USM Sample Academic Integrity Statements for Syllabi

It is helpful to have information in your course syllabus to educate students about the importance of academic integrity. Below are three sample statements that can be used verbatim or edited to include in your syllabus.

Sample Statement #1

The University of Southern Maine is committed to fostering a vibrant community of scholars. Academic integrity is a fundamental component of achieving this goal. All USM students are expected to complete their academic work honestly.

I will not tolerate acts of cheating, plagiarism, or fabrication. If I become aware of a potential academic integrity violation, I will meet with you to discuss the alleged violation and follow the procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may result in sanctions ranging from redoing an assignment up to and includingdismissal from the university, depending upon the severity of the violation. If you have questions about the Academic Integrity Policy or what may constitute a violation, please see me or contact the USM Dean of Students Office.

Statement #2

Students have a responsibility to uphold the principle of academic integrity in all of their academic work. The USM Academic Integrity Policy prohibits cheating, plagiarism, and fabrication of academic assignments. This policy is strictly enforced in this class. Students are expected to report possible academic integrity violations to me. If you have questions about the Academic Integrity Policy or what may constitute a violation, please see me or contact the USM Dean of Students Office.

Statement #3
Academic integrity encompasses the core values and basic principles of honesty and responsibility that govern our practices as scholars, researchers, and creative artists at the University of Southern Maine. Plagiarism, cheating and fabrication are all considered violations of academic integrity and will be handled in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Academic Integrity Policy. The university, college, department, and I expect you to write your own papers and to provide full and accurate citations for any specific ideas or language—words, phrases, sentences—that you take from outside sources, including the internet, take your own exams and do your own work. Any act of academic dishonesty in this class will be reported to the Dean of Students Office and may result in sanctions ranging from redoing an assignment up to and includingdismissal from the university, depending upon the severity of the violation.