This Is Auburn Office of the Provost
Office of the Provost > Academic Honesty > Academic Honesty Resources for Students

Academic Honesty Resources for Students

Examples of Violations

  • Plagiarism – using the words or ideas of another as if they were one’s own without giving the author or creator credit through proper documentation or recognition, as through the use of footnotes.

  • Using unauthorized sources in preparation of your work.

  • Copying from another student’s exam, paper or assignment

  • Use of materials not authorized during a test; eg., notes, textbook, notes written on any part of your body or clothing including hats and shoes

  • Submitting a paper, report, examination, or any class assignment which has been altered or corrected, in part or in whole, for reevaluation or re-grading without the consent of the instructor

  • Serving as or enlisting the assistance of another as a substitute in the taking of examinations

  • Enlisting the assistance of another to write a paper or writing a paper for someone.

  • Altering or misusing a document for academic purposes. This would include university forms and doctor’s excuses.

  • Selling, giving, lending, or otherwise furnishing to any other person any material (homework assignments, tests, etc.), whether electronically or otherwise which can be shown to contain the questions or answers to any examination scheduled to be given at some subsequent date in any course of study, excluding questions and answers from tests previously administered and returned to a student by the instructor.

  • Altering or attempting to alter an assigned grade on any official Auburn University record.

  • An instructor may delineate other actions he or she considers a violation of the Code in a written course syllabus.

Code violations are listed in Chapter 1201 of the Student Academic Honesty Code.

Possible Sanctions

The following sanctions may be imposed for violation of the Student Academic Honesty Code by the Provost upon recommendation of the Academic Honesty Committee:

  • a grade of F in the course in which the violation occurs, with the notation “assigned for academic dishonesty” being placed on the transcript for a designated length of time, and the grade of F being reported to both the dean of the college or school in which the student is registered and the Office of the Provost;

  • a zero grade on the examination, project, paper, etc. with written notification to the dean of the college or school in which the student is registered;

  • suspension from Auburn University for a stated period of time during which the student will not be allowed to take any courses at Auburn University either in residence or by correspondence. Auburn University will not accept any credit for work earned at another institution during suspension. If the student has previously been subjected to sanctions for violations of the student academic honesty code, the minimum sanction will be suspension.

  • expulsion from Auburn University.

Sanctions are listed in Chapter 1202 of the Student Academic Honesty code.

Student’s Rights Include

  • Written notice of the charge, any recommended sanction, and of the right to a hearing upon a timely written request.

  • The right to request a meeting at which any charges of academic dishonesty can be discussed and resolved with the instructor of the course in which the alleged violation occurs and a faculty member of the Academic Honesty Committee who shall serve as a Facilitator.  The student will be notified of his or her right to request a meeting within fifteen (15) working days of the detection of the alleged violation.  The student will have five (5) days after notification of the violation to indicate his or her intention to attend a Facilitated Meeting.  In order for a Facilitated Meeting to occur, the instructor of the course in question must also request to engage in the Facilitated Meeting.

  • To be present and participate in the hearing process before the Academic Honesty Committee.

  • To present witnesses and evidence at the hearing.

  • The right to appeal to the President of Auburn University a finding of a violation and recommended sanction by the Committee.

Student Rights are listed in Chapter 1206 and 1208 of the Student Academic Honesty Code.

Suggested Ways to Avoid Academic Dishonesty

  • Read the course syllabus carefully and ensure that you understand what your professor considers violations of the Student Academic Honesty Code.

  • Before collaborating with other students on assignments, review the course syllabus or ask your professor if this is allowed in the course.

  • Do not loan your homework, papers, projects, etc. to other students.

  • Always consult your professor or GTA when having trouble with assignments.

  • Always cite your sources properly. For help with citing sources, contact the Writing Center at 844-5749 or visit their website. The Writing Center has helpful guides on their website that are useful to students in preparing papers.

  • Do not purchase papers or download papers from the Internet, in whole or in part, and submit them as your own.

  • Do not turn in a paper that was written and turned in for a grade in a different course.

  • Avoid Plagiarism. Using another person’s complete sentence, syntax, key words, or the specific or unique ideas and information is plagiarism unless that person is given credit through proper documentation or recognition.

  • Do not use unauthorized sources in preparation of your work.

  • When taking a test, cover your test paper or scantron so others sitting near you cannot copy your answers.

  • Do not look in the direction of those sitting near you while taking an exam. It could appear that you are copying answers from other students.

  • Do not write information on any part of your body.

  • Do not wear a hat to class, especially during a test.

  • Do not leave open books or loose papers on or around your desk during a test. All books and papers should be secured inside your book bag.

  • Allow adequate time to write papers, prepare assignments and study for tests in order to avoid the temptation to cheat.

  • When in doubt, ask your instructor.

Last Updated: February 15, 2017