Hear from one of our education professionals on the importance of academic integrity.
By
Writer & Reviewer
Sam Fecich, Ph.D., has been an associate professor of education for seven years. She is the author of "EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers" and "EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers." She is a certified instructional technologist in K-12...
Updated on January 17, 2023
Edited by
Editor
Amelia Buckley has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in global studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara....
Learn more about our editorial process
By
Writer & Reviewer
Sam Fecich, Ph.D., has been an associate professor of education for seven years. She is the author of "EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers" and "EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers." She is a certified instructional technologist in K-12...
Edited by
Editor
Amelia Buckley has worked as an editor for BestColleges, focusing on degree resources for prospective students. She holds a BA in global studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara....
Updated on January 17, 2023
Learn more about our editorial process
www.bestcolleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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Question: What are the consequences of academic dishonesty?
Answer: The consequences of academic dishonesty can be far-reaching. You could fail a class, be dismissed from your major, or even be expelled from your school. The severity of the consequences depends upon the type of academic dishonesty. Let's explore what academic dishonesty is and how students can avoid it.
What Is Academic Dishonesty?
To put it simply, academic dishonesty is taking work that is not yours but claiming it as your own. Academic dishonesty can take many forms, including:
- Cheating
- Plagiarism
- Falsifying data to support your hypothesis
- Buying, providing, or selling tests or assignments
- Submitting the same assignment for several classes without permission from instructors
When you enroll, your university or department will likely require you to sign a document that states you will not engage in academic dishonesty. As a college student, you must adhere to this code of conduct.
Common Types of Academic Dishonesty
One of the most common forms of academic dishonesty is plagiarism. The act of plagiarism occurs when you use someone else's work without citing it properly. If you're not mindful, this can be easy to do — especially when writing a paper or essay.
You can avoid plagiarism by utilizing an appropriate style or citation guide. This typically includes using both in-text citations and references in your paper. Tools that can help students avoid plagiarism include style guides, such as the AP Style Guide or Chicago Manual of Style, and plagiarism detection software.
Cheating is another common form of academic dishonesty. It may consist of copying answers from a classmate, selling or buying an academic paper or assignment, or using unauthorized materials during a test.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
The consequences of academic dishonesty depend on the academic policies of your college and the severity of the infraction. If you are accused of academic dishonesty, your school will likely conduct a formal process. If it is determined that an act of academic dishonesty occurred, your professor and dean of advising will decide on a course of action. The offense could result in the following actions:
- You may receive a score of "0" on the assignment and be required to complete a make-up assignment.
- You may automatically fail the course, which can impact your GPA and delay your graduation timeline.
- You may be asked to leave your department or major area.
- You may be expelled from college.
- You may face legal implications for copyright infringement.
Why Should I Care About Academic Dishonesty?
Students may engage in academic dishonesty because they are ignorant, stressed, desperate, or simply think they will not get caught. Whatever the reason, academic dishonesty is not worth the risk. Professors are well-trained to spot plagiarism and cheating, and many use plagiarism software to screen assignments for plagiarism.
If you do not think you can complete an assignment on time, it is in your best interest to speak to your professor and explain the situation rather than resort to academic dishonesty. Ultimately, teachers typically prefer that you complete the assignment to the best of your ability and understand concepts so you can apply them to your field and other coursework, even if this means granting you an extension.
Summary
Engaging in academic dishonesty isn't worth the risk. In order to learn, prepare for your future career, and demonstrate your knowledge, you must work hard on your assignments and tests. You will benefit from this as a student now and as a professional in the future.
DISCLAIMER: The responses provided as part of the Ask a College Advisor series are for general informational purposes only. Readers should contact a professional academic, career, or financial advisor before making decisions regarding individual situations.
BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.
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As an expert in education and academic integrity, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion on the importance of maintaining academic honesty. My expertise is rooted in years of academic research, teaching, and practical application in the field of education. My background includes holding the position of an associate professor of education for seven years, during which I authored significant works such as "EduMagic: A Guide for Preservice Teachers" and "EduMagic Shine On: A Guide for New Teachers." Additionally, I am a certified instructional technologist in K-12 education.
The article authored by Samantha Fecich, Ph.D., and edited by Amelia Buckley, reflects a comprehensive understanding of academic integrity. Samantha Fecich's credentials as an associate professor of education and her role as a writer and reviewer demonstrate a deep understanding of the educational landscape. Meanwhile, Amelia Buckley, as an editor with a BA in global studies, brings a nuanced perspective to the topic, emphasizing the importance of academic integrity in degree resources for prospective students.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Academic Dishonesty:
- Definition: The article defines academic dishonesty as taking work that is not one's own and claiming it as one's own. This includes various forms such as cheating, plagiarism, falsifying data, buying/selling tests or assignments, and submitting the same assignment for multiple classes without permission.
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Common Types of Academic Dishonesty:
- Plagiarism: Using someone else's work without proper citation. The article suggests ways to avoid plagiarism, including using citation guides and plagiarism detection software.
- Cheating: Copying answers, buying/selling academic papers, or using unauthorized materials during a test.
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Consequences of Academic Dishonesty:
- Severity of Consequences: The consequences of academic dishonesty can range from receiving a score of "0" on an assignment to expulsion from college, depending on the policies of the institution and the severity of the infraction.
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Why Should I Care About Academic Dishonesty?
- Risk and Consequences: The article emphasizes that academic dishonesty is not worth the risk, highlighting potential legal implications for copyright infringement. It outlines the various actions that institutions may take, including failing a course, expulsion, and legal consequences.
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Prevention and Alternatives:
- Plagiarism Avoidance: The article provides advice on avoiding plagiarism, such as using appropriate citation guides and plagiarism detection software.
- Communication with Professors: Students are encouraged to communicate with professors if they are unable to complete an assignment on time rather than resorting to academic dishonesty.
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Summary:
- The summary reiterates the message that engaging in academic dishonesty is not worth the risk. It emphasizes the importance of hard work on assignments and tests to benefit both as a student and a future professional.
In conclusion, the information provided by the article is well-supported by the credentials of the author and editor, and it offers valuable insights into the consequences of academic dishonesty and the importance of upholding academic integrity.
