Academic Integrity
Academic integrity is essential to the world-class education of students at The University of Texas at Austin. As Longhorns, you are expected to maintain integrity and individual honor in academic work at UT Austin. This expectation is reinforced by the Student Honor Code and Institutional Rules which detail academic behaviors that are violations. Aim to complete all assignments, exams, and other scholastic endeavors with the following goals:
- acknowledge the contributions of other sources to your scholastic work;
- complete your assignments independently unless specifically allowed to collaborate with others;
- follow instructions for assignments and exams and observe the standards of your academic discipline; and
- verify what sources can be used to complete assignments or accessed during quizzes and tests.
Please see the Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, Section 11-402 for the Institutional Rules on academic dishonesty. Information on the conduct process and possible academic sanctions are included in other areas of Chapter 11.
Academic dishonesty undermines the mission of UT Austin as it relates to achieving excellence in undergraduate and graduate education, research, and public service. Academic dishonesty not only undercuts learning and disadvantages students who earn credit honestly, but also threatens university responsibilities, including the assessment and certification of student scholastic progress and educational achievement.
Upholding academic integrity is also a requirement for "a university of the first class," the honored distinction envisioned for our institution by the authors of the Texas Constitution of 1876. Many impressive accomplishments have earned that status over time and continue to do so, as part of UT Austin's distinguished efforts in developing and advancing knowledge. All participants – including students – must support the highest standards of academic integrity in their contributions to the complex process of developing and advancing knowledge; a process that cannot function without honesty.
As key members of the university community, you and other students share an interest and responsibility for defending academic integrity on our campus.
Academic misconduct can be intentional or unintentional. Regardless of the intent, it is important that academic misconduct be documented and addressed. Consequences for academic dishonesty could include:
- Grade Related Sanctions
- Status-Based Sanctions (Academic Integrity Probation, Deferred Suspension, Suspension, etc.)
- Educational Sanctions (Complete a reflective assignment, attend a workshop, mentoring, etc.)
Our top three tips to avoid academic dishonesty are:
- Carefully read your course syllabus and follow instructions for completing assignments. Make sure you understand exactly what is allowed for each class and assignment. For example, to what extent is working together on an assignment allowed, if at all? Know where the line is to avoid mistakes.
- Check your work. Give yourself enough time to thoroughly review each assignment, and be sure to credit the sources of any borrowed material properly, using the types of citations specified by your instructor.
- Ask your instructor for clarification about class expectations, syllabus information, or instructions for exams or assignments. Do not rely on other students for this information.
More tips for avoiding academic dishonesty:
- Presume that you are expected to complete assignments independently unless your instructor says otherwise.
- If you think that you may need tutoring in a course, ask for help early in the semester. Academic assistance programs on campus include:
- Perceived "shortcuts" for an exam or assignment are often forms of academic dishonesty.