1.1 Academic Integrity Defined

Academic integrity is comprised of a set of fundamental personal values and learned skills that are developed over a student's educational experience and beyond. In an institution of higher learning like the University of Alberta, students can demonstrate academic integrity by following instructions and adhering to guidelines, completing academic work honestly, giving credit where credit is due, and seeking assistance through sanctioned avenues.

University of Alberta students must adhere to the Student Academic Integrity Policy (SAIP), which includes descriptions of inappropriate academic behaviour, the sanctions for commission of offences, and explanations of the complete academic integrity and appeal processes.

Remember, academic integrity is not to be confused with scholarly integrity, which relates to work completed in meeting research and publication goals. The University of Alberta Research and Scholarship Integrity Policy promotes the highest standards of practice and behaviour in research and scholarship, establishes the nature of these expected standards, and identifies instances when these standards have been violated.

Students that engage in professional opportunities, such as practicum placements, internships, co-operative (a.k.a. co-op) work experience or study/work abroad experiences must adhere to the professionalism and ethics standards governing the discipline in which the placement is taking place. The Practicum Intervention Policy deals with issues related to student practicum placements and gives the Deans the authority to protect the public interest by allowing them to vary, withdraw or deny the placement of a student in a practicum.

Student must also use and manage information technology resources responsibly, respectfully and in a manner that reflects high ethical standards, mutual respect and civility. Use of the University of Alberta’s information technology resources must comply with all applicable laws, University of Alberta policies, procedures, appendices and guidelines, including the Information Technology Use and Management Policy.

Misconduct that is considered non-academic in nature is outlined in the University of Alberta Student Conduct Policy, which aims to maintain a learning environment that fosters the safety, security, and the inherent dignity of each member of the community, and ensures that students conduct themselves accordingly.