confidence with a University colleague, supervisor, or counsel for the purpose of seeking advice.
This statement of confidentiality is subject to any legal obligation of the University to disclose information and any other disclosure requirement that has otherwise been agreed to by the student.
The University shall only share the information with third parties, such as parents or spouses, upon receipt of the student’s written consent. In these situations, the University shall provide only the requested information as approved by the student.
3. Policy
Definition of Academic Misconduct:
Academic Misconduct is defined as any behaviour that undermines the University’s ability to evaluate students’ academic achievements fairly, or any behaviour that a student knew, or reasonably ought to have known, could gain them or others unfair academic advantage or benefit.
Included in Academic Misconduct are:
a) plagiarism, including self- plagiarism;
b) contract cheating;
c) cheating;
d) misrepresentation of personal identity or performance;
e) submission of false information;
f) contributing to Academic Misconduct;
g) damaging, tampering, or interfering with the scholarly environment;
h) unauthorized use of intellectual property;
i) misconduct in re-graded/re-submitted work.
While the above list characterizes the most common instances of Academic Misconduct, it is not intended to be exhaustive. A more comprehensive list of inclusions can be found in Appendix A.
Penalties for Academic Misconduct:
The penalty for a student who has committed Academic Misconduct will be based on whether the behaviour is classified as Minor or Major Academic Misconduct.
The instructor will make the initial determination if the offence is Minor or Major. In deciding whether the Academic Misconduct is Minor or Major, consideration will be given to the following factors:
a) the extent of the misconduct;
b) whether the conduct in question was deliberate or whether the student ought reasonably to have known;
c) the importance of the work in question as a component of the course or program;
d) the academic experience of the student;
e) previous Academic Misconduct; and,
f) any other relevant circumstances.
Appendix B provides guidance on determining if a case is Minor vs Major Academic Misconduct, for consistency and fairness in the application of penalties. The guiding principle when determining if Academic Misconduct is Minor or Major, and of the range of penalty assigned, is that the instructor, Associate Dean, and Dean should exercise their discretion in applying disciplinary actions that are fair, equitable, transparent, and proportionate to the act(s) for which actions are being applied. Therefore, the above factors shall also be taken into consideration in determining the penalty.
For cases of Academic Misconduct that, in the initial determination made by the instructor, do not rise to the level of either Minor or Major Misconduct, the instructor may close the matter with no further action, a verbal or written warning to the student, and/or a recommendation that the student review the University policy on Academic Integrity and any supporting resources.
Otherwise, the recommended penalties for all case Academic Misconduct shall be:
First Minor Academic Misconduct: Partial or total loss of marks on the piece of academic work. The recommended penalty is total loss of marks on the piece of work. For Nursing clinical courses, where the final grade is satisfactory or unsatisfactory, an opportunity to resubmit the piece of work is recommended.
Second Minor, or First Major Academic Misconduct: A grade of zero on the piece of academic work, a transcript notation of AD for Academic Dishonesty, a failing final grade, or a final grade of zero in the course will also be levied. For courses that are graded as either pass or fail (e.g. Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory), the penalty will be a failing grade (e.g. Unsatisfactory).
Penalties may differ for students in programs that are required to follow a professional code of ethics or code of conduct; including but not limited to reporting the misconduct to the governing body. Consult your program Chair/Director for more information.
Subsequent Academic Misconduct: In the case of
(1) any type of Academic Misconduct after a Second Minor;
(2) any type of Academic Misconduct after a First Major; or,
(3) a First Major, where a Minor is already on record; the penalty will be a period of suspension from the University ranging from one term to one year. In addition, a zero grade in the course and the AD notation for the course will be assigned. If a student, who is otherwise eligible to graduate, has been suspended for Academic Misconduct, the student may not graduate until the period of the suspension has been served.
The penalty for any student committing any type of Academic Misconduct following one of the three instances listed above, will be expulsion from the University.
The penalties for Academic Misconduct as described above will be levied unless there are extraordinary circumstances which justify a different penalty.
