Academic Honesty Policy
Triton College closely adheres to principles of academic honesty and integrity. The academic honesty policy is designed to inform students and faculty of the expectations and procedures associated with the honest pursuit of a Triton College education. Overall, academic achievement is a product of personal commitment, and investigation of knowledge, and a pursuit of independent and honest work, both in and out of the classroom. All forms of cheating deprive the student of achieving true academic success and are therefore, considered a serious violation. Furthermore, all incidents of cheating will result in a disciplinary response from college officials.
Below is a non-inclusive list of behaviors that are considered to be violations of academic honesty.
Examples of Academic Dishonesty
- copying someone else's work or answers
- allowing another student to copy your work or answers for internal or external class assignments
- using materials or information hidden on one's person during quizzes and examinations
- obtaining and using tests and answers in an unauthorized fashion
- providing course materials such as papers, lab data, reports, or answers to be used by another student
- fabricating information for the purpose of completing an assignment, quiz, exam or presentation
- taking an exam in place of another student or having someone take an exam in your place
- turning in the same paper to two different classes without receiving permission from both instructors
- copying a computer program for unauthorized use
- breaking into or utilizing college owned computer files in an unauthorized manner
- altering a grade sheet or forging a signature on an academic document
Another example of academic dishonesty, known as plagiarism, is less simple to define, but is nonetheless considered a serious violation. When using direct quotes or ideas created by someone other than yourself, it is imperative that the source of information be clearly identified. It is appropriate and acceptable to borrow ideas, thoughts and data from other sources as long as the original authors receive credit for their contributions through referencing.
Examples of Plagiarism
- borrowing or paraphrasing (other than common knowledge) for a paper without referencing the source
- intentionally or knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as your own
- purchasing a term paper or having someone write a paper to submit as your own work
All members of the Triton College community including faculty, staff and fellow students share responsibility for maintaining an academically honest learning environment. Therefore, all members of the Triton College community are eligible to report apparent acts of academic dishonesty to the appropriate dean.
Below is a non-inclusive summary of consequences that may result from student violation of the academic honesty policy.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
- a failing grade for the assignment in question
- a failing grade for the course
- placement on academic probation
- a notation on the academic transcript stating, "Student violated academic honesty policy" for a specific course
- an immediate suspension from the class for one or more class sessions
- administrative withdrawal from the course in question
- administrative withdrawal from the student's major or related majors as determined by the dean
- suspension or academic dismissal from Triton College
In cases which involve academic concerns, grievances will be initiated with instructor, department chairperson, and academic dean. The decision of the academic dean is final.