Honors Program Academic Integrity

The Center for Learning and Student Success (CLASS) works with faculty, instructors, students, and staff to promote understanding of SU’s academic integrity policy and coordinate its administration. The office also maintains records of all academic integrity cases. There are four expectations for all Syracuse University students:

CREDIT YOUR SOURCES: Always acknowledge the ideas, information, language, images, or other creative work of others when incorporating them into your own work—whether written, oral, or visual.
COMMUNICATE HONESTLY: Engage in open and honest communication with faculty, instructors, staff, and fellow students.
DO YOUR OWN WORK: Ensure that all work you submit for a course is your own unless you have explicit permission from an instructor to collaborate or receive editing assistance.
SUPPORT ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: Help promote and maintain a culture of academic honesty by refraining from actions that encourage or conceal integrity violations by others.

Reporting

Faculty and staff can report potential academic integrity violations. Students can report a suspected violation by contacting your course instructor or your School/College Academic Integrity Coordinator.

Procedural Fairness

CLASS ensures due process, no student will face a penalty until a suspected violation is reported, thoroughly reviewed, and upheld with evidence. While an investigation is in progress, students are generally not permitted to drop or withdraw from courses.

Violation Levels

Warning: Minor violations which can be resolved through dialogue between student and professor (e.g., an assignment worth <10% of student’s final grade) may result is a grade sanction.
Level 1: Minor violations (e.g., inappropriate collaboration on a homework assignment) may result in a Letter of Reprimand.
Level 2: More serious issues (e.g., using prohibited devices during an exam) can lead to Academic Integrity Probation with temporary transcript notation.
Level 3: Major violations (e.g., falsification of records) may result in suspension or expulsion.

If a student commits a Level 1 violation, the Honors penalty is a warning and mandatory meeting with Honors staff.
First and second-year students who commit a Level 2 violation will be removed from the Honors Program but are eligible to reapply after completion of the Academic Integrity sanctions. Students reapplying to the program after completing the Academic Integrity sanctions will be required to meet with the Honors staff before submitting their application.
The Honors penalty for all other students who commit Level 2 or Level 3 violations is permanent removal from the program, even after the Academic Integrity sanctions have been completed. Honors Program decisions are final, and there is no appeal process for these decisions. By participating in the Honors Program, students are automatically subject to this policy.

Resolving a Case

Depending on the situation, there are several ways a case may be resolved:

For certain Level 1 and 2 cases, if you acknowledge the violation and accept the proposed penalties, you may resolve the case by signing a waiver.
If you contest the allegation or the proposed sanctions, a faculty interviewer will meet with you to explain your perspective and help determine whether the evidence supports the violation.
A formal hearing is held if a Level 3 violation is suspected, if you have a prior violation, or if there is disagreement over initial findings. Panels include faculty, students, and an administrator to ensure a balanced review.

Every School and College has trained advisors who can help you understand the process and discuss your options. These conversations are confidential and are not part of the official case record. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please contact CLASS at aio@syr.edu or call (315) 443-5412.