Student Resources for Academic Integrity

What is Academic Integrity and Why is it Important?

Missouri S&T's mission is to integrate education and research to create and convey knowledge to solve problems for our State and the technological world. Each student and alumni is part of that mission. S&T students and graduates are expected to solve these problems in morally responsible and transparent ways that don't tarnish the reputation of the institution or diminish the value of an S&T degree. 

Each student, instructor and staff member share responsibility for academic integrity at Missouri S&T. Learn more about academic integrity and your responsibility as a student below.

Missouri S&T Honor Code*

Video Resource: Plagiarism 2.0 -- Information Ethics in the Digital Age (click on the Missouri S&T Access link mid-page)

2022 PPT Academic Dishonesty 

*The student honor code was approved by the Missouri S&T Student Council in 2012; it has not neceessarily been reviewed or approved by the UM Board of Curators or by the University of Missouri General Counsel.

Types of Academic Dishonesty
  • Cheating
  • Plagiarism
  • Sabotage

Cheating

Cheating includes the use, dependence upon or possession of unauthorized materials in class- or homework, or quizzes, tests or examinations. 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of another person's work or ideas without proper citation, whether by paraphrase or direct quotation. Go here for some specific examples of plagiarized passages and how they could be corrected.

Plagiarism includes unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. It is also the unacknowledged use of original work that has been produced through collaboration with others without release in writing from collaborators.

For more information, contact the Writing Center on campus.

Here is a quick video overview about what constitutes plagiarism.

 

Sabotage

Satotage is interfering with, modifying or destroying the work or intellectual property of another member of the University without permission.

Sanctions

The following is a list of possible sanctions. More than one of the sanctions may be imposed for any single violation.

  • Warning
  • Probation
  • Loss of Privileges
  • Discretionary Sanctions
  • University Dismissal
  • University Suspension
  • University Expulsion

Warning

A notice in writing to the student that the student violated institutional regulations.

Probation

A written reprimand for a designated period of time and includes the probability of more severe sanctions if other instances of academic dishonesty are discovered.

Loss of Privileges

Denial of specified privileges for a designated period of time.

Discretionary Sanctions

Work assignments, service to the university, or other related discretionary assignments.

University Dismissal

An involuntary separation of the student from the University; there is no definite time period attached to this sanction.

University Suspension

Separation of the student from the University for a definite period of time, after which the student is eligible to return. Conditions for readmission may be specified. 

University Expulsion

Permanent separation of the student from the University.

Students have right to due process if they are alleged to be involved in academic dishonesty. They have the right to be notified.

Typically, the instructor will meet with the student and allow the student to explain the questionable conduct, and the instructor will render judgment, such as a failing grade on the assignment. The instructor will notify the Vice Provost for Academic Support (VPAS), who will investigate and represent the University in any student conduct case involving academic dishonesty.

The Vice Provost for Academic Support's investigation typically will involve an interview with the student and others involved. All information received will be documented and reviewed.

If the Vice Provost for Academic Support decides to move forward with disciplinary action, he may first attempt an informal disposition with the student, or he can forward the case to the Student Conduct Committee for a formal hearing.

At the informal disposition, the Vice Provost for Academic Support will determine an appropriate sanction based upon the investigation.

The student will have the opportunity to review the allegations and make a statement on his/her behalf.

The student has seven days in which to either accept or reject the informal disposition. If the student fails to respond in accepting or rejecting the disposition, the University may deem such silence to be an acceptance of the determination.

If the student rejects the proposed sanction, the case moves to a formal hearing before the Student Conduct Committee.

The Student Conduct Committee will report its findings and determination of sanctions to the student and the Vice Provost for Academic Support .

If the sanction is less than expulsion, dismissal or suspension, the student may submit a written petition to the chancellor or designee within five calendar days of receiving the committee determination. The chancellor or designee may grant or refuse the right to review. If refused, the action is final. If granted, the action may be remanded for further proceedings.

When a student is expelled, dismissed or suspended from the University, the student has 10 days in which to submit a written appeal to the chancellor or designee. The action of the chancellor is final unless it is to remand the matter for further proceedings.

Missouri S&T students recognize that they have a responsibility to ensure prevention of any academic dishonesty. To report academic dishonesty, contact the office of Vice Provost for Academic Support at academicsupport@mst.edu.

Helpful Links

See page 25 of the University's Student Academic Regulations Policy at the following link, http://registrar.mst.edu/academicregs/.

The following link will take you to the Student Standard of Conduct relative to the University System's Collective Rules and Regulations, Rules of Procedures and Student Conduct Matters.

This link will take you to the forms used in student disciplinary matters, Forms for Student Disciplinary Matters. 

Myths About Cheating and Plagiarism

Myth: Working with others isn't considered cheating

Fact: Not always, but it depends.

Assume that your academic work should be done independently unless told otherwise by your instructor. Always check with the instructor if you are not sure, and acknowledge those who help you on an assignment.

Myth: Using old exams to study or prepare for a test isn't cheating.

Fact: You can't use old exams in preparing for or taking a test if it was not explicitly authorized by your instructor. If you come across some old exams for your particular course, ask your instructor if you can use them to study.

Myth: Copying ideas, copying words or paraphrasing from the Web isn't plagiarism.

Fact: Copying or using someone else's ideas or works without citation is always plagiarism, even if you've paraphrased.

If you use the Internet or any source in completing a class assignment, you should cite that source within the document and at the end in your references. Get in this habit even if it is not specifically stated by the instructor.

Myth: If my instructor didn't say I couldn't do it, then I can.

Fact: S&T instructors won't verbalize every unauthorized behavior. You're expected to know some of the basics of academic honesty yourself, such as:

  • Cite your sources
  • Complete in-class tests and take-home tests independently
  • Complete your own homework assignments 

If in doubt, produce independent work unless you are told otherwise, or ask your instructor for guidance.