Academic Integrity and Expectations

USF students have an obligation to embody and foster the values of honesty and integrity.  At New Student Orientation, each of you will be taking the USF Academic Honor Pledge during Convocation.  Because the Academic Pledge is so important, we wanted you to know about it prior to attending the University Convocation in August.  The pledge consists of:
USF Academic Honor PledgeÊ
As a member of the University of San Francisco Community
I pledge to demonstrate
The Core Values of the University
By upholding the highest standards of integrity
Excellence in my academic work
And respect in my educational experiences
I will also use
The knowledge, skills, and values gained
To fashion a more humane and just world.

Thank you. ÊNew University of San Francisco students, as you make this pledge today, our hope for you is that you will become men and women for others, who seek integrity and the common good, and that you will take seriously how and who you choose to be in the world.

To make sure that you are clear about what is expected by the Academic pledge, I wanted to supply you with specific examples of the USF Standards of Conduct:
A. CheatingÊ
Cheating is the use or attempted use of unauthorized materials, information, and study aids, as well as unauthorized collaboration on examinations and other academic exercises. It is the responsibility of students to consult with their professors concerning what constitutes permissible collaboration. Cheating or helping others cheat is academic fraud.
B. Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the act of presenting, as oneÕs own the ideas or writings of another; plagiarism, in any of its forms, violates academic integrity. While different academic disciplines have different norms of attribution, all strive to recognize and value individualsÕ contributions to the larger body of knowledge. It is the responsibility of students to consult with their professors in order to understand the norms of attribution in each discipline and area of study.
C. False Citations
False citation is attribution to an incorrect or fabricated source; false citation is academic fraud. False citation seriously undermines the integrity of the academic enterprise.
D. Submitting the Same Work for Multiple Assignments
Students may not submit work (in identical or similar form) for multiple assignments without the prior, explicit approval of all faculty to whom the work will be submitted. This includes work first produced at USF or at another institution attended by the student.
E. Submitting False Data
False data is information that has been fabricated, altered, or contrived in such a way as to be misleading; the submission of false data is academic fraud.
F. Falsifying Academic Documentation
Forging or altering academic documentation (including transcripts, signatures, letters of recommendation, certificates of enrollment or standing, registration forms, and medical certifications) concerning oneself or others is academic fraud.
G. Abuse of Library Privileges
Depriving others of equal access to library materials constitutes a violation of academic integrity. This includes sequestering library materials for the use of an individual or group, refusal to respond to recall notices, and the removal or attempt to remove library materials from any University library without authorization.
H. Abuse of Shared Electronic Media
Depriving others of equal access to shared electronic media used for academic purposes constitutes a violation of academic integrity. This includes actions that result in the damage or sabotage of campus computer systems.

Many USF professors use plagiarism websites such as TURNITIN.COM in order to make sure you did not plagiarize.  If you are caught violated the Academic Honor Pledge, it is a serious offense that could result in failing the class or even suspension or expulsion from USF.  Your professors in your Rhetoric and Composition class will be covering information about Academic Integrity, but if you are ever in doubt, please ask your professor.