Academic Integrity at QC

The information on this page is to help you make sense of QC's Academic Integrity Policy and see how it applies to things you will do in this course.

Academic Integrity Policy Statement

In keeping with our mission, Quincy College will foster a high standard of academic honesty for student, faculty, and staff and will seek to preserve the rights of our entire College community. As part of our academic integrity policy, all members will adhere to the basic values of mutual respect and responsibility as well as individual and institutional integrity. Students will be informed about those actions that constitute a breach of integrity and about those sanctions that may result from academic dishonesty. In the interests of promoting the best environment for learning, we, the community of Quincy College, pledge to advance the principles of honor and integrity in all of our actions.

Maintaining Academic Integrity

  • Manage your time effectively to avoid rushing through assignments and resorting to shortcuts.
  • Give credit to the original author using the recommended citation style for this course.
  • Include in-text citations and a reference list for all of your assignments and projects.
  • Use course materials and other sources as a starting point for your own ideas.
  • Use resources in this course, talk to your professor, and/or visit the Tutoring Center or Library if you are unsure how to cite someone else's ideas appropriately.
  • Complete assignments, quizzes, and discussions independently unless otherwise noted.
  • Do not share specific details about discussion replies, quizzes, or exams with students who have not yet participated.
  • Do not post or share course materials (e.g., assignments, lecture notes, rubrics, readings, videos, and any other course content) on online platforms or websites.
  • Ensure you understand all assignment directions before you start, and contact your professor for clarification if needed.
  • Review and self-assess your work to ensure it meets academic integrity standards.
  • Use technology tools to check for potential unintentional similarities with external sources.
  • Remember that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a helpful tool, but it should never replace genuine learning, critical thinking, or the ethical application of knowledge.
  • Check the course syllabus or ask your professor about AI use in the course. 

Remember that you're here to learn, and one of the best ways to demonstrate learning is by articulating your ideas (and that can be hard)! Keep in mind that things people write or make (e.g., articles, books, web pages, podcasts, music, art, graphics, databases, etc.) are protected by copyright. Because of this, any information you use must be properly cited so you don't plagiarize or infringe on copyright.

QC Libraries Can Help!

The QC Libraries website has a lot of information and resources about finding sources, properly citing in various styles, and accurately paraphrasing and summarizing information.

What Academic Integrity Means in Your Courses

Here are some examples of different kinds of assessments your professor might use in the course and how to maintain academic integrity when completing them.

Assignments

For the assignments in this course, it is expected that you will...

  • Submit work that reflects ideas that are your own. 
  • Use your own words and express ideas that are your own.
  • Properly cite sources to distinguish your own ideas from others.
  • Maintain your unique voice when summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing information.
  • Only collaborate with others where it is explicitly stated that it's okay to do so. 

Discussions

For the discussions in this course, it is expected that you will...

  • Compose your initial posts independently. 
  • Attribute the source of your information and, where applicable, share the links with the class. 
  • Be thoughtful and engage with peers' ideas collaboratively, constructively, and kindly.
  • Promote an inclusive and positive learning environment. 
  • Do not share specific details about discussion replies with students who have not yet participated.
  • Check and contribute to discussions regularly to demonstrate consistent engagement.

Assessments

For the assessments in this course, it is expected that you will...

  • Unless otherwise noted, complete them independently, without help or collaboration from others. 
  • Only refer to and use resources provided in the course.
  • Do not share quiz questions and answers with other students. 
  • Review your responses to ensure accuracy and proper representation of your understanding.
  • Only use external tools permitted by the professor (e.g., calculators, notes, etc.).
  • Use proctoring software (Respondus LockDown Browser) as indicated by your professor.

Course Projects

For the project in this course, it is expected that you will...

  • Properly cite any and all course materials and other resources that you use. 
  • Create original work that shows your mastery of the topic.
  • Conduct thorough research on your topic to develop your content fully.  
  • Submit all required components, such as supplementary materials and references.
  • Use course materials and other sources as a starting point for your own ideas.

Group Projects

For the group projects in this course, it is expected that you will . . .  

  • Ensure group work is distributed fairly among group members.
  • Respect collaboration boundaries and ensure that all contributions are properly acknowledged.
  • Maintain open and transparent communication about project progress, challenges, and decisions.
  • Seek consensus and make decisions as a group.
  • Foster a positive, collaborative, and respectful group dynamic.
  • Hold yourselves and each other accountable for ethical behavior throughout the project.
  • Properly attribute and cite all sources, ideas, and contributions from both group members and external materials.   

Presentations

For presentations in this course, it is expected that you will . . .

  • Develop and present original content that showcases your understanding of the subject matter.
  • Practice your presentation to ensure smooth delivery and accurate representation of your knowledge.
  • Properly attribute and cite any sources, images, or data used in your presentation.
  • Responsibly use visual aids and multimedia, ensuring that they are there to enhance understanding.
  • If applicable, respond to questions, provide explanations, and foster discussion about your presentation with your classmates.