What is academic integrity?
Penn State University Academic Policy 49-20 provides the following information regarding academic integrity:
- Academic Integrity is the pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner.
- Academic integrity is a basic guiding principle for all academic activity at The Pennsylvania State University, and all members of the University community are expected to act in accordance with this principle. Consistent with this expectation, the University's Code of Conduct states that all students should act with personal integrity, respect other students' dignity, rights and property, and help create and maintain an environment in which all can succeed through the fruits of their efforts.
- Academic integrity includes a commitment not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception. Such acts of dishonesty violate the fundamental ethical principles of the University community and compromise the worth of work completed by others.
Academic Integrity Committee
The minimum acceptable number of voting committee members to hear a case is three. In all cases, faculty must comprise the majority of the members, although not to the exclusion of student representation.
The Academic Integrity Committee includes the following representatives:
- Three full-time faculty members (one of whom with tenure serves as chair for a minimum two-year term)
- Two students in degree status
- Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) (who serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member and provider of administrative support)
The faculty members of the Academic Integrity Committee for 2020-21 are Margaret Christian (chair), Kevin Kelley, and Julie Ealy.
Academic Integrity Resources
Electronic Resources
Report a suspected Academic Integrity violation
Academic Integrity Form
If you prefer using a document, the Academic Integrity Form provides general information for students and a form to be completed by a faculty member and the student in situations of alleged academic integrity violations.
Download the Academic Integrity Form >>
Sanctioning Guidelines
This document is used by faculty members to determine possible sanctions in the situation of an alleged academic integrity violation. These guidelines can also be used by the Academic Integrity Committee to determine sanctions.
View the Sanctioning Guidelines page on our website >>
Academic Integrity Information for Faculty
View the integrity information PDF for Faculty