View Penn State Policy G-9: Academic Integrity

The academic integrity information published here was established by the Penn State Berks' Committee on Academic Integrity to convey important information to students and faculty about academic integrity. The members of the committee hope to foster a climate of trust and honesty at the college. Through such an environment, faculty can teach, students can learn, and Penn State Berks can fulfill its mission.

The purpose of these pages is:

  1. To inform faculty and students at Penn State Berks about the official policies and procedures related to academic integrity.
  2. To try to clarify some of the 'grayer' areas of academic dishonesty.
  3. To inform faculty members of their responsibilities to communicate their course policies regarding academic integrity.
  4. To inform students of their responsibilities regarding academic integrity.

View the University's academic integrity resources

Two key principles of Penn State Berks academic integrity policy are that the faculty member has the right to:

  • interpret the policy
  • decide when to act or not act on his/her stated expectations.

The University Faculty Senate Policies for Students outlines broad guidelines for defining and maintaining academic integrity at the college under Policy AD 49-20 Academic Integrity. The policy reads as follows:

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 (would have) affected the quality of the academic work, then they should submit an academic integrity claim. Educators are strongly encouraged to make 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.