Academic Honesty/Plagiarism

Students are expected to uphold the highest integrity and honesty in all their academic work. Students will not engage in any of the following acts:    

1. Cheating on examinations, including but not limited to, the non-authorized use of books or notes, the use of crib sheets, copying from other students' papers, exchanging information with other students orally, in writing, by electronic devices, or by signals, obtaining copies of the examination illegally, and other similar activities.
2. Plagiarism is not permitted in term papers, themes, essays, reports, images, take-home examinations, and other academic work.  Plagiarism is defined as stealing or using without acknowledgment of the ideas, words, formulas, textual materials, online services, computer programs, etc. of another person, or in any way presenting the work of another person as one's own.
3. Falsifications, including forging signatures, altering answers after they have been graded, erasing grader's markings, and other acts that allow for falsely taking credit.

A student found guilty of academic dishonesty may be subjected to a full range of penalties including, but not limited to, reprimand and loss of credit for all of the work that is plagiarized.

A teacher who believes that a student has been academically dishonest in his/her class should resolve the matter in the following manner:

1. Reprimand the student orally and/or in writing.  The teacher is also authorized to withhold credit for the work tainted by the academic dishonesty.
2. If warranted, the teacher shall file a written complaint against the student with the Director of Student Services requesting a more stringent form of discipline.  The complaint must describe in detail the academic dishonesty that is alleged to have taken place, and must request that the matter be reviewed by the Director of Student Services.
3. The Director of Student Services will determine if further discipline of the student is appropriate. The nature of the discipline will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
4. If the student is not in agreement with the disciplinary action assigned by the Director of Student Services, he/she may appeal the action to the Principal.  If the student is dissatisfied with the Principal’s disposition of the case, he/she may grieve the action in accordance with Policy No. 5710, Pupil Grievance.