Guide for Students
The vitality of academic integrity is dependent upon the willingness of
community members to confront instances of suspected wrongdoing. Faculty have
specific responsibility to address suspected or reported violations as indicated
below. All other members of the academic community are expected to report
directly and confidentially their suspicion of violation to a faculty member or
a dean, or to approach suspected violators and to remind them of their obligation
to uphold standards of academic integrity.
Academic dishonesty threatens the very nature of a community whose necessary
function is predicated upon trust and integrity. Communities of trust quickly
corrode when community members fail to address or confront threats to that
trust. Case's academic integrity policy promotes the community responsibility to
"do something" when academic dishonesty is suspected or observed.
As a student,
you have a number of options. You can report your suspicions or observations
directly to a faculty member or dean, either by naming the alleged violators or
discussing how the suspected violation occurred (and/or how a violation could be
prevented in the future). You also have the option of approaching suspected
violators, either by calling attention to the suspected violation in a public or
private manner, or by using moral suasion in reminding suspected violators of
their obligation to uphold standards of academic integrity. The best way to
foster an ethical environment is for every member of the community to make it
clear that integrity is important and that violations are not acceptable.