2 Chapter 2 What Is Academic Integrity and the Associated Dishonesty Sanctions?

Introduction

Integrity is a critical trait that people should aspire to. Maintaining academic integrity is a given in educational settings and especially online environments.

As members of a community dedicated to honesty, integrity, and mutual respect in all interactions and relationships, our University’s students, faculty, and administration pledge to abide by the principles in the Vaquero Honor Code.

Vaquero Honor Code

WE ARE HONEST
We do our work and are honest with one another in all matters. We understand how any act of dishonesty conflicts as much with academic achievement as with the values of honesty and integrity.

WE HAVE INTEGRITY
We will make personal and academic integrity fundamental in all of our endeavors.

WE ARE RESPECTFUL
We act civilly and cooperate for the common good. We will strive to create an environment and culture where people respect and listen to one another. We recognize a university is, above all, a place for exchanging ideas, popular and unpopular. It is the one institution in society that encourages challenges to conventional wisdom. Consequently, we pledge to promote the exchange of ideas and to allow others to participate and express their views openly.

UTRGV’s Academic Dishonesty Policy

As members of a community dedicated to Honesty, Integrity, and Respect, students are reminded that those who engage in academic dishonesty are subject to disciplinary penalties, including the possibility of failure in the course and expulsion from the University.

Scholastic dishonesty includes but is not limited to cheating, plagiarism (including self-plagiarism), and collusion; submission for credit of any work or materials that are attributable in whole or in part to another person; taking an examination for another person; any act designed to give an unfair advantage to a student; or the attempt to commit such acts. Since scholastic dishonesty harms the individual, all students, and the integrity of the University, policies on scholastic dishonesty will be strictly enforced (Board of Regents Rules and Regulations and UTRGV Academic Integrity Guidelines). All scholastic dishonesty incidents will be reported to the Dean of Students.

Academic Integrity Violation Sanctioning Guidelines

Academic integrity violations at UTRGV have serious consequences. These violations are categorized into four levels. A copy of UTRGV’s Academic Integrity Violation Sanctioning Guidelines is available here. Take a minute to review the different types of violations and the corresponding sanctions.

Contact Information If You Have More Questions

For more information on scholastic integrity as well as your rights and responsibilities as a student, contact Student Rights and Responsibilities at the Office of the Dean of Students:

Brownsville Campus: Student Union, Room 1.20
Phone: (956) 882-8292

Edinburg Campus: University Center, Room 315
Phone: (956) 665-5375

Email: srr@utrgv.edu
Website: UTRGV | UTRGV Student Rights and Responsibilities

UTRGV Faculty may request a presentation on the topic of academic integrity via the Presentation Request Form |