Academic integrity is a core value of the academic community. It is essential for maintaining the quality of higher education, for the development of critical thinking skills, and for ensuring that academic achievements are based on merit. College of the Canyons defines academic integrity as the ethical and honest pursuit of knowledge, scholarship, and intellectual growth. It involves upholding the values and principles that guide ethical behavior in academic work, including honesty, fairness, trust, and respect for the intellectual work of others. 

At College of the Canyons, we believe that academic integrity is one of the most important qualities college students need to develop and maintain. Conversely, academic dishonesty is any practice or behavior, whether intentional or unintentional, that undermines the integrity of material submitted for academic credit. 

Academic dishonesty violates the principles of academic integrity and can have serious consequences for both the individual and the academic community. Common types of academic dishonesty fall into one of three categories: 

1. Plagiarism or self-plagiarism 

a. Plagiarism is submitting someone else’s work as one’s own, or without adequate or proper attribution, including unauthorized use of AI-generated material 

b. Self-plagiarism is resubmitting the same work from a different class without the current instructor’s knowledge and approval (e.g., using the same term paper in more than one class) 

2. Cheating 

· Examples of cheating include (but are not limited to): 

a. copying from someone else’s test, or any evaluated assignment 

b. using an unauthorized aid during a test (e.g., phone, smart watch, notes or browser) 

c. unauthorized collaboration or communication with others during a test or an independent assignment, including downloading, uploading, sharing or duplicating course material. 

d. unauthorized use of generative AI or other web-based application 

3. Fraud 

· Examples of fraud include (but are not limited to): 

a. having a test or an assignment completed by someone else 

b. buying, selling or otherwise obtaining or distributing term papers, assignments, or tests  

c. falsifying, misrepresenting or forging an academic record or supporting documents (e.g., submitting a fake doctor’s note, misrepresentation of identity) 

d. improper access/obstruction of materials/systems (e.g., stealing a term paper or test) 

e. misrepresentation, falsification, or fabrication of data presented for surveys, experiments, and reports including authors, data or falsely claiming attendance at a class event 

It is the responsibility of all members of the academic community to uphold the principles of academic integrity and to prevent instances of academic dishonesty. Cases of alleged academic dishonesty may be referred to Student Conduct for investigation. Relevant disciplinary action policies can be found in the Student Conduct Code.