2025-2026  University Policies and Regulations   Academic Policies and Regulations   Academic Integrity Policy

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:

1. plagiarism, including self- plagiarism;
2. contract cheating;
3. cheating;
4. misrepresentation of personal identity or performance;
5. submission of false information;
6. contributing to Academic Misconduct;
7. damaging, tampering, or interfering with the scholarly environment;
8. unauthorized use of intellectual property;
9. 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:

1. the extent of the misconduct;
2. whether the conduct in question was deliberate or whether the student ought reasonably to have known;
3. the importance of the work in question as a component of the course or program;
4. the academic experience of the student;
5. previous Academic Misconduct; and,
6. 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

Allegations of Academic Misconduct must be proven based on a balance of probabilities. 

2. Instructor or Program Manager Investigation

3. Initial Determination by Instructor or Program Manager

If, after discussion and evidence review, the instructor or program manager determines that no academic misconduct occurred, the instructor or program manager may: 

4. Student Response

The student may provide additional information by: 

5. Associate Dean's Review

After 10 business days from the report date, the Associate Dean will: 

6. Dean's Review

7. Academic Misconduct by Applicants 

8. Student Appeals

Students may appeal the Associate Dean’s decision in writing to the Dean within three weeks of notification, on the following grounds: 

9. Additional Considerations

APPENDIX A – Examples of Academic Misconduct

APPENDIX B – Guidance on Determining Major vs Minor Academic Misconduct