Academic Integrity

If you are considering alternative assessment and grading approaches, such as online assignments or exams, it is important to remind students about academic integrity. Under advisement from the Academic Senate, you are strongly encouraged to use the student statement below, requiring students to affirm that the work they submit is their own, at the start of online assignments or exams.

Research has shown that reminders about academic integrity, and how one defines academic integrity, can be important predictors to shaping students' actions (Tatum & Schwartz, 2017). Research also suggests that reminders about codes of conduct are best delivered prior to the assigned work, such as exams, projects, papers (Shu, Mazar, Gino, Ariely, & Bazerman, 2012). Students who feel that instructors use fair and transparent assessment and grading methods are less likely to engage in misconduct (Graham et al., 1994). The UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct provides language for faculty and students to define academic standards for the campus, and to remind students of their obligations to meet these standards. 

Under Academic Senate Regulation 550, instructors who have a reasonable suspicion of academic misconduct shall report the matter to the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs (OSSJA). Information about the Code of Academic Conduct, academic misconduct, and how to report may be found at https://ossja.ucdavis.edu. You may also contact OSSJA at ossja@ucdavis.edu if you have questions. 

STUDENT STATEMENT TO INCLUDE AT THE START OF YOUR ONLINE ASSESSMENT (signature/acknowledgement can be an online question they must agree to)

As a student at UC Davis, I hold myself to a high standard of integrity, and by signing/accepting the statement below I reaffirm my pledge to act ethically by honoring the UC Davis Code of Academic Conduct. I will also encourage other students to avoid academic misconduct.

I acknowledge that the work I submit is my individual effort. I did not consult with or receive any help from any person or other source. I also did not provide help to others. I may work with others only if the instructor gave specific instructions, and only to the extent allowed by the instructor.

I understand that suspected misconduct on this assignment/exam will be reported to the Office of Student Support and Judicial Affairs and, if established, will result in disciplinary sanctions up through Dismissal from the University and a grade penalty up to a grade of “F” for the course.

I understand that if I fail to acknowledge or sign this statement, an instructor may not grade this work and may assign a grade of “0” of “F”.

Signature (or checkbox acknowledgement)