Contents

Contents

Introduction

Preamble

Purpose

Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Reasonable Student Rights and Responsibilities

Academic Rights and Responsibilities

Section 1: The Classroom
Section 2: Appeals and Grievances
Section 3: Accessibility
Section 4: General and Administrative

Future Student Rights

General Responsibilities

Appendix A (Appeals Process)

Appendix B (Academic Integrity)

Introcution, Preamble, and Purpose

Introduction

This Charter of Rights and Responsibilities has been created by the Saint Mary’s
University Students’ Association with the intent of having it used as a pocket guide
to regulations of the University and to provide academic support to students. This
document was made possible by the contributions of many students, administration,
faculty, and staff but would not have been successful without the input and
support given by the Academic Planning Committee and more specifically the
Strategic Initiatives Fund subcommittee.

Preamble

Saint Mary’s University is an institution that believes that all students are equal in
terms of their fundamental rights and responsibilities, and the policies and practices
of the University reflect this belief. It is the expectation of students to be treated fairly and with respect by all members of the University and in return students are expected to make themselves aware of their responsibilities as members of the University community.

Purpose

This Charter is to be used as a reference guide to the policies and practices of the
University as outlined in the Academic Calendar, the Community Standards Statement, the “Residence Life Handbook”, and any and all other preexisting documents that have been approved by the Academic Senate and/or the Board of
Governors. This Charter has been written with the intent of condensing regulations
into statements outlining rights and responsibilities. It does not seek to replace any existing document(s), but rather to serve as a quick reference for frequently asked questions, or as a guide for exploring individual rights and responsibilities as they may relate to an unfavourable situation. In the event of confusing or conflicting statements between the Charter and the document(s) it makes implied or direct reference to, you are encouraged to read the original document in full. Some information has been abbreviated for clarity or to give the “gist” of something where regulations already exist. It is not intended that the Charter will constitute a binding agreement, rather it is the framework designed to be of benefit to all University community members.

Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Fundamental Rights and Freedoms

Those assumptions on which the premise of all other guarantees of rights are based.

1 Every community member (refers to any student, faculty member, staff or administrative person who participates in the normal activities of the university) is entitled to all rights and freedoms recognized by Canadian law.

2 a. Every community member has the right to be treated equally by the
University (refers to Saint Mary’s University as an administrative, teaching, research, and business unit) and shall not be discriminated against based on race, colour, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, civil status, religion, creed, political convictions, language, sex, sexual orientation, social condition, age, physical or mental disability, or the use of any means to palliate such a disability.

b. A distinction, exclusion or preference based on relevant academic or
physical aptitudes or qualifications required in good faith is deemed non discriminatory.

3 The university has an obligation to ensure that administrative, disciplinary, and academic decisions are made, or actions taken, with fair regard for the known and legitimate interests of students.

4 Every community member has a right to the safeguard of his or her dignity and a right to be protected by the University against vexatious conduct displayed by a representative of the University acting in an official capacity.

5 Every community member has the right to be in an environment free of sexual harassment and assault as defined and governed by the Saint Mary’s University Policy on the Prevention and Resolution of Harassment and Discrimination.

6 Every community member shall expect that the University will make all efforts to pursue gender equality in both proactive measures and its daily endeavours.

7 Rights conferred upon students by regulations may not be infringed upon by administrative, academic, and/or departmental decisions.

8 The University has an obligation to maintain safe and suitable conditions for teaching, learning and study, and where Residence is concerned, for living in general.

9 The University has an obligation to ensure that adequate and reasonable measures are taken to protect the security of students both on campus and on other such acts of study which may be a part of the curriculum for a student but may not necessarily take place on University property.

Reasonable Student Rights and Responsibilities

Reasonable Student Rights and Responsibilities

Those rights which students ought to expect by virtue of Saint Mary’s University being a publicly accessible institution of post secondary education.

