ACADEMIC INTEGRITY

Academic Integrity Policy at AIS West

Purpose

Academic integrity ensures that every student’s achievements reflect their own effort and learning. AIS West requires honesty, accountability, and ethical behavior in all coursework. Dishonesty in any form undermines education, fairness, and trust. This policy defines academic dishonesty, regulates the ethical use of technology (including Artificial Intelligence), and establishes clear consequences.

Academic Dishonesty Defined

The following actions are violations of academic integrity. This list is not all-inclusive; Any attempt to gain an unfair advantage in academic work will be considered a violation of this policy.

1. Cheating

• Using unauthorized materials (notes, devices, websites, AI tools) during tests or assignments

• Copying from another student or allowing others to copy

• Receiving unauthorized help on assignments, quizzes, projects, or exams

2. Plagiarism

• Presenting another person’s or AI’s words, ideas, images, data, or creative work as one’s own

• Failing to cite or acknowledge sources, including AI outputs

• Paraphrasing or rewording content without attribution

3. Unauthorized Use of AI Tools and Technology

• AI use is permitted only when a teacher provides explicit permission and guidance for a specific assignment. When unsure, ask

• Any use of AI tools whether for brainstorming, outlining, generating text, solving problems, creating images, or editing must be acknowledged in writing

• Students remain fully responsible for the accuracy, originality, and ethical use of any AI-assisted work

• Any use of AI tools without clear teacher authorization will be considered academic dishonesty

4. Fabrication & Falsification

• Inventing, altering, or misrepresenting data, sources, or citations

• Forging signatures, documents, or academic records
  
  

5. Self-Plagiarism

• Submitting work, even one’s own from a prior course or assignment, without teacher approval
  
  

6. Academic Theft & Unauthorized Access

• Stealing, photographing, sharing, or circulating exam or assignment materials.

• Accessing, altering, or destroying school academic files or records

Responsibilities

Teachers: Define expectations for assignments, including acceptable resources and AI use. Maintain consistent enforcement of this policy.

Students: Submit work that reflects their own effort and acknowledge all sources, including AI. Seek clarification when unsure about what is permitted.

Students are responsible for understanding the instructor's expectations regarding AI use in each course.

• Students are responsible for the content and originality of their work, even when using AI tools.

Parents/Guardians: Reinforce the importance of honesty and integrity.

Administrators: Ensure violations are recorded and consequences are applied fairly.

Consequences of Violations

First Offense

• Zero credit on the assignment/assessment

• Parent/guardian notification

• Notation in academic record in PowerSchool

• One day in-school suspension

Second Offense

• Zero credit on assignment/assessment

• Parent/guardian meeting

• 1-2 day out-of-school suspension 

• Placement/elevation on Behavior Probation

Third Offense or Severe Violations

• Zero credit on assignment/assessment

• 5 day out-of-school suspension

• Placement/elevation on Behavior Probation

• Possible Expulsion Recommended