Getting Started

MSSE Policy on Student Conduct

Dear Students of the MSSE,

Honesty and integrity are of great importance in all facets of life. They help to build a sense of self-confidence, and are key to building trust within relationships, whether personal or professional. There is no tolerance for dishonesty and disrespect in the academic world, for it undermines what we are dedicated to doing—furthering knowledge for the benefit of humanity and to help prepare our future workforce for professionalism. Therefore we would like to cover expectations on student conduct within all of our MSSE courses.

The consequences of cheating and academic dishonesty—including a formal discipline file, possible loss of future internship, scholarship, university admission, or employment opportunities—are simply not worth it. Reviewing lecture notes and reading materials and studying for exams can be enjoyable and enriching things to do with fellow students. This is recommended. However, all graded assignments are to be completed per instruction: some are collaborative but others are not. The policy on the use of AI-assisted tools as described by the instructor in each class should be adhered to completely. 

Additionally, respectful behavior toward MSSE faculty, staff, and other students is the expectation in our MSSE community. We remind you that this expectation applies in the classroom and outside the classroom, and includes behavior on unofficial channels such as Discord. Disrespectful and disruptive behavior anywhere interferes with the ability of others to benefit from the learning experience and creates a poor environment for effective communication.

We think it important that students understand that if online disrespectful behavior reaches an unacceptable level, we will need to engage the Center for Student Conduct for a disciplinary hearing. In situations where the disrespectful online behavior rises to outright harassment, we are required to report those violations under Title 9 law to the university which will in turn require a formal investigation (see UC Berkeley Code of Conduct). Consequences of disrespectful or disruptive behavior can range from a loss of a full letter grade or dismissal from the MSSE program.

The student community at UC Berkeley has adopted the following Honor Code: "As a member of the UC Berkeley community, I act with honesty, integrity, and respect for others." Please read the entire Berkeley Honor Code and adhere to it during your time in the MSSE program, and hopefully sustain its message throughout your professional lives.

…and… Go Bears!

Teresa Head-Gordon, Faculty Director of MSSE