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The university requires honesty of all its members in their academic work. Honesty is necessary to the learning process, and is integral to the atmosphere of genuine inquiry and intel-lectual curiosity which the university seeks to foster. Academic dishonesty contradicts the expectations of a community whose central purpose is the pursuit of intellectual endeavor, and is prohibited in all programs of the university.

Academic dishonesty violates the university’s Academic Honesty Policy, and any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty is subject to sanctions. Extensive examples of academic dishonesty are included in the Academic Honesty Policy, which is found in the Code of Student Conduct (www.umass.edu/dean_students/). The following are definitions of some of the most common forms of academic dishonesty:

Plagiarism is the failure to acknowledge the source of all information gathered in the preparation of class and written work. It includes direct quotation, paraphrase, and the “borrowing” of information or facts which are not common knowledge, without acknowledging the source through footnote, adequate means of citation, or proper quotation structure. Students are encouraged to learn the style most accepted in their disciplines.

Cheating is the intentional use or attempted use of materials, information, or study aids other than those specifically authorized, in an attempt to claim credit for learning not one’s own. Under university policy, this can include unauthorized collaboration with others in conducting research or preparing work; the unauthorized use of commercial term paper companies; improper use of computer file, program, user-name, or password; use of books, notes, calculators, or discussion with others during an examination unless specifically authorized; falsification of signatures or initials; and repeated use of all or substantial portions of the same work without specific prior approval.

Fabrication includes the “invention” of information in any laboratory or other academic exercise without prior notice to and permission from the instructor; alteration and resubmission of returned academic work without prior notice and permission; and misrepresentation of the actual source from which information is cited.

Facilitation of dishonesty is knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.

An instructor who believes that a student has violated the Academic Honesty Policy may impose course sanctions, including failure of the course, and, if warranted, may recommend additional university sanctions such as suspension or expulsion. An instructor who wishes to impose sanctions must either file a formal charge of academic dishonesty or reach an informal resolution of the matter with the student. Students may appeal formal charges of academic dishonesty to the Academic Honesty Board.

The Academic Honesty Office, c/o the Ombuds Office, 823 Campus Center, tel. (413) 545-0867, is responsible for administering the policy and appeal process, including maintaining records, advising all concerned parties about their rights and responsibilities, and convening hearing panels.