Policy Rationale
One of Vermont State University’s community values is integrity, which is a commitment to behaving in an honest and ethical manner to create a culture of trust. Academic integrity and academic honesty are fundamental to these values. This policy promotes a fair academic environment within and beyond the classroom. It upholds the principle that academic success should be earned through genuine effort and understanding, rather than through intentional or inadvertent deceptive practices of academic dishonesty . This policy protects individual students’ due process rights. Additionally, it preserves the overall quality and credibility of the educational experience for the entire student body while ensuring consistent consequences for violations of the code across the university.
Policy
Students are expected to complete all work within the classroom and beyond honestly, ethically, and in accordance with institutional guidelines, refraining from any form of cheating , plagiarism , unauthorized advantage , or falsification of documents . There is no differentiation between an intentional violation and an accidental violation.
VTSU affirms that all students will be guaranteed due process rights.
Students, staff, and faculty who may have witnessed a potential violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty are obligated to follow the procedures in this policy.
Students are not permitted to drop, withdraw from, or change sections of a course once the instructor has reached out to notify the student of a possible violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty and until such time that it has been resolved. Additionally, any student who has been contacted by their faculty regarding a Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty violation should continue to attend class and complete all work in that class.
Violations of this policy may result in consequences in the form of interventions ranging from educational sanctions up to and including disciplinary suspension or expulsion from the university.
In situations where students are found in violation of the policy, a letter will be placed in their VTSU education record .
Violations include but are not limited to:
Plagiarism and Misuse of Sources
The submission or presentation of material as one’s own work that is not the result of one’s own intellectual or creative effort, including the unauthorized use of generative Artificial Intelligence. Plagiarism and misuse of sources also includes the use of or imitation of the work of another author or artist and the representation of the work as one’s own.
Examples include but are not limited to:
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Quoting or paraphrasing ideas, paragraphs, sentences, or parts of sentences from sources without the use of quotation marks and/or without the use of in-text and reference list citations. Sources may include:
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Video and audio, such as recorded or streamed interviews, podcasts, streaming, or television programs;
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Copying, closely imitating, or presenting another artist’s unique style, technique, concept, or work without attribution.
Cheating
The use of unauthorized means or deceptive practices to gain an unfair advantage or credit in any academic exercise, including exams, assignments, or other coursework.
Examples include but are not limited to:
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Giving or receiving aid when not authorized by the faculty member on academic assignments, papers, laboratory experiments, quizzes, and/or exams.
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Accessing notes, online sources, peripheral devices, Artificial Intelligence, websites, information, or prohibited materials during a test, quiz, or other assignment when not authorized by the faculty member.
Obtaining Unfair or Unethical Advantage
Any action that gives a student an undue advantage in academic work over peers.
Examples include but are not limited to:
Falsification of Credentials, Records, and Official Documents
The misuse, alteration, and/or fabrication of official credentials, records, and/or documents.
Examples include but are not limited to:
Sanctioning Guidelines
When a staff or faculty member finds there is a preponderance of evidence that a student has violated the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty, they will use the following sanctioning guidelines to help determine a consequence commensurate with the level of the violation. VTSU recognizes that each case is informed by the individual context of the incident. In determining a sanction, faculty are encouraged to consider a student’s prior instruction and/or coursework in differentiating a technical violation (Level 0) from a Level 1-4 violation. The examples of violations and suggested sanctions may not represent every possible scenario at every possible level; any additional sanctions proposed by a staff or faculty member should not exceed in severity the suggested sanctions within any given level.
When a student is found responsible for a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty at Levels 1 through 4, a letter will placed in their education record in addition to being sent to the student.
| Level |
Examples of Violations |
Consider One or More
Suggested Sanction Options
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Level 0:
Technical Violations
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Technical (or accidental) violations include, but are not limited to:
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Educational sanction (e.g., reflection paper on academic integrity, meet with tutor, meet with academic support services, or meet with instructor).
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Level 1:
Minor Violations
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Minor violations include, but are not limited to:
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Giving as well as receiving aid on academic assignments, papers, laboratory experiments, quizzes, and/or exams when doing so wasn’t explicitly prohibited.
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Educational sanction (e.g., reflection paper on academic integrity, meet with tutor, meet with academic support services, or meet with instructor).
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Level 2:
Moderate Violations
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Moderate violations include, but are not limited to:
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Giving as well as receiving aid when not authorized by the faculty member on academic assignments, papers, laboratory experiments, quizzes, and/or exams.
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Accessing notes, online sources, sites, and/or information for assignments when not authorized by the faculty member.
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Copying, closely imitating, or presenting another artist’s unique style, technique, concept, or work without attribution.
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Educational sanction (e.g., reflection paper on academic integrity, meet with tutor, meet with academic support services, or meet with instructor).
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Level 3:
Serious Violations
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Serious Violations include, but are not limited to:
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Copying, closely imitating, or presenting another artist’s unique style, technique, concept, or work without attribution.
