Academic integrity for students
Academic integrity resources for students
All Watts College of Public Service and Community College students are expected to adhere to both the ASU student academic integrity honor code and the professional standards and expectations of your degree.
Academic integrity violation process for students
This overview is to be used as a guide. Any student charged with an academic integrity violation should also consult the university policy located on the University Provost website and review the academic integrity process flow chart.
- Your instructor should notify you face-to-face by Zoom or via an email that they believe you engaged in an academic integrity violation and provide the details of their concern. Please note: withdrawing from a course will not absolve you of responsibility for an academic integrity violation.
- Your instructor will report the violation to the Academic Integrity Office.
- The Academic Integrity Office will review the information and send you a formal notice of the alleged violation via email.
- You have five business days* to respond by e-mail or meet with the Academic Integrity Officer (AIO) to provide any additional information about the alleged violation. AIO Zoom meetings are held by appointment only.
- After you provide additional information, or after five business days elapse, the Academic Integrity Office will email you a letter that details the sanction you are receiving or that the case is dismissed.
- At the time of the sanction letter, we also notify you of your opportunity to request an appeal. Completed appeal request forms must be submitted by the deadline indicated on the sanction notification you received.
- If you do not request an appeal, the sanction will be carried out and the case closed.
- Once a case is closed, violations with sanctions less than an XE grade are not placed on the student’s transcript and are not available publicly anywhere at the university. Sanctions of XE are noted on the student’s transcript per the University Provost’s policy.
- If you do request an appeal you must meet with the Academic Integrity Officer to discuss the details of the hearing.
- Once the hearing is scheduled and executed, the hearing board will transmit a recommendation to the Dean.
- You will be notified via email regarding the Dean’s final decision.
- If the Dean recommends suspension or expulsion from the university, you will be notified of your right to appeal to a university-level hearing board.
- If a university level-hearing board is required, they will hear the case.
This process applies only to allegations of academic dishonesty. Students wishing to express a difference of opinion over a grade issued by an instructor should review the grade grievance appeal policy/procedures.
*University business day, not including Saturday, Sunday, any officially recognized university employee holiday, or any day the university is closed.
Student FAQ
What happens if my instructor informs me that I’m being charged with an academic integrity violation?
Your instructor will notify the Academic Integrity Office and we will follow the procedures located in the Procedures for Student Violations tab on this website.
If this is my first time to receive an academic integrity violation, what type of sanction can I expect?
The sanction for a first offense depends largely on the severity of the violation. First offense sanctions can be anywhere from a zero on the assignment to receiving an E in the course. Also, all first-time academic integrity offenders are required to complete a Watts College academic integrity remediation course in Canvas. Important note: depending on the severity of the violation the university does have the ability to sanction first offenses more severely if the situation warrants it.
What happens if I receive a second academic integrity violation?
While each individual situation is unique, receiving a second academic integrity violation is considered a serious breach of student academic conduct. Possible second offense sanction are: receive an E for the course and an XE notated on the transcript. The X is a notation that the course was failed because of an academic integrity violation. Additionally, students may be suspended from Arizona State University for a minimum of one year or expelled from the university permanently.
How long will the first offense academic integrity remediation course take me to complete?
The course should take you approximately 2 hours to complete. The purpose of the course is to reconnect you with the relevant ASU student honor codes, provide additional information on the types of academic integrity violations that often occur, and inform you of the severity of sanctions if you choose to engage in a second academic integrity violation.
What do I do if I suspect that another student is committing or has committed an academic integrity violation?
Since we know academic integrity violations hurt fellow students, your college and the university, it is very important to report all incidences of academic integrity that you are aware of, or that you suspect. Depending on the scenario, you have several options. First and foremost, you should inform your instructor of the alleged violation. You can also report the violation using the Watts College reporting portal, or, you may contact the Academic Integrity Officer directly.
Where can I find information related to ASU’s academic integrity policy and my instructor’s policy?
The ASU policy on academic integrity can be found on the University Provost website.
To understand your instructor’s specific academic integrity expectations please consult the course syllabus and all course assignment instructions. When in doubt regarding any course-related academic integrity topic always contact your instructor directly.
What happens if I do not request an appeal by the deadline indicated in my sanctioning letter?
If you do not submit the completed appeal form by your deadline, you will not be able to have an appeal hearing for that violation, the case will be closed and any sanctions applied.