Revised: December 19, 1997

I recently attended both a meeting of the Associate Deans Council and a USC Teaching Seminar in which the issue of academic integrity was discussed.  You may be surprised learn that, according to a recent opinion poll, approximately 70% of college students (and the same percentage of their parents!) believe that cheating is not a big deal.

If you believe that cheating IS a big deal, you may wish to include the attached "Rule of Academic Responsibility" in your syllabi or to address the issue of academic integrity in the first class meeting of your Spring semester courses.

If you would like more information about the appropriate Academic Disciplinary Procedures, you may refer to pages 65-69 in the "Carolina Community" (Student Handbook and Policy Guide).  This publication is also available through the USC home page.

RULE OF ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of every student at the University of South Carolina at Columbia to adhere steadfastly to truthfulness and to avoid dishonesty, fraud, or deceit of any type in connection with any academic program. Any student who violates this rule or who knowingly assists another to violate this rule shall be subject to discipline.

1. This Rule is intended to prohibit all forms of academic dishonesty and should be interpreted broadly to carry out that purpose. The following examples illustrate conduct which violates this Rule, but this list is not intended to be an exhaustive compilation of conduct prohibited by the Rule.
1. Giving or receiving unauthorized assistance, or attempting to give or receive such assistance, in connection with the performance of any academic work.
2. Unauthorized use of materials or information of any type or the unauthorized use of any electronic or mechanical device in connection with the completion of any academic work.
3. Access to the contents of any test or examination or the purchase, sale, or theft of any test or examination prior to its administration.
4. Unauthorized use of another person's work without proper acknowledgment of source.
5. Intentional misrepresentation by word or action of any situation of fact, or intentional omission of material fact, so as to mislead any person in connection with any academic work (including, without limitation, the scheduling, completion, performance, or submission of any such work).
6. Offering or giving any favor or thing of value for the purpose of influencing improperly a grade or other evaluation of a student in an academic program.
7. Conduct intended to interfere with an instructor's ability to evaluate accurately a student's competency or performance in an academic program.
2. An academic program includes any graduate and undergraduate course, independent study or research for academic credit, laboratory, internship, externship, clinical program, practicum, field placement, or other form of study or work offered in furtherance of the academic mission of the University. Academic work includes any work performed or assigned to be performed in connection with any academic program.
3. This Rule applies to all students of the University at Columbia whether full-time or part-time.
4. A person's knowledge or intent may be inferred from the circumstances of an alleged violation.
5. Whenever a student is uncertain as to whether conduct would violate this Rule, it is the responsibility of the student to seek clarification from the appropriate faculty member or instructor prior to engaging in such conduct.