4. Process for the administration of the Policy
1. Preamble: The Burden of Proof is the Balance of Probabilities
For a finding of Academic Misconduct to be supported, based on the information presented by the instructor (and the student, if provided), it must be determined that it is more likely than not that the student engaged in Academic Misconduct. This contrasts with the stricter burden of “beyond a reasonable doubt” used in criminal law. Thus, the onus is on the University to establish that the student has committed Academic Misconduct on a balance of probabilities.
2. Instructor investigates
The instructor will first make reasonable inquiries to investigate the circumstances of the suspected Academic Misconduct. If the instructor has reason to believe that a student has committed Academic Misconduct, the instructor will inform the student and invite the student to meet to discuss the matter. Before notifying the student, the instructor is encouraged to meet with their Chair/Director to seek clarification on the Academic Integrity Policy and process.
Proctors, Teaching Assistants or Invigilators
If a proctor, teaching assistant or invigilator becomes aware of Academic Misconduct, they will collect and notify the course instructor who will proceed as detailed in this policy.
3. Instructor makes an initial determination
If after meeting with the student and reviewing the evidence, the instructor is satisfied that no Academic Misconduct occurred, no further action will be taken by the instructor unless new evidence comes to their attention.
Or, if after meeting with the student (or if the student fails to respond to the request for a meeting or does not attend a prearranged meeting) the instructor decides that Academic Misconduct has occurred, the instructor will prepare a report on the Academic Misconduct. The report will summarize the relevant facts and evidence, including the student’s version of events if given. The report will additionally state whether the instructor considers the misconduct to be Minor or Major, the reasons, as well as any extraordinary circumstances that may be important in the case. Before preparing the Academic Misconduct report, the instructor is encouraged to meet with their Chair/Director to seek clarification on the Academic Integrity Policy and process.
If the Academic Misconduct is Minor, the instructor will determine the penalty and provide the student, the Associate Dean, and the Registrar with a copy of the report. The instructor should also provide any supporting documentation to the Associate Dean.
If the Academic Misconduct is Major, the instructor will recommend a penalty and provide the student, Associate Dean and Registrar with a copy of the report. The instructor should also provide any supporting documentation to the Associate Dean.
4. Opportunity for comment by student
Should the student wish to add to or clarify the information in the report, the student may request a meeting or send written comments to the Associate Dean, within 10 business days from the date of the report. Before meeting with the Associate Dean, the student is encouraged to meet with their program Chair/Director and/or a representative from NUSU for further assistance on the process.
5. Associate Dean makes decision on Second Minor, or First Major Academic Misconduct
The Associate Dean will review the report provided by the instructor, comments provided by the student, and check for any previous Academic Misconduct.
If there’s been a previous minor Academic Misconduct, the Associate Dean will inform the student in writing. The student will be given the opportunity to schedule a meeting with the Associate Dean and/or send written comments to them within 10 business days of being informed.
The Associate Dean will decide on the penalty and will inform the student, the instructor, the Dean, and the Registrar in writing.
6. Registrar makes the decision on Academic Misconduct from Applicants
The Registrar will review all evidence, decide on the penalty and inform the applicant in writing. Penalties will include but not limited to cancelling the application for admission to the university.
7. Associate Dean recommends decision to the Dean in cases of Subsequent Academic Misconduct
In cases of Subsequent Academic Misconduct:
• after a Second Minor;
• after a First Major;
• when a First Major occurs where a Minor is already on record; the Associate Dean will inform the student in writing. The student will be given the opportunity to schedule a meeting with the Associate Dean and/or send written comments to them within 10 business days of being informed. The Associate Dean will recommend a penalty and provide a report outlining the reasons for their recommendation to the Dean.
8. The Dean makes decision in cases of Subsequent Academic Misconduct
The Dean will review the Associate Dean’s report, the report and supporting documentation provided by the instructor, as well as the comments provided by the student, and determine an appropriate penalty. The Dean will inform the student, the instructor, the Associate Dean, and the Registrar in writing.
