GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Standards

Sample Solution

Academic Integrity Violation

According to the GCU Code of Conduct and Academic Standards, academic integrity is defined as "the pursuit of academic excellence through honest and ethical means." Academic integrity violations include, but are not limited to:

• Cheating: This is defined as "intentionally using or attempting to use unauthorized materials or information to complete an academic assignment." For example, a student might cheat by copying another student's work, using unauthorized notes during an exam, or using a calculator that is not allowed on the exam.
• Plagiarism: This is defined as "the act of using someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit." For example, a student might plagiarize by copying a passage from a book or article without citing the source, or by submitting someone else's work as their own.

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• Fabrication: This is defined as "the act of making up or inventing information." For example, a student might fabricate data for a research paper or create fake references.
• Falsification: This is defined as "the act of intentionally changing or altering information." For example, a student might falsify their academic record by changing their grades or adding courses that they did not take.

Code of Conduct Violation

The GCU Code of Conduct also prohibits certain behaviors that are not considered academic integrity violations, but that can still disrupt the learning environment or violate the rights of others. These include, but are not limited to:

• Harassment: This is defined as "unwelcome conduct that is based on a person's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity." For example, a student might harass another student by making racist or sexist remarks, or by threatening or intimidating them.
• Discrimination: This is defined as "the act of treating a person differently based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity." For example, a student might discriminate against another student by refusing to work with them because of their race or religion.
• Theft: This is defined as "the act of taking something that does not belong to you." For example, a student might steal another student's laptop or cheat on an exam.
• Vandalism: This is defined as "the act of intentionally damaging or destroying property." For example, a student might vandalize a classroom by writing on the walls or breaking furniture.

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's words or ideas without giving them credit. It is a form of academic dishonesty and can have serious consequences, such as failing a course or being expelled from school.

There are many different ways to plagiarize, but some of the most common include:

• Copying someone else's work and passing it off as your own.
• Paraphrasing someone else's work without citing the source.
• Using someone else's ideas without giving them credit.
• Not citing sources in a research paper.

Why Students Plagiarize

There are many reasons why students plagiarize. Some students do it because they are under pressure to get good grades and don't know how to manage their time. Others do it because they don't understand the concept of plagiarism or think that it is not a serious offense. Still others do it because they are lazy or don't care about their education.