Academic Integrity at McKelvey

McKelvey Engineering Academic Integrity Policy

This statement on student academic integrity is intended to provide guidelines on academic behaviors which are not acceptable. Engineering courses typically have many problem sets assigned as homework. You are not allowed to collaborate when solving homework problems, performing lab experiments, writing or documenting computer programs, or writing reports unless the instructor specifically states otherwise.

It is dishonest and a violation of academic integrity if:

1. You turn in work which is represented as yours when in fact you have significant outside help. When you turn in work with your name on it, you are in effect stating that the work is yours, and only yours.
2. You use the results of another person's work (exam, homework, computer code, lab report) and represent it as your own, regardless of the circumstances.
3. You request special consideration from an instructor when the request is based upon false information or deception.
4. You submit the same academic work to two or more courses without the permission of each of the course instructors. This includes submitting the same work if the same course is retaken.
5. You willfully damage the efforts of other students.
6. You use prepared materials in writing an in-class exam except as approved by the instructor.
7. You write on or make erasures on any test material or class assignment being submitted for re-grading.
8. You collaborate with other students planning or engaged in any form of academic dishonesty.
9. You turn in work, which is represented as a cooperative effort, when in fact you did not contribute your fair share of the effort.
10. You do not use proper methods of documentation. For example, you should enclose borrowed information in quotation marks; acknowledge material that you have abstracted, paraphrased or summarized; cite the source of such material by listing the author, title of work, publication, and page reference.

This list is not intended to be exhaustive. To seek clarification, students should ask the primary course instructor.

Policy Scope

All undergraduate, Master's, and DSc students in McKelvey fall under the above AI policy. For undergraduate students, this policy exists as a supplement to the university's Academic Integrity Policy for Undergraduate Students. PhD students are required to comply with the university's Academic and Professional Integrity Policy for PhD Students.  

All of the above policies exist as an extension of the University Student Conduct Code to which all students are held. 

Academic Integrity Allegations and Process

Upholding our policies on Academic Integrity is the responsibility of all McKelvey faculty, staff, and students. Upon becoming aware of a potential academic integrity violation, you are expected to report the concern within five business days. Allegations should be reported to the Office of the Provost. A robust evaluation and adjudication process is in place to ensure both the complainant and the respondent receive the appropriate support. 

For more information or to report an allegation, please visit Academic Integrity in the Office of the Provost. Here you will find supporting statements related to our goals and values, policy outlines, procedure and outcome information, as well as specific resources for faculty, staff, and students.  

Academic Integrity Violation Reporting

Academic integrity allegations and ongoing cases are managed by the Office of the Provost as described above. Once a case is closed, if it is determined that a violation occurred, a record of that violation is maintained by the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. Conduct records, including those related to academic integrity, are reportable to organizations and educational institutions outside of WashU when an appropriate inquiry is made. For more information on conduct reporting, please review the university's Student Conduct Code Violation Reporting Policy.