All students (refers to any person currently enrolled in at least one three (3) credit hour course offered by Saint Mary's University) have the right to:

a use a defense which states that if a charge or accusation of wrongdoing constitutes a violation of this Charter (refers to the document created by SMUSA, officially known as the Charter of Rights and Responsibilities as ratified by the Student Representative Council on September 28, 2003) that this violation be considered as a factor in settling said dispute.

In return, students shall recognize that no violation of this Charter can currently be
sustainable charge in and of itself if such a charge cannot be supported by preexisting University approved documentation.

b be meaningfully and proportionately represented at all levels of University governance and participate in the affairs of the University through the Students’ Association (or “the Association”, refers to the Saint Mary's University Students’ Association as incorporated on April 6, 1966 by Bill 36 of the Nova Scotia Legislature).

In return, students are responsible for advising the President of the Association of
instances where their views and/or interests have not been represented or where representatives do not act in accordance to the Constitution of the Association or in good faith.

c be consulted regarding tuition and/or fee increases.

In return, students are responsible for making themselves aware of the University’s and/or Association’s budget process and direct feedback accordingly.

d access to information, policy and practices regarding their rights and the expectation the University has of them.

In return, the University expects students to make use of this access to make themselves aware of any and all rules and regulations that may be applicable to any contested situation the student may find her or himself in.

e an accurate and complete description of campus services, programs, and a reasonable rationale for any fees incurred as a result of using such services or programs. (In addition, students have the right to opt out of the student health plan provided by the students’ association)

In return it is the responsibility of the individual not to abuse systemic practices, services or programs in a self-serving manner so as to cause an imbalance or inequity among fellow community members

f (Although this can be beyond the University’s control) enjoy reasonable financial and living conditions that facilitate study and the University shall endeavour to assist students, where it is within its resources, mandate and capabilities to do so, in obtaining adequate on and off-campus accommodation and means of financial support.

It is the students’ responsibility to ensure that all timelines and University protocols are met, regulations adhered to and good faith is shown in utilizing whichever resources the University may offer as means of assistance. Ultimately the student alone is responsible for his or her living and financial situation.

g know where and when specific information may be obtained within the
University and also to expect information, where available, to be accurate, up-to-date and given promptly.

It is the responsibility of the student to expect that information shall or shall not be given in accordance with the provincial Freedom of Information, Protection of Privacy Act (FOI-POP), as well as the federal Personal Information Protection & Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) or where distributing such information compromises academic impartiality or may prejudice the governance of the University

h have material needs and constraints recognized and respected, such as the necessity to undertake part-time work or to cater for dependants.

In return it is the responsibility of the individual not to abuse systemic practices, services or programs in a self-serving manner so as to cause an imbalance or inequity among fellow community members

General Responsibilities

General Responsibilities

Creating equality for all requires students to be aware of certain expectations the University has.
Other statements of common purpose intended to further communal respect as well as summative
statements pertaining to student actions are also addressed.

All students have the responsibility to:

1 make themselves aware of their rights and responsibilities.

2 request or initiate a process whereby this Charter is amended or extended from time to time as necessary in order to maintain relevancy and currency but not to dissolve, undo, reverse or in any way change any right or responsibility such that it is contradictory to the purpose and/or spirit in which the Charter has been written.

3 a. all students have the right and responsibility to report any case or instance when they believe their rights have been violated and are encouraged to contact the Conflict Resolution Advisor for assistance. It is the responsibility of anyone making a complaint to be prompt and truthful in so doing. The University shall, in return, treat each complaint separately and deal with it with on its own merits via the appropriate channels and/or established procedures.

4 treat all community members with respect in conjunction with the Pride in Our Shared Neighbourhood initiative.

5 make themselves aware of the University’s guidelines and protocols for
expectations of behaviour and for academic and non-academic misconduct

6 seek remedy to concerns through due process.

7 be aware of and adhere to deadlines such as but not limited to:
• Add/drop dates
• Registration, residence, and other mailing deadlines
• Withdrawal Dates
• Fee payment dates
• Filing and updating of local as well as permanent addresses
and contact information

8 pay all fees and tuition as approved by the Saint Mary’s University Board of Governors in a timely manner.

