Pfeiffer University | Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity

In a university community, there can be no doubt that honor and the pursuit of knowledge are intertwined.

An honor system must be believed in, supported and administered by those who belong to it. Upon admission to the School of Graduate Studies or The School of Adult Studies, each student is automatically subject to the provisions of the Honor system. Each student has a duty to become familiar with the Honor Code and the provisions of the Honor system. Ignorance of what constitutes an Honor Code violation cannot be used as a defense in an honor hearing.

The Honor system at Pfeiffer University does not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, national origin, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

The Honor Code

Students shall observe complete honesty in all academic matters. Violations of the Honor Code include, but are not limited to, taking or attempting to take any of the following actions:

NOTE: The Honor Code is understood to apply to all academic requirements of the University, including assessment testing, internships, entrance examinations and classroom instruction.

Reporting of Possible Violations

For the Honor system to be truly effective, all students and faculty members or staff members are expected to cooperate in its implementation. If students accept dishonesty by their peers, or if faculty or staff members accept dishonesty by their students, the entire Honor system will be destroyed. True honor can be achieved only if all guard it zealously.

Any member of the university community who has reason to believe that an honor violation has taken place, should immediately report the circumstances to the faculty or staff member of the course involved. However, if the potential violation does not relate primarily to a specific course, the should be immediately reported to the Graduate Honor Council coordinator.

Student Responsibilities

To demonstrate adherence to the Honor Code by signing the Honor Pledge. The statement "I have neither given nor received unauthorized help" may be required on all work submitted for academic credit. If a faculty member requires the statement in writing, he/she may refuse to extend credit for work on which it does not appear. On work where the written statement is not required, faculty members still assume the student's compliance with the Honor Code.
To report violations of the Honor Code (any student who witnesses a violation of the Academic Honor Code as defined, and does not report the violation, will be subject to action under the Honor Code).
To appear at hearings when charged with a violation or asked to appear as a witness.
To respond fully and truthfully to legitimate questions or requests for information concerning Honor Code matters.

Graduate School Honor System Procedures

A. First Offense - In Violation Plea - Student/Faculty Option

The instructor has ascertained from the Office of Academic Affairs that this is a first offense for the student involved. The instructor also obtains an academic dishonesty form from the office of VPAA to document the incident.
The instructor informs the student of the charge and of his/her rights under the Honor Code procedures. A copy of these procedures will suffice to document this requirement.
Included within these procedures is the explicit obligation of truthfulness. If a student lies about his/her Honor Code violation, such action is considered a second, and more serious, offense. The initial charge and the second charge of lying must be adjudicated under the guidelines outlined under Section C located in the online graduate student handbook.
Within 14 academic calendar days, the student must plead in writing, to the charge. If a student does not submit a written plea, guilt is assumed.
If the student pleads to Violation in writing, and the instructor desires to adjudicate the case, he/she may do so under the following guidelines:

The student will receive a zero (0) for the work involved as minimum penalty. A higher penalty of "F" for the course may be entered at the discretion of the instructor.
A copy of all material involved in the violation, the written plea of IN Violation, and a brief statement by the instructor concerning the facts of the case MUST be sent immediately to the Vice President for Academic Affairs Office for inclusion in the student's academic records.

B. Repeat offenses, or First Offense - Not in Violation Plea, or In Violation Plea - Not Adjudicated by the Instructor:

When the instructor has determined that a case is not a first offense, or the student pleads Not In Violation, the instructor should consult with his/her Program Director and the VPAA.
If the instructor, the Program Director, and the VPAA agree that the evidence is sufficient to warrant a charge, the Program Director will bring the charge and the Honor Board will hear the case within 21 academic calendar days.