SUBJECT:

Integrity of Scholarship

The UCSD Policy on Academic Integrity states the general rules for student integrity. It establishes the standards that apply to academic course work undertaken by all undergraduate and graduate students of this University. The policy is based on the fundamental tenet that the principle of honesty must be upheld if the integrity of scholarship is to be maintained by an academic community. The policy can be accessed electronically at:

http://www-senate.ucsd.edu/manual/Appendices/app2.htm.

We draw your attention to the following points:

1. At the beginning of the term, the instructor shall state in writing (e.g., in the syllabus, information sheets, or Web site) what graded assignments and exams will be required of students. If there are any course-specific rules required by the instructor for maintaining academic integrity, the instructor shall also inform students in writing what kinds of aid and collaboration, if any, are permitted on graded assignments and exams. The UCSD Policy on Integrity of Scholarship states the general rules for student integrity.

2. If an instructor decides that there is evidence of academic dishonesty, he or she must report the suspected violation of the Policy on Integrity of Scholarship to the Student Conduct Coordinator (SCC) in the Office of Student Policies and Judicial Affairs (SPJA) and include information that describes and documents the suspected violation.

3. Once an instructor has decided to proceed with a charge of academic dishonesty, he or she will refrain from assigning a course grade for the student until the charge has been resolved.

4. If the course concludes before the charge is resolved, the instructor will assign an "IP" on the course grade sheet for the student's grade and will indicate in the memorandum column that this IP is for a "Pending Charge of Academic Dishonesty." Upon resolution of the charges, the instructor should assign the appropriate grade. The instructor should then complete the change of grade form and return the completed form to the Student Conduct Coordinator who will have the grade change entered on the student's transcript.

5. Upon the resolution of the charges, the Student Conduct Coordinator will also notify the instructor of the administrative penalty to be imposed.

6. Any breach of academic honesty may be considered grounds for failure in the course, although less serious consequences may be incurred in less serious circumstances.

7. The College Dean of Student Affairs for the accused student shall maintain a record of all cases of academic dishonesty so that repeat offenders can be identified. The Dean of Graduate Studies will maintain such records for graduate students.

Professionally trained staff are available to receive reports of suspected academic dishonesty and to assist in processing instances that require follow-up action. You may contact Aubrey Ellis, Interim Student Conduct Coordinator at 858-534-6225 or via email at studentconduct@ucsd.edu for assistance. You can also access the Policy on Integrity of Scholarship on the Student Policies and Judicial Affairs home page at:

http://ugr8.ucsd.edu/judicial/JudicialAffairs.htm

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.

Donald F. Tuzin, Chair Academic Senate San Diego Division Joseph W. Watson Vice Chancellor- Student Affairs