RED RIVER COLLEGE ACADEMIC INTEGRITY POLICY

Academic integrity (honesty when doing school work) is extremely important at all schools, colleges and universities in Canada. Students’ grades must be accurate andmust reflect the knowledge and skill level of each student. Academic dishonesty weakens Red River College’s reputation in the community, so academic dishonesty of any kind will not be allowed.

Instructors must ensure that there is honesty in the classroom and the school. Learners must follow these rules:

  • Do your own work and give your instructor only your own work.
  • Work in groups or with others on assignments only when your instructor tells you.
  • Follow all written and/or verbal instructions when taking placement assessments, tests, exams and evaluations.
  • Follow course and college rules as explained by your instructor.

Academic integritymeans being honest and truthful in all academic activities.

Academic misconduct is any deliberate or accidental dishonest behavior. There are six types of academic misconduct:

1)Plagiarism: Using words, ideas, data, information or assignments that are not your own.You must use quotation marks, citations or other reference to the original work.

2)Cheating: Using or trying to use materials, equipment or information that is not allowed. (For example: copying another student’s work, taking a test for someone else, or having a dictionary in a test where it is not allowed)

3)False or Misleading Representation: Giving false information, not giving true information, or exaggerating true information for academic or financial benefit. (For example: changing grade reports or other College records.)

4)Accommodation under False Pretences: Lying about a disability or situation to receive academic accommodation. (For example: changing a medical certificate to excuse an absence from a test or exam.)

5)Collusion: Working with someone else to commit any type of academic misconduct. (For example: speaking to another student during a test.)

6)Unauthorized Collaboration: Working with another student without the instructor’s approval.

Procedure:

The Chair of the program will investigate any suspected academic misconduct. The Chair will meet with the student and listen to his or her explanation before deciding if Academic Misconduct has occurred. If none has occurred, then no record of the incident will be kept. If Academic Misconduct has occurred, a written reprimand will be kept by the Chair, the Registrar, the Dean of Student Services and the Judicial Affairs Officer. Any of the following actions may be taken:

  • Requiring the student to complete a paper on Academic Integrity and/or redo and re-submit the work in question,
  • Issuing a lower grade on the work,
  • Any other appropriate action according to the Student Discipline Policy including suspending or expelling the student.

Note: A learner can appeal or request that the College change their decision or penalty.

Note: This is a plain language version for the Language Training Centre. It is to help students understand the policy. The complete version applies. It can be found on the Red River College web site ( ). January, 2012