Purpose

This section outlines how I will interpret and use Regulation 20 of the UPEI Academic Regulations to deal with instances of academic dishonesty. Academic integrity means acting an an honourable and responsible manner when dealing with the production of academic materials - both those used in your course of study, and those you will produce later in life. Establishing a proper set of ethics which support integrity is a goal during your undergraduate studies.

I will provide fair and equitable judgement of your effort, knowledge, and skill in courses I teach - but I expect you to adhere to standards which promote respect and good citizenship. Our University is committed to the principle of honesty - in all things, but most especially, in academic matters. Cheating on exams, assignments, or any other work violates that principle, and indeed, the accepted principles of academicians everywhere.

Reference

What is cheating?

The following are examples of what would be considered cheating - of course, this list is not exhaustive, but it should provide you with guidance:

1. The use of, or giving to others, any unauthorized assistance in assignments. You are prohibited from viewing or copying code or information belonging to another student, and from sharing code or information with another student unless the assignment specifically allows multiple people to work together. This would be clearly stated on the assignment.
2. Looking at the answer of another student, or permitting another student to look at your answers, on any test or examination.
3. Using code (in a code-based course) from some external source (found on the internet, e-mailed from a friend at another university, etc.) without specific authorization, even if the code is considered "public domain"; you may use code from the textbook, from the lecture slides of the course, or from examples given during lectures
4. Use of aids beyond those authorized by me in solving assignment or lab problems (example: using a GUI designer to design an interface when you are supposed to code it manually.)
5. Unauthorized distribution of test questions or assignment problems (or solutions) that you've been given in the course; these things are given to you, personally, for your use. Putting them into a question bank so that others will potentially have solutions or near-solutions in the future is aiding academic dishonesty.
6. Resubmission of previous work, in whole or in part, for a current assignment without my permission; this includes work that you did if you attempted the course before, as well as work you may have done for another course (this is the principle of no double-crediting of work).
7. Unauthorized usage of any electronic or mechanical device during quizzes or examinations. You will be told if you are permitted to use any technology. Note: this includes smart watches or similar devices.
8. Helping another student commit an act of academic dishonesty. This can include walking away from your computer with an assignment open on your screen so that others can photograph it or copy it.

All of these things are violations of academic integrity.

Every year, someone says "but I didn't copy, and I didn't let them copy it. They used my computer while I was out / they took a picture while I was in the washroom / they put my program onto their USB drive and used it..." Unfortunately for you, allowing your computer to be in such a state that people can take your code means you're implicated, and you will receive punishment along with anyone who used your material. Keep your computer secure.

Sanctions (Punishments)

The School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences considers violations of academic integrity to be extremely serious offences. Academic Regulation 20 (see above) outlines the sanctions that a course instructor may impose. Typically, a first-time offence on an assignment will result in a grade of 0 (zero) on that assignment for anyone involved in the offence. A second-time offence on an assignment, or a first-time offence on a quiz or examination will result in a grade of 0 (zero) for the course, and immediate removal from the course. All cases involving assignment of a grade of 0, whether for an assignment or a course, for reasons of academic integrity violations will be reported to the Dean of Science, and will become part of the student's permanent record. The Dean may recommend to the President that any such student be suspended or expelled from the University - particularly if this is not the first time they've received a report about such a student.

Note: if I've caught you in a case of academic integrity violation previously, in any course, at any time, you've had your first offence. If I catch you again, you're immediately at second offence level, and will receive an immediate 0 in the course. YOU HAVE BEEN DULY CAUTIONED.