A. The Honor Code

Intellectual and scholastic freedoms are safeguarded through the application of principles of academic honesty. Violations of academic honesty represent a serious breach of the Virginia State University honor code and may be considered grounds for disciplinary action. Academic dishonesty includes (a) plagiarism—presentation of the written words of others as if they were one’s own; and (b) cheating—giving, aiding, or seeking improper assistance during the process of taking a test or examination. Penalties for academic dishonesty may be loss of credit for the work in question, loss of credit for the course, and/or suspension or expulsion from the University.

B. Academic Misconduct

Cheating: Cheating is obtaining an unearned academic advantage either through deliberate deception or indifference to the student academic code. A student is considered to be cheating if, in the opinion of the person administering an examination or test, the student gives, seeks, or receives aid during the test, examination, or other assigned class work. Cheating also includes, but is not limited to: (1) deliberate alteration of graded material for a re-grade or grade correction; (2) submitting without authorization the same assignment for credit in more than one course; (3) collaborating on any work when not allowed, either in or outside the classroom setting; (4) forging the signature of another or allowing forgery by another for a any classroom related document such as class roll or an academic pledge; (5) use of unauthorized material stored or recorded on electronic devices during an exam or quiz; (6) use of crib notes or other unauthorized written material during an exam or quiz; (7) attempting to or allowing impersonation by another in order to take one’s exam or quiz; (8) copying, alteration or fabrication of data such as that collected in a teaching laboratory or as part of a research project; and (9) intentionally or knowingly helping or attempting to help another commit an act of academic dishonesty.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Using verbatim wording from ChatGPT to write essays and papers is considered cheating. If utilizing AI in your papers, it must be cited.

Plagiarism: Part of the college experience is the discovery of one's own voice. The Virginia State University teaching community is committed to helping each student find their voice. Plagiarism contradicts this end. Plagiarism is the presentation of others' ideas or written works as one's own. Written works can take the form of electronic or print media and could include - among other items - opinions, facts and statistics. 

C. Attendance Policy (For In-Person Classes Only)

Classroom attendance is expected of all students. Students are expected to honor other students’ educational rights by arriving on time and professionally conducting themselves at all times in the classroom. The class will promptly start at its published time. Tardiness and early departure are unacceptable in the workplace and in this course. If you are absent, please notify your instructor within 24 hours.