Identifying Misconduct

Summary of Academic Misconduct

Academic misconduct is defined by the Code of Student Behaviour, organized into broad categories including offences under the Code, sanctions and their impacts, the discipline process, appeals, and the rights for students being charged under the Code.

The following is a summary of offences that relate to inappropriate academic behaviour; please check the Code for the most detailed and current definitions.

Plagiarism
Submitting the words, ideas, images or data of another person's as one's own, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
Cheating

There are five categories of cheating:

  • Possessing unauthorized material (such as crib notes, notes written on hands or other body parts, electronic devices not specifically permitted, or copying from another student)
  • Misrepresenting one person as another for an exam or assignment,
  • Substantial editorial or compositional assistance,
  • Resubmitting material already graded for credit (sometimes referred to as "self-plagiarism), and
  • False or fabricated claims, data or references.
Misuse of Confidential Materials
Procuring, distributing, or receiving any confidential academic materials (e.g. pending tests or assignments).
Research and Scholarship Misconduct
Refers to the Research and Scholarship Integrity Policy as it relates to students.
Inappropriate Behaviour in Professional Programs
Students in professional programs are also bound by the code of ethics governing that profession. To violate the code of ethics is to violate the Code of Student Behaviour.
Misrepresentation of Facts
Misrepresenting facts for the purpose of obtaining unfair academic advantage.
Participation in an Offence
Knowingly helping or encouraging other students to commit an offence under the Code.
Bribery
Offering money or other benefits in exchange for academic advantage.
Class Disruption

If a student is disruptive to the teaching and/or learning process, the instructor may dismiss that student from Class for a maximum of three hours of class time (traditional classes), or one week of an online course or other online activities.

The incident should be documented in an email to the Dean or Designate of the faculty. If the student is Disruptive again, the record of behaviour exists and the Dean or Designate can then proceed with a charge under the Code.

Specific procedures are outlined in Section 30.5.3 of the Code.

It is important to become familiar with the Code. It contains valuable information on types of offences (Section 30.3), available sanctions and their impact (30.4), and procedures for Instructors (30.5.4), Deans (30.5.7) and Discipline Officers (30.5.8), as well as a full description of procedures for the University Appeals Board (UAB) in the few cases that are appealed (Section 30.6).

Summary of Non-Academic Misconduct

Respect and Dignity

In order for an academic community to be successful, students, faculty and staff need to feel safe and respected in their learning, working or student residence environments. The Code provides the process for addressing complaints against students. If you have a complaint against a member of the faculty or staff, contact the Office of Safe Disclosure and Human Rights.

In addition, all members of the University Community are subject to the Discrimination, Harassment and Duty to Accommodate Policy. Allegations against student under this policy are addressed through the Code.

Sexual Misconduct
The University's Sexual Violence Policy applies to the entire University Community. Complaints of sexual violence against students are addressed through the Code of Student Behaviour process.
Alcohol and Misconduct
Alcohol can be a nice addition to a social gathering, but too much of a good thing can cause problems! Always be aware that the choice to drink does not absolve a person of the choices they make while drinking. The expectations for conduct do not change.
Property and Resources
The Code also includes rules about damaging property and the unauthorized use of facilities, equipment, materials, services or resources. This includes University-provided electronic resources, such as email, web space, software and computing facilities. In addition, allegations against students under the Information Technology Use and Management Policy may be addressed through the Code of Student Behaviour process.
Living in Residence
Students living in Residence are subject to the Code of Student Behaviour. In addition, the Residence Community Standards offer a restorative justice approach to conduct and conflict for members of the residence community.
Worried About a Friend?
If you start to see signs that a friend is at risk for hurting themselves or others, would you know what to do? Don't hesitate to call Helping Individuals At Risk so they can be connected to the resources or assistance they may need.