It includes direct quotation, paraphrase, and the borrowing of information or facts which are not common knowledge, without acknowledging the source through footnote, adequate means of citation, or proper quotation structure. Students are encouraged to learn the style most accepted in their disciplines. Cheating is the intentional use or attempted use of materials, information, or study aids other than those specifically authorized, in an attempt to claim credit for learning not one's own. Facilitating dishonesty by knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty is also a violation of University policy. If an instructor finds that a student has violated the University's Academic Honesty Policy, the instructor has the right to lower the student's grade, or even to fail the student for the course.
Students have the right to appeal such a grade penalty by an instructor.
The University Academic Honesty Board, which must be notified by instructors of any grade penalty, reviews all student appeals. The Board may sustain or recommend modification of the penalty given by the faculty member, or may recommend sanctions exceeding those originally given, such as suspension or expulsion from the University. The Board may also recommend sanctions for offenders who have committed multiple violations of the Academic Honesty Policy but who have not appealed the faculty members' decisions. The Board is composed of nine faculty members, two undergraduates, and one graduate student. Any student wishing to appeal a grade penalty imposed by an instructor for alleged dishonesty should contact the Ombuds Office, which facilitates appeals and provides administrative assistance to the Board.