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It can be difficult to navigate and talk about academic integrity in the classroom! The Dean of Students Office is here to help! Below are some helpful considerations for you as you set expectations, help students understand academic integrity standards, and how the Dean of Students Office can help support you.
As stated in the Student Code of Conduct, at MSU Denver, academic misconduct “includes but is not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, and submitting same work for different classes. The term cheating includes but is not limited to: use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; misrepresenting class attendance; dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the faculty member in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic materials belonging to a member of the University faculty, staff, or students.”
“Plagiarism includes but not is limited to, the use by paraphrase or direct quotation of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency that may or may not be engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials.”
“Submitting same work for different classes means submitting substantive portions of the same work in more than one class without disclosure to, and approval from, faculty members involved.”
You can find a list of academic integrity standards on our website here.
There are many different reasons or circumstances on why students cheat or plagiarize:
The academic misconduct process has recently been updated and the new version is being piloted for Fall 2025, with opportunities to provide feedback for those who utilize the process. A quick summary of the process can be found here: Academic Misconduct Guide for Faculty
If faculty suspect or witness a potential academic integrity violation, they should submit an incident report and inform the student that the report has been submitted. DOS will then investigate the alleged violation, and faculty can join the investigation and student meeting as well.
After the meeting, the faculty & DOS will determine if the student has violated the academic misconduct policy. If so, faculty will assess a grade outcome and DOS will assess an educational outcome & status sanction.
The approach to academic misconduct is to address the underlying reasons why the conduct occurred and to educate students on their academic responsibilities.
All official communication (emails to students about referral and sanctions), which faculty are copied on, are delivered through our Maxient database.
Faculty are encouraged to inform the student that they have submitted an incident report to the Dean of Students Office after any incident occurs. These conversations may be challenging. Faculty can inform the student that they will be invited to a meeting with DOS (which the faculty member has the option to join) and that they can share their perspective during that time. Opening a dialogue with students will give them an opportunity to understand your concerns, the consequences of what happened, and can illuminate a potential path for how the student can move forward in the class.
The outcomes can vary depending on the severity of the case and the students’ prior conduct history. In all cases where a student is found responsible, there will be a grade outcome and a status sanction (warning, probation, suspension, expulsion). Additionally, an educational outcome is likely to be given. Educational outcomes are determined based on what the students’ needs might be, and are designed to reduce further academic misconduct issues for that student.
Educational sanctions include connecting students to academic resources (such as the Writing Center, Tutoring Center, Immigrant Services Center), reflection paper that asks students to consider more deeply the impacts of their conduct and how it relates to the ethical guidelines of their chosen field, letter of amends when relevant to involved parties, connecting students to other campus resources to help them improve personal outcomes (such as Career Services, Peer Mentoring, etc.), among other opportunities to encourage continued learning from the situation.
Faculty have the option to submit an incident report as FYI only. This means that DOS will still create a record for the student in our Maxient tracking system, but no further meetings will be held.
Seemingly minor infractions can still be responded to with an investigation and meeting as well.
The best thing is to be clear and communicative with your students about academic integrity expectations. Setting expectations and checking-in about academic integrity at the beginning of course, on the syllabus, on the various assignment or exam instructions, and during your classes throughout the semester, sets the tone and symbolizes the importance of these standards in your class. Here are some best practices to consider:
Academic integrity is about being honest and transparent when creating and communicating about your academic work. All students have academic responsibilities related to the Student Code of Conduct, which covers plagiarism, unauthorized assistance, collaboration, submitting the same work in more than one class, and other forms of cheating. To become familiar with your academic responsibilities and to learn more about the academic support resources available to you, please visit the Dean of Students Office Academic Integrity website.
Example Statement on Outsourcing Websites:
In any course, the goal is for students to learn the material and produce original work to help them with upcoming courses or the field. Online sources or websites that require students to pay for their full services, will take away from a student’s learning. While these sites may market themselves as a tutoring resource, using them is a violation of academic integrity standards and is considered outsourcing. If you are struggling with a concept or assignment, please reach out to your professor for assistance. They can share with you what sources are authorized and which may be considered outsourcing. Outsourcing websites may include, Chegg, Homeworkhelp.com, CourseHero, and others (this is not an all-encompassing list; double-check with your professor first before using an online source, especially if it requires payment).
Example Syllabus Statement on Resubmitting Work:
In any course, the goal is for students to learn the material and produce original work to help them with upcoming courses or the field. While you may want to keep working on a topic area that you are passionate about, may have completed a similar assignment, or may be retaking a course, you must contact your professor to ask permission before resubmitting any previous work. Not doing so takes away from original work and improving your learning. It also can be unfair to other students as they do not have the advantage of turning in previous work. While you may be allowed to modify, use new sources, or use portions of previous work, you may be required to start the assignment from the beginning.
During this exam, you may use your book, class notes, and slides. You may not collaborate with other students or use outside resources. Please acknowledge that you have read and understand these expectations.
Having a discussion with your whole class on academic integrity can be vital. Academic integrity is not just about right or wrong, but it is about helping students make ethical decisions, especially as we prepare them for the field they are pursuing. Some helpful ideas include:
Student FAQ's
Student FAQ’s – Academic Integrity