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Giving as well as receiving aid when not authorized by the faculty member on academic assignments, papers, laboratory experiments, quizzes, and/or exams.
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Accessing notes, online sources, sites, information, or prohibited materials during a test, quiz, or other assignment when not authorized by the faculty member.
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Educational sanction (e.g., reflection paper on academic integrity, meet with tutor, meet with academic support services, or meet with instructor).
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| Level 4:
Egregious Violations
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Egregious violations include but are not limited to:
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Procedures
Student Reporting
- Students who wish to report a possible violation of Academic Integrity & Academic Honesty policy are encouraged to communicate the incident directly to the appropriate faculty or staff member. Alternatively, students may submit a non-anonymous Student Witness of Academic Integrity Incident Report Form which will be automatically routed to the Coordinator of Academic Integrity who will evaluate the report and refer to incident to the relevant staff or faculty member. Such reports (either directly to the faculty or staff member or via the form) must be made within 48 hours of awareness of the incident.
- The faculty or staff member will meet with the student within 5 business days.
- The faculty or staff member determines if there is sufficient information indicating the likelihood of a preponderance of evidence and in such cases will follow the procedure starting with Step 1 under “Staff and Faculty Reporting.” If they determine insufficient information exists from which to move forward, the case is closed.
- The Coordinator of Academic Integrity maintains records of written student reports, is available to faculty and staff members as a resource, and will ensure next steps are taken as appropriate within the timeframes outlined in this procedure.
Faculty and Staff Reporting
- A faculty or staff member, within five (5) business days or within one Online Asynchronous Academic Week (for incidents occurring in an asynchronous online class) of becoming aware of a possible violation, should discuss the incident (in-person, videoconference, phone, email, etc.) with any student(s) alleged to have violated the code. During this meeting, student(s) must be given the opportunity to present their side of the situation before a decision is reached. Subsequently, the faculty or staff member will determine whether or not there is a preponderance of evidence supporting a violation of the code.
- Students are encouraged to attend the meeting independently and may desire to consult with a trusted advocate in advance. The sole function of the advocate is to provide personal support to the student.
- If a student elects to have a trusted advocate attend the meeting, they must notify the faculty or staff convening the meeting at least one (1) business day in advance, and, for expediency, the meeting will not be rescheduled to accommodate the trusted advocate’s preferences. The trusted advocate may attend and observe but may not speak or participate in the meeting.
- The faculty or staff member may determine that there is not a preponderance of evidence supporting a violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty. In these cases, the meeting is therefore the final step in the procedure, no formal report is submitted.
- The faculty or staff member should inform the student(s) in writing of this determination within 5 business days.
OR
The faculty or staff member may determine that there is technical violation (Level 0) of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty. In these cases, the instructor follows the sanctioning guidelines for a technical violation, and the meeting is therefore the final step in the procedure with no formal report submitted.
- The faculty or staff member should inform the student(s) in writing of this determination within 5 business days.
- The faculty or staff member will verify with the student completion of sanctions for the technical violation.
OR
The faculty or staff member may determine that there is a preponderance of evidence supporting a Level 1-4 violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty.
- In the case when a faculty or staff member determines there is a preponderance of evidence supporting a Level 1-4 violation, they propose a sanction in alignment with the sanctioning guidelines.
- If the student denies responsibility and/or challenges the proposed sanction(s) and/or the faculty or staff member proposes a Level 3 “Failing grade for the course” or Level 4 sanction, an Academic Integrity Council will be convened by the Coordinator of Academic Integrity.
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The faculty or staff member will submit an Academic Integrity & Honesty Incident Report Form for Faculty and Staff within five (5) business days, including the recommended sanction(s). A copy of the form will be sent to the student.
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The Coordinator of Academic Integrity receives the report.
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The Coordinator determines whether this is the student’s first or subsequent Level 1-4 violation.
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The Coordinator convenes an Academic Integrity Council within ten (10) business days. During this council meeting, the student must be given the opportunity to present their side of the situation before a decision is reached. Subsequently, the council will determine whether or not there is a preponderance of evidence supporting a violation of the code and/or apply any sanction(s), if appropriate, including consideration of the instructor’s sanctioning recommendation(s) and/or prior Level 1-4 violations by the student. See “Academic Integrity Council” below for more details.
Academic Integrity Council
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Meeting Scheduling. The Coordinator of Academic Integrity will convene an Academic Integrity Council and set a meeting date and time within ten (10) business days, excluding breaks that occur within the fall and spring semesters. All Academic Integrity Council meetings are held virtually, unless otherwise requested by a student. Date, time, and link to the virtual meeting will be provided along with the names of the council members to all relevant parties via their university email accounts. Under extenuating circumstances, council membership may change, up to the start of the council meeting.
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Conflict of Interest. When assembling the Academic Integrity Council, the Academic Integrity Coordinator shall mandate that council members remove themselves from service if they believe that they have a conflict of interest or otherwise believe that they cannot be impartial. The Academic Integrity Coordinator shall replace any recused member with an impartial member.
