As an academic institution built on trust, Saint Mary’s College is committed to fostering the development of scholars who practice integrity in all their academic endeavors.
Saint Mary’s College expects every member of its community to promote and abide by ethical standards, both in conduct and exercise of responsibility towards other members of the community. Academic Honesty must be demonstrated at all times to maintain the integrity of scholarship and the reputation of the College. Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of College policy because, among other things, it undermines the bonds of trust and honesty between members of the community and betrays those who may eventually depend upon the College’s academic integrity and knowledge.
As an expression of support for academic integrity throughout the Saint Mary’s learning community and as an administrative tool to discourage academic dishonesty, Saint Mary’s has implemented an Academic Honor Code. The Academic Honor Code has been approved by the ASSMC Student Body, the Academic Senate, the Provost, and the President of Saint Mary’s College.
Pledge
All students, whether undergraduate or graduate, are expected to commit themselves to the following Academic Honor Pledge and abide by the Academic Honor Code. Students affirm this commitment when they accept admission to the College; not having read the Code is not an excuse for violating it. The pledge reads as follows:
As a student member of an academic community based in mutual trust and responsibility, I pledge:
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to do my own work at all times, without giving or receiving inappropriate aid;
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to avoid behaviors that unfairly impede the academic progress of other members of my community; and
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to take reasonable and responsible action in order to uphold my community’s academic integrity.
Principles of Action
Individual Responsibility: It is the responsibility of every student and faculty member of the College community to know and practice the tenets of the Academic Honor Code. If there is confusion over the appropriateness of a particular action in light of the Code, or if a community member has recommendations about how to amend or alter the Code, those questions and suggestions should be addressed to the Academic Honor Council through the Academic Honor Code Coordinator, or to the program director or dean for graduate and professional studies programs.
Community Responsibility: In addition to maintaining one’s own academic integrity, each member of the academic community should strive to preserve and promote integrity among their peers. This community empowers its members to take appropriate action in support of the Academic Honor Code. If a student, faculty member, staff member, or administrator suspects a violation of the Academic Honor Code, they should take action consistent with the Academic Honor Code Procedures described below and on the Academic Honor Code web page. Possible actions include:
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Actively encouraging academic integrity among one’s peers.
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Using moral suasion to avert a peer’s academic dishonesty.
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Alerting a faculty member to suspected violations of academic integrity.
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Educating one another regarding the responsibilities of academic integrity.
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Helping a faculty member maintain an environment that is conducive to integrity.
Faculty Responsibility: Individual faculty members are expected to substantially address the Honor Code in each course that they teach. This includes a distribution of a written summary of integrity expectations - preferably noting the specific expectations of that course - and formalizing the students’ reception of that knowledge (e.g., through saying the pledge, signing the document, or having a discussion about its contents).
More information about the Honor Code, suggestions for promoting academic integrity, and the procedures for dealing with suspected violations, is available on the Academic Honor Code web page. Questions and comments should be directed toward members of the Academic Honor Council, particularly the student co-chairs, faculty advisor, and staff coordinator (contact information available on the web page).
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