9. Student Appeals
The student may appeal an instructor’s or Associate Dean’s decision in writing to the Dean, setting out the grounds for appeal, within three weeks of the date of receiving the report on Academic Misconduct.
The grounds for appeal are:
• New information that would have had a significant impact on the students’ performance and could not have been reasonably provided to the instructor and/or Associate Dean beforehand.
• Procedure Irregularities in the conduct of the assessment or course, where the result may have been different if it had not occurred.
Students may not appeal penalties that they believe are worse than they deserve.
The Dean will normally respond to the appeal within three weeks of receiving the appeal. Before submitting an appeal the student is encouraged to meet with their program Chair/Director and/or a representative from NUSU to seek clarification of the appeal process.
The student may appeal the Dean’s decision by writing to the Chair of the Academic Appeal Committee, setting out the grounds for appeal, within three weeks of receiving the Dean’s decision in writing. The Academic Appeal Committee will normally respond to the appeal within six weeks of receiving the appeal.
10. Late Withdrawal
Late withdrawals will not be granted for courses with an Academic Misconduct.
11. Course completion or withdrawal is not a stay of proceedings
A student’s completion of a course, or withdrawal from a course, program, or the University, does not stay or prevent proceedings for Academic Misconduct under this policy. Further, penalties for Academic Misconduct determined under this policy will appear as appropriate on the student’s record, including the student’s transcript, despite any such course completion or withdrawal.
12. Rescinding of degree
If an incidence of Academic Misconduct is discovered after the degree has been awarded, the University retains the right to rescind the degree.
13. Removal of transcript notations
Academic Dishonesty, AD, transcript notations will be automatically removed at the time of graduation. If a student wishes to have the transcript notation removed sooner, an application can be made in writing to the Provost & Vice President Academic and Research. The letter should explain the reason for the request, what the student has learned from the experience, and what they have done to ensure violations of Academic Misconduct will not occur again. Such applications may not be initiated before one year has passed.
APPENDIX A – Examples of Academic Misconduct
1. Plagiarism includes but is not limited to:
1.1. claiming, submitting, or presenting the words, ideas, artistry, drawings, images, or data of another person, including information found on the Internet and unpublished materials, as if they are one’s own, without appropriate referencing
1.2. claiming, submitting, or presenting someone else’s work, ideas, opinions, or theories as if they are one’s own, without proper referencing
1.3. claiming, submitting, or presenting another person’s substantial compositional contributions, assistance, edits, or changes to an assignment as one’s own
1.4. claiming, submitting, or presenting collaborative work as if it were created solely by oneself or one’s group
1.5. minimally paraphrasing someone else’s work by changing only a few words, and/or not citing the original source
2. Self-plagiarism or Unauthorized Resubmission of Work refers to the practice of submitting the same work, in whole or in part, for credit in two or more courses, or in the same course more than once, without the prior written permission of the instructor. Self-plagiarism can also include presenting one’s own previously published work as though it were new.
3. Unauthorized Cooperation and/or Collaboration includes working with others without the knowledge or consent of the instructor. Examples include:
3.1.Providing other learners with questions/scenarios/simulations/other being used on assessments at any time.
3.2.Accessing or possessing unauthorized materials, unauthorized information or devices during assessments.
3.3.Taking part in unauthorized collaboration with another learner, which may include letting your answers be viewed, lending your work, or working in a group on an assessment that is deemed to be an individual effort, and submitting the same course work as one or more learners in the course, unless expressly permitted by the instructor.
