Academic integrity is a central value in higher education. It rests on two principles: first, that academic work is represented truthfully as to its source and its accuracy, and second, that academic results are obtained by fair and authorized means. "Academic misconduct" occurs when these values are not respected. Academic misconduct at KU is defined in the University Senate Rules and Regulations. A good rule of thumb is "if you have to ask if this is cheating, it probably is."
Academic integrity is based on five fundamental values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility.
Honesty is the foundation of teaching, learning, research, and service and is the prerequisite for trust, fairness, respect and responsibility. It is more than personally not cheating on assignments; it is not tolerating cheating from anyone.
Trust encourages the free exchange of ideas. It is promoted when faculty set clear guidelines for assignments and for evaluating student work; by students who prepare work that is honest and thoughtful; and by schools that set clear and consistent academic standards.
Fairness is everyone's responsibility and a lapse by one member of the community does not excuse misconduct by another. Fair and accurate evaluation is essential in the educational process.
Respect is paramount to learning process and respecting people involves fairness and honest treatment. Students show respect by attending class, being on time, paying attention, listening to other points of view, being prepared, meeting academic deadlines and performing to the best of their ability. Faculty show respect by taking students' ideas seriously, providing full and honest feedback of their work, valuing their aspirations and goals and recognizing them as individuals.
Responsibility is being personally accountable for your behavior. Being responsible means taking action against wrongdoing, despite peer pressure, fear, loyalty or compassion. Responsibility is part of academic civility.
Resources to Support Academic Integrity
KU Writing Center
Purdue University Online Writing Lab
By fostering academic integrity the university helps create a stronger civic culture that supports a campus environment for the engagement in community service.
Academic integrity and the World Wide Web