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” which includes “a commitment by all members of the University community not to engage in or tolerate acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception” (see Senate policy 49-20).
- Senate Policy 43-00 requires course instructors to provide students with a course syllabus that includes the academic integrity policy for the course and provides a recommended syllabus statement. Educators can find customizable language around student’s use of AI in the ‘Faculty Resources’ section of the University’s Academic Integrity Resources page, and both students and educators can find helpful academic integrity resources, including FAQS, on this webpage.
- When an educator believes, for reasons beyond mere suspicion, that a student has attempted to violate or has violated a course academic integrity policy or assessment instruction in a way that affected, or would have affected, the quality of the academic work, then they should submit an academic integrity claim. Educators are strongly encouraged to make (and document) reasonable attempts to discuss the situation with the student before they submit.
- Because academic integrity information may become part of a student's academic record and conduct record, educators should strive to keep such information confidential. Those with questions or educators seeking consultation may consult with their Academic Integrity Contact Person (follow the ‘Contacts’ link located near the top left corner of the page). Educators seeking consultation from administrators or colleagues should take care to protect the identities of those who are allegedly involved.
- For information about the academic integrity process for undergraduate students, see policy G-9 Academic Integrity and the Undergraduate Sanctioning Guidelines for Academic Integrity Violations. Schreyer honors students should also consult the Schreyer Honors College Student Handbook.
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
- A liason to the Director of Academic Affairs (DAA) (who serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member and provides administrative support)
The faculty members of the Academic Integrity Committee for 2025-26 are Deb Dreisbach (chair), D. Edward Malinzak, and Julie Ealy. The Academic Affairs Liaison is Margaret Christian.
Academic Integrity Resources
Electronic Resources
Report a suspected Academic Integrity violation
Penn State University Academic Policy 49-20 for Academic Integrity
University College Academic Integrity Procedures
Penn State’s Office of Undergraduate Education Academic Integrity videos (for students)
Academic Integrity videos for instructors
Penn State’s AI, Pedagogy, and Academic Integrity website
Sanctioning Guidelines for Violations of Academic Integrity
This document is used by faculty members to explain the alleged academic integrity violation and determine the proposed penalty. The Academic Integrity Committee also uses this document to guide their work.
Academic Integrity Form
An academic integrity form can be downloaded for when a student has a documented disability requiring a printed form.