Academic integrity is “the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner” which includes “a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception.” (See Senate Policy 49-20: Academic Integrity.)
Senate Policy 43-00: Syllabi requires course instructors to provide students with a course syllabus that includes the academic integrity policy for the course and provides a recommended syllabus statement. Educators can find customizable language around students’ use of AI in the Faculty Resources section of the University’s Academic Integrity Resources page. Both students and educators can find helpful academic integrity resources, including frequently asked questions, on this webpage.
When an educator believes, for reasons beyond mere suspicion, that a student has attempted to violate or has violated a course academic integrity policy or assessment instruction in a way that (would have) affected the quality of the academic work, then they should submit an academic integrity claim. Educators are strongly encouraged to make reasonable attempts to discuss the situation with the student before they submit.
Because academic integrity information may become part of a student’s academic record and conduct record, educators should strive to keep such information confidential. Those with questions or educators seeking consultation may consult with the campus Academic Integrity Liaison, Michael Vicaro, at [email protected]. Educators seeking consultation from administrators or colleagues should take care to protect the identities of those who are allegedly involved.
Academic Integrity Policies
Undergraduate Students
For information about the academic integrity process for undergraduate students outside of graduate classes, see Policy G-9: Academic Integrity and the Sanctioning Guidelines for Violations of Academic Integrity. Schreyer Honors College students should also consult the Schreyer Honors College Student Handbook.
Graduate Students and Graduate-Level Courses
For information about the academic integrity process for graduate students and graduate-level courses, including the composition of the Graduate Academic Integrity Committee, policies, procedures, and sanctioning guidelines, see GCAC-805: Academic Integrity.
University College Academic Integrity Adjudication Committee
The following information is designed to complement University academic integrity policies; in no way does it supersede or replace that information.
All University College campuses participate in a shared academic integrity adjudication committee. Shared academic integrity adjudication committees include representatives from participating campuses. At a minimum, the committee includes two faculty members and one student. Under Senate Policy 49-20: Academic Integrity, the majority of voting members must be faculty members. Faculty members may include academic administrators, and a faculty member serves as the committee chair.
For additional information about the committee and the academic integrity adjudication process, visit the Academic Integrity Responsibilities Office.
Academic Integrity Claim Review Process
The committee considers all information submitted by the student and educator through the academic integrity process. Typically, the student and educator do not meet with the adjudication committee. In rare cases, if the committee determines a meeting is necessary, it will invite the student and educator involved with the claim to speak with the committee before outcomes are determined.
If a student meets with an adjudication committee, the student may bring a support person in accordance with Undergraduate Education Policy G-9: Academic Integrity.
For information about submitting or responding to an academic integrity claim, visit the University’s Academic Integrity Resources page.
Questions and Support
Students and educators at Penn State Greater Allegheny who have questions about academic integrity or need support with an emerging situation may contact the campus Academic Integrity Liaison.
Michael Vicaro, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Communications
Program Coordinator of Multidisciplinary Studies
Academic Integrity Liaison
[email protected]
For questions about the status of an academic integrity claim or the results of an adjudication, contact the Academic Integrity Responsibilities Office at [email protected].
For additional information, visit the Penn State Academic Integrity Resources page.