9 follow due procedure and obtain proper permission before inviting speakers or other guests onto campus and to do so with due and fair regard for the reasonable assumption of safety that fellow community members, especially students, have.

10 treat University and Association property with respect and not cause harm or damage to any part thereof either through acts of vandalism, protest, or other means so as to limit the use of, or accessibility to, any part of the University campus for other community members or guests who have been appropriately invited.

11 not infringe upon the rights of others

12 respect the interests, property, safety and general well being of those who live around or near campus and to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the traditions and teachings of Saint Mary’s.

13 have fun while being a student at Saint Mary’s University!

Academic Rights and Responsibilities

Academic Rights and Responsibilities

Those rights conferred upon students by the policies and practices of the University. Section 1 deals with rights within a classroom or academic setting. Section 2 deals with the rights students have with regard to appealing decisions or filing grievances. Section 3 deals with the rights associated with providing a campus free of physical, social, and other barriers. Section 4 deals with general rights that can to be expected by students as well as those rights and responsibilities related to certain administrative functions pertaining to study, evaluation and review of curricular materials.

Section 1: The Classroom

Students have a right to expect that:

1 they be treated fairly and equally in a classroom/lecture/seminar/ laboratory setting

In return, students are expected to act in a collegial and respectful manner at all times and at no time can belligerent, aggressive or abusive behaviour be tolerated

2 they shall on the first day of class receive a course syllabus which shall be in accordance with Academic Regulation 4 and shall include how the grading system is distributed over tests, assignments etc. Any and all changes to this system must be made available to all students whom it affects and be approved by and filed with the Dean of the Faculty. This syllabus constitutes a binding agreement between students and instructors.

3 each instructor (refers to any person responsible for the delivery of course material as described in the Academic Calendar and includes, but is not limited to, professors, of any rank, sessional instructors, teaching/laboratory assistants, tutors and/or writing assistants) will place a copy of the original course syllabus on file with the Dean of the Faculty before the commencement of classes and that this copy is easily accessible.

4 no “in-class” test be scheduled outside of class time unless approved by the Dean of the Faculty, appropriate spacing is available, and where written notification is given during the first regularly scheduled class. (Regulation 4c)

5 the method of evaluation of a student’s performance be fair and reasonable, shall be reflective of the course content, and be made known to the student via the course syllabus on the first day of class.

6 where participation, attendance or any related intangible component of the grading system is used to calculate a student’s final mark, this assignment of marks shall not be arbitrary but rather derived from a system which is free from bias, the possibility for bias, and can be, at any specified point in time, proven and explained to be objective and free from subjectivity. A detailed explanation of how these marks are assigned shall be declared as a part of the course syllabus.

7 reasonable accommodation when such things as (but not limited to) injury, sickness, death or other unexpected grievous circumstances should arise. Supporting documentation and/or honest and timely communication should be expected from the student before any entitlement to accommodation be granted.

In return the University can expect students to attend all lectures, seminars and
workshops etc. for which the student is enrolled. If attendance is not possible, it is the responsibility of the student to make herself /himself aware of what has been missed.

8 request for information on his or her standing in a course, while it is being taught, be honoured except where the method of evaluation renders such a determination impossible.

9 academic advising be made available in accordance with Academic Regulation 3.

While the University will make every reasonable effort to give guidance, assistance and counseling when and where appropriate, ultimately the student alone is responsible for his or her academic progress and success/failure.

10 except in cases where operational variables such as sabbaticals or funding cuts preclude the possibility of specific course offerings that they not be denied access for any reason to any required course (as defined in Section 3 of the Academic Calendar) for which all prerequisites have been fulfilled.

11 the method(s) for communicating class cancellations be clearly defined on the first day of class, with reasonable effort made to accommodate those for whom this method is not adequate.