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Trusted Advocate. If a student elects to have a trusted advocate attend the meeting, they must notify the Coordinator of Academic Integrity at least one (1) business day in advance, and, for expediency, the meeting will not be rescheduled to accommodate the trusted advocate’s preferences. The trusted advocate may attend and observe but may not speak or participate in the meeting. The sole function of the advocate is to provide personal support to the student.
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Multiple Students. If more than one student is involved in an instance the Coordinator of Academic Integrity will schedule a combined Academic Integrity Council meeting. A student may request a separate meeting, which will only be granted under special circumstances. Additionally, under special circumstances, the Coordinator of Academic Integrity may decide to proceed with separate meetings.
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Relevant Documents. Students and staff/faculty are encouraged to submit relevant documentation to the Academic Integrity Coordinator at least two (2) business days prior to the council meeting that they want to have considered by the Academic Integrity Council. These may include, but are not limited to, witness statements, screenshots, plagiarism reports, copies of exams, assignment descriptions, etc. Documentation should be accompanied by a brief explanation of relevance. Any information coming from an anonymous source will not be considered. The Academic Integrity Council is responsible for reviewing and determining relevance and reliability of any document. The council may exclude any document not submitted within two (2) business days of the scheduled council meeting.
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Meeting Record. Meetings are not recorded; the resolution letter serves as documentation of the information presented and decision reached. The meeting record consists of copies of written documentation.
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Meeting Progression. At the start of the meeting, the Academic Integrity Coordinator provides an agenda. The Coordinator also chairs the meeting. They are responsible for ensuring due process and maintaining a professional environment during the Academic Integrity Council meeting and may take any steps reasonably necessary to ensure a productive meeting. The student and faculty/staff will have an opportunity to present relevant information in response to and/or in support of the alleged violation(s) and/or proposed sanction(s).
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If the student(s) or faculty/staff fails to attend the Academic Integrity Council meeting, the meeting will proceed, and a finding will be reached based upon available information. Failure of the student(s) to participate will not be considered admission of responsibility. Failure of the faculty/staff to participate will not be construed as reversal of their report and/or recommendations. If a student withdraws from the University prior to resolution, the allegations will still be resolved through the process described in this code.
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Close of Meeting. After the student and faculty/staff have had the opportunity to present information, the Academic Integrity Council has considered all relevant documents, and the Academic Integrity Council has had sufficient opportunity to ask questions of the student and/or faculty/staff, then the meeting will be closed.
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Deliberation. The Academic Integrity Council will deliberate for typically no more than 30 minutes and make their determinations, which will resolve the case. The student and faculty/staff will be asked to be available during the deliberation period (typically no more than 30 minutes after the close of the meeting), noting that they may be called back for clarifications sought by the Academic Integrity Council.
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Resolution.
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In cases where a student has denied responsibility in their initial meeting with the faculty/staff member, the Academic Integrity Council will determine whether there is a preponderance of evidence supporting a Level 1-4 violation of the Code of Academic Integrity & Honesty and, if there is a preponderance, apply a sanction in alignment with the sanctioning guidelines, considering the staff/faculty member’s recommendation(s) and any prior Level 1-4 violations by the student(s).
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In cases where a student has accepted responsibility but is challenging the recommended sanction(s), the Academic Integrity Council will apply a sanction in alignment with the sanctioning guidelines, considering the staff/faculty member’s recommendation(s) and any prior Level 1-4 violations by the student(s).
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In cases where a student has accepted responsibility and the sanction(s) recommended by the faculty/staff member and they have a prior violation, the Academic Integrity Council determine if any further sanction(s) should be applied, in accordance with the sanctioning guidelines.
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Notifications. At the conclusion of the deliberation and resolution, the student and faculty/staff will be called back into the council meeting and informed of the Academic Integrity Council’s decisions and resolution. The Academic Integrity Coordinator will provide a resolution letter within five (5) business days outlining the resolution and, briefly, how it was reached.
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Notice of Appeal Right. The student has a right to formally appeal the resolution. See “Formal Appeals” below for more details.
Formal Appeals
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Formal appeals may only be submitted by a student after they receive notification from an Academic Integrity Council meeting.
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Students should follow the procedure described in the Academic Appeals & Complaints policy, starting with Step 2 (Formal Resolution), within ten (10) business days of receiving their resolution letter.
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In Academic Integrity & Honesty cases pertaining to an academic course, the Appeal shall not be reviewed by the Dean of Schools who oversees the course and/or faculty member.
Responsibilities
All members of the VTSU community are expected to understand their responsibility to act with integrity and to seek assistance and/or clarity when uncertain.
Students
Faculty/Staff
Coordinator of Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity Council
Related Documents and Forms
Academic Integrity & Honesty Incident Report Form for Faculty and Staff
Student Witness of Academic Integrity Incident Report Form
Related Policies
Academic Appeals & Complaints
Student Code of Conduct (Procedures & Due Process and Student Rights & Responsibilities)
VSC Policy 312: Compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Date of Last Approved Revision: November 2025
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