4. Cheating includes but is not limited to:
4.1. having ready access to and/or using aids or devices (including wireless communication devices) not expressly allowed by the instructor during an examination, test, quiz, or other evaluation
4.2. copying another person’s answer(s) on a test, exam, quiz, lab report, or other work to be evaluated
4.3. copying another person’s answers, with or without their permission, to individually assigned projects
4.4. consulting with another person or with unauthorized materials outside of an examination room during the examination period (e.g. discussing an exam or consulting materials during an emergency evacuation or when permitted to use a washroom)
4.5. improperly submitting an answer to a test or examination question completed, in whole or part, outside the examination room unless expressly permitted by the instructor
4.6.resubmitting altered test or examination work after it has already been evaluated
4.7.presenting falsified or fabricated material, including research results
4.8.improperly obtaining, through deceit, theft, bribery, collusion, or otherwise, access to examination paper(s) or set of questions, or other confidential information
4.9.collaborating on work to be evaluated where such collaboration has been expressly forbidden by the instructor
5. Contract Cheating occurs when a third party completes work, with or without payment, for a student, who then submits the work as their own, where such input is not permitted, (e.g. buying or selling assessments on Course Hero)
6. Misrepresentation of Personal Identity or Performance includes but is not limited to:
6.1. submitting stolen or purchased assignments, research or creative work
6.2. impersonating someone or having someone impersonate you in person, in writing, or electronically (both the impersonator and the individual impersonated, if aware of the impersonation, may be subject to a penalty)
6.3. falsely identifying oneself or misrepresenting one’s personal performance outside of a particular course, in a course in which one is not officially enrolled, or in the admissions process (e.g. submission of portfolios, essays, transcripts, or documents)
6.4. withholding or altering academic information, portfolios, essays, transcripts, or documents, including during the admissions process
7. Submission of False Information includes but is not limited to:
7.1. submitting altered, forged, or falsified medical or other certificates, or documents for academic consideration, or making false claims for such consideration, including in or as part of an academic appeal, or the academic misconduct process
7.2. submitting false academic credentials to the University
7.3. altering, in any way, official documents issued by the University
7.4. submitting falsified letters of reference
8. Contributing to Academic Misconduct includes but is not limited to:
8.1. Uploading, offering, giving, sharing, or selling essays, questions, and/or answers to tests or exams, quizzes, or other assignments unless authorized to do so
8.2. allowing work to be copied during an examination, test, or for any other assignment
9. Damaging, Tampering, or Interfering with the Scholarly Environment includes but is not limited to:
9.1. obstructing and/or disturbing the academic activities of others
9.2. altering the academic work of others in order to gain academic advantage
9.3. tampering with experiments or laboratory assignments
9.4. altering or destroying artistic or creative works such as drawings or films
9.5. removing, altering, misusing or destroying University property to obstruct the work of others
9.6. unauthorized access to, stealing, or tampering with any course-related material
9.7. unauthorized access to, or tampering with, library materials, including hiding them in a place where they will not readily be found by other members of the Nipissing University community.
10. Research Misconduct includes but is not limited to the following, in the proposing, conducting or reporting of scholarly activity:
10.1. Fabrication: Making up data, source material, methodologies or findings, including graphs and images.
10.2. Falsification: Manipulating, changing, or omitting data, source material, methodologies or findings, including graphs and images, without accurate disclosure and which could result in inaccurate findings or conclusions.
10.3. Destruction of Research Records: The destruction of one's own or another's research data or records to specifically avoid the detection of misconduct.
APPENDIX B – Guidance on Determining Major vs Minor Academic Misconduct
Understanding that the context in which Academic Misconduct has occurred is an important consideration when determining its severity. The guiding principle here and of this policy is that the instructor, Associate Dean, Dean and/or Registrar exercise their discretion in applying disciplinary actions that are fair, equitable, transparent and proportionate to the act(s) for which actions are being applied.
Examples of Minor Academic Misconduct
• Plagiarism that consists of attempts at proper citation and referencing has occurred, but is incomplete
• Plagiarism that consists of copying from external resource(s) to support learning, e.g. tracing from art photographs, copying computer program coding
• Unauthorized Cooperation and/or Collaboration
• Self-plagiarism or Unauthorized Resubmission of Work
Examples of Major Academic Misconduct
• Plagiarism that consists of a large portion of copied material and/or when presenting another person’s substantial compositional contributions, assistance, edits, or changes to an assignment as one’s own
• Cheating
• Contract cheating
• Misrepresentation of Personal Identity or Performance
• Submission of False Information
• Contributing to Academic Misconduct
• Damaging, Tampering, or Interfering with the Scholarly Environment
• Research Misconduct