12 instructors must provide feedback to students regarding their progress in the course prior to the final date by which a student may cancel the course without academic penalty (see regulation 16). Normally for undergraduate courses, this feedback must equal a minimum of 15% of the final grade (Regulation 4d).

Section 2: Appeals and Grievances

All Students have the right to:

1 appeal a final grade if they think they have been subject to mistaken,
improper or unjust treatment and to expect cooperation from all faculty and administration in launching a grade or non grade appeal in keeping with Academic Regulations 11 and 12.

In return the University can expect open and fully truthful statements of fact and not simply those of injured feelings when dealing with appeals

2 consult the SMUSA VP Academic for advice and assistance over and above that which the University provides in attempting to make
themselves familiar with the appeals process and how best to
present their individual case.

3 expect that all academic work submitted for credit or otherwise be treated as original work unless evidence can prove otherwise. No student shall face any charge of academic dishonesty without first being given an opportunity to rebut such charges nor shall any student be presumed guilty of an offence of cheating, plagiarism etc. if evidence can not, at any specified point in time, be provided upon request.

In return, The University can expect that all students make themselves aware of,
understand and comply with Academic Regulation 19 (Academic Integrity) as this is the essential and definitive regulation in terms of the relationship between the student and Saint Mary’s.

4 the entitlement to make mistakes, and be given an opportunity to learn from these mistakes.

5 be informed of both the informal and formal appeal processes as noted in Appendix A.

Section 3: Accessibility

All Students have the right to:

1 access to buildings, doorways, walkways, common space, green space,
residence rooms, offices, and classrooms which are reasonably accessible to all without undue difficulty in accordance to the hours promulgated as being open.

2 reasonable access to financial aid, awards and bursaries provided that
necessary qualifications have been met.

3 expect that academically qualified individuals not be denied access for
financial reasons and that a sufficient amount of funding be available so that any student who is eligible to attend the University (as per their
admission status) can do so.

4 be given equal opportunity and notice to participate in or apply for opportunities such as, but not limited to: on campus jobs, volunteer positions, representative positions, new and existing services and programs and any and all other activities of the normal operation of the University and of the Association.

Section 4: General and Administrative

All Students have the right to:

1 a quality education where students achieve an adequate level of competence in their respective field(s) of study and where the University makes every effort to maintain and improve the quality of the education that it dispenses.

2 sufficient course and instructor information to allow students to make as informed a decision as possible. Such information can and should include but is not limited to:
a. Pre-requisites for courses
b. Course descriptions for a course to be offered in the coming academic period and, correspondingly, an absence of a description for those courses which are not to be offered in the coming academic period.
c. Course availability and up-to-date enrollment numbers for each section of a course offering.
d. Qualitative descriptions of an instructors’ general style and methods as well as other relevant and public information to encourage better teaching learning style matches in the classroom.

3 expect that registration packages include classroom numbers and instructor names and that any yet to be announced notation (i.e. “TBA”) be accompanied by an explanation or that one be readily available for any person who wishes to inquire.

4 the University has an obligation to provide adequate research supervision for graduate work taking into account and giving due regard to the interests and wishes of the student

Appendix A (The Appeals Process)

Appendix A (The Appeals Process)

Informal Appeal:

If you are considering an appeal, you will get optimal results by starting with the instructor; properly going through the motions of the informal process can save you time and money. Remember to clearly state your case, including the reason(s) for your appeal, and what outcomes you expect.

Step 1. Contact your Professor

To begin discussions, set an appointment with your professor, and present your arguments in person. Keep in mind that you must contact your professor within one month of receiving your grade in order to appeal it. Try to assess your professor's position based on his/her reaction to your comments. Ask your professor if there is room for movement based upon the concerns noted in your appeal package. If you are not satisfied with your professor's position, or your professor refuses to discuss the appeal with you, move on to step 2.

Step 2. Contact the Chairperson and Dean

You must now consult with the Chairperson and the Dean, respectively. Make appointments to present your case. Try not to let their titles intimidate you; chairpersons and deans deal with students on a regular basis, and they will attempt to assist you to the best of their abilities.

