Academic honesty and ethical behavior, expected of every student, are essential to the process of education and to upholding high ethical standards.  Cheating or any other kind of unethical behavior may subject the student to severe academic penalties, including expulsion.

All work submitted for evaluation in a course, including tests, term papers, and computer programs, must represent only the work of the student unless indicated otherwise.

Material taken from the work of others must be acknowledged properly.  Materials submitted to fulfill requirements in one course may not be submitted in another course without prior approval of all of the instructors involved.

Research material and data must be handled in accordance with standards set by the departments. Concerns about the propriety of obtaining outside assistance or acknowledging sources should be referred to the instructor of the course before the work commences.

Penalties appropriate to the severity of the infraction may include a grade of zero for the assignment, possible failure in the course, suspension, or even expulsion from the University.  Abuse of computer privileges may result in their restriction and possibly in more severe penalties.  Teachers may indicate specific penalties for academic dishonesty in their course syllabi.

Any appeal by a student is to be made first to the teacher.  If disputes of interpretation arise, the faculty member and chairperson will attempt to resolve the difficulty with the student.  If this does not lead to resolution, the Graduate Dean normally will rule in the matter.

If a penalty is imposed for academic misconduct, a written report of the incident may be sent to the Graduate Dean.  The Dean will review the case and determine if, in light of other information and records, further disciplinary action is warranted.