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A College community must be established on a foundation of truth and academic integrity. Bristol Community College has an obligation not only to promote these high standards of academic honesty, but also to address academic dishonesty. Academic dishonesty is demonstrated by cheating, plagiarism, and facilitating academic dishonesty. 

  • Cheating – Includes, but is not limited to: (1) use of any unauthorized assistance in taking quizzes, tests, or examinations; (2) dependence upon the aid of sources beyond those authorized by the instructor in writing papers, preparing reports, solving problems, or carrying out other assignments; or (3) the acquisition, without permission, of tests or other academic material belonging to a member of the College faculty or staff. Cheating shall also include the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. Taking credit for work done by another person or doing work for which another person will receive credit. Copying or purchasing others work or arranging for others to do work under a false name. (Bristol Student Handbook)
  • Plagiarism – Includes, but is not limited to, the use, by paraphrase or direct quotation, of the published or unpublished work of another person without full and clear acknowledgment. It also includes the unacknowledged use of materials prepared by another person or agency engaged in the selling of term papers or other academic materials. This would also include material that is obtained from the computer. (Bristol Student Handbook)
  • Facilitating Academic Dishonesty:  Students who allow their work to be used by other students or who otherwise aid others in academic dishonesty are violating academic integrity.

Evaluation and Reporting

When a faculty member has reason to believe and evidence to document that a student is being academically dishonest, the faculty member may handle the matter at the course level. You may also want to discuss the issue with your department chair and/or division dean.

If the faculty member wants to document and report an incident of academic dishonesty, the faculty member is responsible to take the following steps:

  • Consult with the department chair and/or divisional dean.
  • Arrange for a meeting with the student to advise the student of the allegations, to present the evidence, and to make the student aware of the consequences.
  • Allow the student to present evidence of innocence, explain extenuating circumstances, and/or provide relevant information.
  • Report the incident to your Division Dean using the Academic Dishonesty Form.

The Dean will send a copy of the report to the Vice President for Academic Affairs who will keep it on file until the student graduates. A copy of the report and a letter explaining the due process procedures will be sent to the student.

Academic Penalties

If the faculty member determines that the student did commit an act of academic dishonesty, the faculty member has the authority to impose any of the following:

  •  Warning.
  •  Failing grade in the exam, paper, or other assessment. A grade of zero is recommended.
  •  Revision of work.
  •  Reduction in grade.
  •  Withdrawal from course.
  •  Failing grade in course.

Due Process

The above action does not negate the student’s right to due process in accordance with the Code of Conduct Disciplinary Process as outlined in the Student Handbook and Academic Calendar.