If you are not satisfied with the Department’s and/or Faculty’s position, or the Chairperson and Dean are unavailable, then it is time to initiate a formal appeal. Remember that your appeal must be based on solid evidence; this is not a forum to rant about the course or the professor.

Formal Appeals Process

This process starts at the Registrar’s Office and ends at the Academic Appeals Committee.

Steps:

1. Pick up the Academic Appeals Form at the Registrar’s Office.
2. Read the Student Charter of Rights and Responsibilities and Section 2 Regulation 11 in the Academic Calendar.
3. Visit your Vice President Academic at SMUSA to help you work through the form and better understand the process
4. Fill out the form and attach relevant documentation. It is recommended to put your case in writing. Information including a grade breakdown of the course along with the marks you earned, and a detailed and concrete explanation of your reason(s) for appealing, will help the Academic Appeals Committee better assess your case. Make sure you include any graded material from the class that you have.
5. Pay $30.00 fee to Financial Services and attach the receipt to the Academic Appeals Form. [If your appeal is successful you will be refunded this fee]
6. Drop the form off at the Registrar’s Office.
7. Wait to be contacted by the Secretary of Senate. He/she will invite you to meet with the committee. It may be helpful for your case to meet with the committee, but this is not completely necessary.

Tips:

1. Be clear and concise! The Academic Appeals Form will be your first opportunity to present a valid case to the Academic Appeals Committee.
2. Ensure that you comprehensively fill out the form. Make sure that you state precisely what your expectations are of the appeal process.
3. Attach a copy of the course syllabus, relevant assignments/tests, any relevant email(s) or written communication between you and the professor, and all medical documentation that relates to your case.
4. If you feel that you could better express yourself in a letter (in addition to the form) please attach a letter addressed to the Chair of the Committee.
5. Please make sure that your contact information is up to date on the form and if your email, phone, or mailing addresses change, contact the Registrar’s Office and the Senate Office immediately.
6. Know the process, and know your rights!

About the Academic Appeals Committee:

This committee is a sub-committee of the Academic Senate and is comprised of the Chair of Senate (acting chair of the committee), the Vice President Academic (SMUSA), and faculty representatives from Arts, Commerce, and Science,). The Secretary of Senate is present at meetings as the recording secretary. The committee meets regularly to deal with academic appeals. The members are committed to hearing student concerns, and working towards a fair and reasonable outcome for the parties involved in the appeal. Do not feel intimidated by this body; it is in place to ensure that student rights are protected in the classroom, by conducting a fair appeals process that adheres to the principles of natural justice.

Appeals Process Recap:

Appendix B (Academic Integrity: A student’s guide to avoiding plagiarism and cheating)

Introduction

University students are expected to have a reasonable measure of self-discipline and maturity. While the University’s teaching resources are available for help and guidance, and instructors and staff will make reasonable efforts to assist students with academic or other problems, the final responsibility for success or failure in academic studies rests with the students.

At times there may be considerable pressure to achieve high grades. Some students may be tempted to obtain grades by dishonest means. The integrity of the University and the degrees it awards are compromised by practices such as cheating and plagiarism. It is for this reason why university regulations are in place. They help to deter academic dishonesty and bring about fair consequences should these situations arise.

Purpose

This document is meant to educate students on what constitutes academic dishonesty at Saint Mary's University, inform students on how avoid such offenses, and help students should they be charged with violating an academic regulation.

More often than not, there is little done to educate students, particularly first year students, on what constitutes plagiarism and cheating. There is a pre-existing notion that everyone entering university are well informed on how to avoid such offenses. The fact is a lot of students were not taught what constitutes academic offenses or the consequences associated with them.

While all academic regulations are found in the Academic Calendar and serve as a good reference tool for students, this document is meant to be more reader friendly.

Plagiarism

“The presentation of words, ideas or techniques of another as one’s own. Plagiarism is not restricted to literary works and applies to all forms of information or ideas that belong to another”.

