Academic Integrity

Student Conduct and Ethical Development promotes academic integrity through enforcing the University Policy S26-10, Academic Integrity [pdf].

Pursuant to the Academic Integrity Policy, faculty must report alleged violations and any academic sanctions imposed to SCED using the Academic Integrity Reporting Form.

Do You Suspect Academic Dishonesty?

  1. Identify and document the suspected violation.
    • Handle the matter discreetly. Gather supporting evidence. If technology/detection software is involved, only university-approved academic dishonesty detection services may be used. AI-detection results alone cannot support an academic sanction.
    • You may want to consult with the department chair to discuss the range of possible academic sanctions.

  2. Notify and confer with the student within 10 working days

    • At minimum, contact the student through SJSU email. Make reasonable attempts to meet in person or virtually. This must occur within 10 working days of the observed/reported/suspected incident and no later than release of the assessment grade.

      • During the Conference:
        • explain the allegation;
        • present the supporting evidence;
        • give the student an opportunity to respond and provide their perspective; and
        • protect the student's privacy and maintain confidentiality.

           

  3. Determine whether an academic sanction is appropriate

    • If the faculty member still believes a violation occurred after conferring with the student, inform the student of the sanction.

      This is where the webpage should introduce the new Minor / Moderate / Major framework:

      • Minor: oral reprimand, repeat assignment, and/or lower grade on the assessment.
      • Moderate: failure on the assessment and/or reduction in course grade.
      • Major: failure on the assessment, reduction in course grade, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for additional administrative sanctions.
      • Examples

         

  4. Submit the Academic Integrity Reporting Form within 15-working days of the detection. 
    • Attach the following information in the Supporting Documents section:
      • Course syllabus
      • Copy or original of assignment
      • Highlight the areas of alleged academic dishonesty on the student’s assignment and source of dishonesty (e.g., turnitin.com report).
      • If multiple sections of alleged dishonesty exist, match the assignment and source of dishonesty with corresponding numbers
      •  All communications with the student
      • Any additional documentation such as website printouts, test copies, etc.

Artificial Intelligence/Emerging Technologies

AI detection ≠ proof by itself. University employees may use only university-approved academic-dishonesty detection services, and an academic sanction cannot be based solely on university-approved AI-detection software results. Evidence that may be more reliable than an AI-detector score include:

  • Drafts, revision history, and document metadata from Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or the LMS
  • In-class writing samples or a comparison with prior authenticated work
  • Research notes, outlines, annotated sources, and citation-development records
  • A brief oral or written conference asking the student to explain their argument, sources, and revision process
  • Verification of cited sources, quotations, factual claims, and references
  • Student admits to using AI tools
  • Evidence that the submitted work substantially differs from the student’s demonstrated knowledge or prior writing

Important

 A faculty member may not impose an academic sanction without submitting the form, and a sanction is invalid if the form isn't submitted within 15 working days.

Questions

If you have any questions regarding academic integrity, contact Student Conduct and Ethical Development by phone 408-924-5985, or send email to [email protected].