Academic Integrity Terminology

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.

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. Electronic media includes, but is not limited to copyright material, audio, images, and text.

Academic Integrity: Academic integrity is the reflection of the Student experience displayed through original coursework and completion of their degree. Having academic integrity means to respect the core values and principles that underwrites the mission of a Jesuit university by having honesty, hard work, and determination. Students are expected to submit original work and be honest in all parts of their academic career while at USF.

APA Citation: APA formatting is the standard method of documentation used by the American Psychological Association. This format is used in various fields and is normally geared towards the social and behavioral sciences. Examples of APA citation formats can be found at Purdue Owl.

Citation: To properly cite or give recognition or proper credit to any outside resources, thoughts, ideas, quotes, or work not of your own, but of another author or company. USF students are expected to properly give credit to any author’s work that they may use in their own academic work.

Cheating: Cheating on any academic assignment, exam, or project is strictly prohibited. Cheating is using any unapproved notes on exams or copying the work of another student whether consensual or not. USF students are expected to be responsible for their own work. If working in groups, be sure to cite all parties to avoid any discrepancies about original work.

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 one or others is academic fraud.

MLA Citation: MLA (used mostly for literature and languages). MLA (Modern Language Association) is a style of crediting the sources quoted or paraphrased in a particular piece of literature. MLA serves as the standard formatting for the citation of scholarly writings. Examples of MLA citation formats can be found at Purdue Owl.

No Dual Credit (Self-Plagiarism): USF students are expected to submit original work for each course taken while completing their degree program. By no means should a student write or create original work during an academic semester submitted for a letter grade, then choose to resubmit it again during another semester at USF.

Plagiarism: Any work submitted using the exact language, ideas or complete work of another author without authorization or properly crediting the original author. USF students are expected to cite any outside works or use of another work if incorporated in their own.

Submitting False Data: All USF students must submit accurate and true data and statements, quotes, etc. for academic credit purposes. 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.