Some examples include:
• quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing text without proper acknowledgement;
• paraphrasing too closely (changing only a few words or rearranging text);
• submitting the same work in more than one class without permission;
• downloading work from the internet and presenting it as your own.
• purchasing documentation and presenting it as one’s own work;
• sharing papers including the selling of essays, tests, or other assignments.

Unsure about referencing… then ask!

Professors are usually more than willing to help students when it comes to proper referencing, especially if it avoids plagiarism. The Writing Centre and Library also provide help with referencing and there are hundreds of online tools that will help you cite your material properly. Remember, if it’s not your ideas or words then reference.

Tips for avoiding plagiarism accusations

1. Acknowledge all assistance received, that would include help from friends or others in proofreading.
2. Do not lend your work to other students unless you are sure they will not use it dishonestly.
3. Know the specific rules of each assignment.
4. Keep a photocopy and electronic copy of all assignments, essays, and term projects you have handed in for grading until you have received your final mark.
5. Do not submit work that is not entirely yours i.e. using another student’s work.
6. When in doubt, ask your professor. Do not rely on family or friends to interpret what is acceptable practice for a particular assignment.

According to a survey by the Psychological Record 36% of undergraduates have admitted to plagiarizing written material

Cheating

“The attempt to secure a grade by unethical means. Knowingly assisting someone to cheat is itself cheating”

Some examples include:
• impersonating someone during a test or exam;
• copying or sharing information during a test or exam;
• obtaining or looking at a copy of a test or exam before it is administered;
• unauthorized use of materials or technology;
• unauthorized collaboration between students when individual work is required.

Required to withdraw for non-academic reasons…don’t let this happen to you

Cheating is a major problem among Canadian universities and it can have a lasting and negative impact on your university career. It’s not worth risking your chance at a great education to gain a few marks on a test.

Tips for avoiding accusations of cheating

1. Do not sit near friends during a test or exam.
2. Do not look around the room while writing.
3. Cover up your answers so other can’t see.
4. Do not take any notes or books into a test or exam unless previously authorized. If you’re unsure, ask your professor.
5. Arrive on time.
6. Do not talk with other students during a test or exam.
7. If the manner in which a test, exam, or assignment is being administered seems inappropriate or inadequate, let the instructor know.
8. Report to the invigilator or instructor any unusual behaviour of other students writing a test or exam.

A study by The Center for Academic Integrity found that almost 80% of college students admit to cheating at least once.

Falsification

“It is an offence to falsify any academic record or to use a falsified record”

Some examples include:
• submitting a false excuse for missing a class, exam, etc.;
• falsifying course work (e.g. altering or making up data);
• changing the answers on a returned assignment and resubmitting it to be
reevaluated;
• submitting false information on a university admission form or other
documentation;
• misrepresentation of knowledge of a language by providing inaccurate or
incomplete information about their linguistic educational history;
• non-disclosure of previous post-secondary enrolment;
• presentation of another’s credentials as one’s own.

In most instances a lie will eventually catch up with you, so it’s important to be truthful with the university, especially when it comes to academic records.

Tampering

“It is an offence to tamper with University library materials or computer system resources in any way which would deprive others of their use”.

Some examples include:
• destroying, hiding, or stealing library materials;
• altering or destroying university computer programs or files without
authorization;
• accessing and altering official records without authorization.

While the university may seem to have an endless budget, funds are often quite scarce. Destroying files or materials not only costs the school money, it costs you as well.

Penalties

Academic dishonestly is one of the most severe offences a student can commit at university. There are a variety of factors that will influence how a professor, chair, or dean determines the punishment for a violation of academic regulations.

Was this the student’s first offence?
Was the offence intentional or accidental?
Is the student genuinely sorry for the offence?
Has the student been honest during the investigation?

The following are potential consequences if a student is charged and found guilty of an academic offence.

