Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is “the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner” which includes “a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception.” (see Senate policy 49-20). Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism – Using someone else’s words, ideas, or work without proper citation or attribution.
Collusion – Sharing answers during an exam or working together on an assignment without equal contribution and credit.
Fabrication – Making up data, results, or sources to support a paper or project.
Improper use of technology – Using unauthorized devices (e.g., smart glasses, smartphones) during exams, or using generative AI tools without instructor permission.
Misrepresentation – Falsely claiming to have done work when you did not, or altering work to make it appear original.
Tolerating dishonesty – Encouraging or allowing others to commit academic misconduct.
Improper collaboration – Taking credit for work done by others or failing to give credit where due in group projects.
Using unauthorized materials – Bringing in notes, books, or other aids not allowed by the instructor during an exam.

If you are unsure whether a particular action is permitted, seek guidance before submitting your work. Helpful information can often be found in your course syllabus. You may also consult your instructor or the Bellisario College Academic Integrity Office (jqe3@psu.edu).

For additional information, review Penn State's G-9 Academic Integrity Policy and the Academic Integrity Resources website.

Students who receive notice of an alleged academic integrity violation will work through the college’s academic integrity process to address the allegation.

Graduate students are subject to the same academic integrity process as undergraduate students.

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Bellisario College Honor Code

As a member of the Bellisario College Communality, pledge to follow the Honor Code.

I pledge to be an honorable student
I will be responsible for the integrity of my work, and encourage my peers to do the same
I will respect the dignity of all individuals in the Penn State community
I will act in an ethical manner by being open-minded, honest and law abiding to the best of my ability
I pledge to carry this commitment

Penn State Values

As members of the Penn State community, students are expected to uphold the Penn State Values, which are as follows:

: We act with integrity and honesty in accordance with the highest academic, professional, and ethical standards.
: We respect and honor the dignity of each person, embrace civil discourse, and foster a diverse and inclusive community.
: We act responsibly, and we are accountable for our decisions, actions, and their consequences.
: We seek and create new knowledge and understanding, and foster creativity and innovation, for the benefit of our communities, society, and the environment.
: We strive for excellence in all our endeavors as individuals, an institution, and a leader in higher education.
: We work together for the betterment of our University, the communities we serve, and the world.

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How to Avoid Academic Integrity Violations

Become familiar with course expectations, rules and permitted resources.

Unless specifically permitted by your instructor, avoid using outside assistance, sharing course materials, collaborating with others, or uploading course content to tutoring, study-sharing, quizzing or repository websites.

if expectations are unclear, deadlines become difficult to meet or you are uncertain about what is allowed, contact your instructor for guidance.

When using another person's words, ideas, images or research:

Cite the source appropriately.
Include references or a works cited section when required.
Use quotation marks for direct quotations unless instructed otherwise.
Properly paraphrase and cite original sources.
Remember that minor wording changes do not make someone else's work your own.

When in doubt, ask before submitting your work.

Possible Outcomes of an Academic Integrity Violation

Students who accept responsibility for, or are found responsible for, academic misconduct may face consequences beyond course-related penalties. Potential outcomes may include:

Faculty can propose grade-related sanctions.
If a sanction is contested, the Academic Integrity Committee determines the outcome.
For serious or repeated violations, the committee may assign an XF transcript notation when the instructor's recommended sanction results in an F for the course. The committee determines how long the XF remains on the transcript (up to two years) and any conditions for early removal.

For egregious or repeated violations in courses required for a degree program, the Academic Integrity Committee may remove the student from that program.

The committee may refer cases to Student Accountability and recommend sanctions such as:

- - Formal Warning
  - Conduct Probation
  - Suspension
  - Expulsion

Students found responsible for academic misconduct are not eligible for the Dean's List during the semester (or equivalent credit period) in which the violation occurred.

Students who receive an academic sanction for misconduct cannot elect Pass/Fail grading for that course.

Loss of eligibility to drop, late drop, or withdraw from the course

Students cannot use grade forgiveness for a course in which they received an academic sanction for an academic integrity violation.

The University maintains records of students found responsible for academic misconduct to identify repeat violations. These records are generally limited to individuals involved in the academic integrity process.

Academic misconduct is not recorded on a student's transcript unless transcript notation is specifically assigned as a sanction. Information is generally not disclosed to outside organizations unless the Office of Student Accountability and Conflict Response determines that more serious disciplinary sanctions, such as conduct probation, suspension, or expulsion, are warranted.

For questions or support regarding academic integrity, students are encouraged to consult their instructor or contact the Office of Academic Integrity (jqe3@psu.edu)

Bellisario College Honor Code

Penn State Values

How to Avoid Academic Integrity Violations

Possible Outcomes of an Academic Integrity Violation

Legal Statements