• Repeat of the assignment that triggered the discipline
• A failing grade in the piece of work triggering the discipline
• Failure of a class or course
• Required withdraw for an academic term or year (up to three (3) years)
• Expulsion from the University
• Loss of a current or continuing scholarship or loss of eligibility to receive
scholarships, prizes, or bursaries
• Removal from the Dean’s list
• Reduction in grade
• Degree, certificate or diploma being revoked

What to do if you’re accused

You’re probably going to feel frustrated and angry if you’re accused of academic dishonesty; however you have rights during this process and will have an opportunity to present your side of the story. Remember to be honest and to try and keep your emotions in check so that you don’t say or do anything you may later regret.

Remember that you have a right to be informed about an allegation against you and have a right to see documents that support that allegation.

So what’s going to happen if I’m accused?

1. In the case of a first offence, situations can often be resolved informally between the student and professor. You may both agree that no violation has occurred, agree to resubmit the work in question or agree to a reduction in grade on the assignment. A professor will contact you if he/she feels a violation has occurred and where possible this is the best time to resolve the issue.
2. If you cannot come to an informal resolution then the professor will seek a formal resolution through the Senate Academic Discipline Committee. This committee will consider allegations brought forward and both you and the professor will present your cases. Remember the burden of proof is on the University to prove that a violation has occurred.
3. If after your hearing you feel the decision of the Academic Discipline Committee was unjust you have a right to appeal the disciplinary action (the penalty) or the decision itself (finding of fault).
4. You can pick up a Notice of Appeal Form from the Registrar’s office and initiate the appeal process. The Appeal Board will hear all evidence and make a ruling. The finding and ruling of the Appeal Board will be binding and no further appeals may take place.

Don’t go through this alone…seek help!

If your professor is unwilling to discuss the situation with you and is taking the matter personally then make sure you seek advice from another source. Other professors or the SMUSA VP Academic are a good place to start. It can be overwhelming after an accusation is laid, but remember that there is help available during this difficult time.

What if I suspect someone else of cheating?

If you suspect a fellow student of committing an academic offense you have several options.

• Talk to the student about your suspicions
• Report your concerns to a professor, chair, or dean
• Do nothing

Before you decide that doing nothing is the best option, take a moment to think about the importance of academic integrity at our school. If you feel a moral responsibility to make Saint Mary's University a more honest place then report the incident.

If you decide to approach another student about cheating make sure you’re familiar with the policy on academic integrity and make sure you have evidence for an offense that has or will occur. If you’re worried about reporting the offense or talking with the student then consult with a friend or relative that you trust before pursuing the issue.

Remember that you can report your concerns anonymously and don’t need to become personally involved.

Inappropriate Collaboration

This section is meant to explore collaboration between students and what is considered inappropriate collaboration.

What is collaboration?

• Working on assignments together
• Checking homework answers of others
• Having another student help you write a paper
• Sharing sources for papers or take-home exams
• Working in a group for labs

Why prevent collaboration?

Inappropriate collaboration is dishonest because it gives individuals credit when joint work is done. This puts students working independently at a distinct disadvantage and results in an uneven playing field. Inappropriate collaboration also prevents learning because students working together on assignments are not gaining the knowledge they should by working alone.

When is collaboration inappropriate?

If students share information without instruction from their professor then this is considered inappropriate collaboration. This applies to assignments, labs, take-home tests or exams. Only when professors specify that collaborating with other students is appropriate should you share information.

What can happen?

Inappropriate collaboration falls under the heading of “Cheating” as an academic offense and can carry the same penalties.

Know the rules and you’ll be fine

Reading rules and regulations aren’t a pastime of most students, but knowing the policies in place at our school can save you from a lot of headaches during your university career. Knowledge is power so make sure you’re informed!

"Better keep yourself clean and bright. You are the window through which you must see the world” George Bernard Shaw

__________________________________

SMUSA would like to acknowledge the Registrar’s Office for their generous contribution in creating this document (Academic Integrity: A student’s guide to avoiding plagiarism and cheating). We would also like to acknowledge permission to use materials from the University of Manitoba’s “Cheating, Plagiarism and Fraud” publication.