Academic Integrity Policy

A foundation of mutual trust is essential to the learning community. Students and faculty break that trust when they violate ethical standards that the community of scholars expects each member to uphold.

Academic dishonesty is a serious breach of trust within the LeTourneau University community because it violates the regard for truth that is essential to genuine learning and Christian consistency. From a broader perspective, it hurts both offending students and their peers who complete their work with integrity. Therefore, the LeTourneau University community will not tolerate academic dishonesty and encourages a student who experiences particular difficulties in a course to discuss the problem with the instructor rather than succumb to the pressure to commit academic dishonesty.

Academic dishonesty is not qualitatively different from other types of dishonesty. It consists of misrepresentation in an attempt to deceive. In an academic setting, this dishonesty may take various forms including, but not limited to, the following:

Cheating

• Using computational software/hardware, generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools, or the like, without prior permission from the instructor of the current course.*
• Submitting AI-generated material as entirely original work without appropriate attribution.
• Obtaining, distributing, or using a test, unauthorized information regarding a test, or other unauthorized assignment material without prior permission from the instructor for the current course.
• Using unauthorized files, tests, problems, lab reports, or other assignment material from previous classes other than allowed by the instructor for the current course.
• Copying or using unauthorized technological or print aids in tests, examinations, or laboratory reports.
• Looking at an examination paper or answer sheet of another student.
• Cooperating or aiding in any of the above.

• Because critical thinking and Christian formation require personal engagement in the learning process, the use of AI-powered tools to generate or revise coursework is strictly prohibited, unless explicitly permitted by the course instructor to achieve specific learning outcomes. This includes, but is not limited to, tools with grammar correction, translation services, and writing assistance. When in doubt about whether a tool is permissible, students should seek clarification from their instructor. Unauthorized use will be considered academic misconduct.

Plagiarizing

• Submitting someone else’s words, works, or ideas as if they were one’s own.
• Presenting the words, works, or ideas of someone else without accurately or completely citing the source.
• Self-plagiarizing or recycling (without prior permission from the instructor of the current course) one’s own work as original in one course when it was created in another course or for another assignment.

University Responses to Academic Dishonesty

Cases of academic dishonesty are typically first handled by the instructor teaching the course in which the violation occurs. If an instructor finds a student guilty of violating the Academic Integrity Policy, the possible sanctions he or she may impose include but are not limited to the following:

• A requirement to redo the paper or assignment.
• A significant score reduction, failing grade, or zero given on the specific exam, paper, or assignment.
• A grade reduction or failing grade given for the course.

The above are examples of typical sanctions, but the faculty member is free to determine an appropriate course penalty given the severity of the specific violation. This is left to the discretion of the instructor, but he or she may elect to consult a supervisor or dean, and/or the Associate Provost for Student Success.

Reporting the Violation to the Academic Integrity Council

Faculty members are expected to report cases of academic dishonesty to the Academic Integrity Council by raising an academic integrity flag in Starfish within 10 business days of discovery of the violation. This system will help identify students who may be violating the academic integrity policy in multiple courses, allowing for better student remediation and a more appropriate disciplinary response. The Associate Provost for Student Success will register the violation in the student’s file for future reference should there be subsequent offenses or decisions for campus leadership positions. For repeat violations or at the request of the faculty member in complex cases, the Associate Provost for Student Success may convene the Academic Integrity Council to determine the appropriate disciplinary response in the particular course and/or with regard to the student’s future at the University. When the Academic Integrity Council is convened, it must be within 10 business days of receiving the report. The purpose of the Council is to allow for better student remediation and consider a wise disciplinary response to the particular situation. The Academic Integrity Council will issue the student a formal letter of review to inform him or her of the University’s identification of the violation status and describe any imposed sanctions. For severe or repeat offenses, the Academic Integrity Council may apply sanctions including, but not limited to, probation, suspension, or expulsion from the University. Violations of the Academic Integrity Policy may be considered when determining student eligibility for applicable internal positions, such as IMPACT and student worker positions. All records of academic integrity violations are maintained by the Office of the Provost. Additionally, academic integrity violations that lead to dismissal from the University are permanently noted on the student’s academic transcript.

Appeals Process

The student will have an opportunity to appeal any sanctions imposed by either the accusing instructor or the Academic Integrity Council. For sanctions imposed by the instructor, the student is encouraged to first make an appeal to the instructor within 10 business days of receipt of the sanction. If the instructor rejects the student’s appeal, the student has 10 business days to appeal to the Academic Integrity Council. To initiate the appeals process, a student must submit a request for an appeal in writing to the Associate Provost for Student Success. This request must include the name of the student, the course in which the incident took place, and a brief explanation of the incident. Prior to hearing any appeal, the Academic Integrity Council will invite the accusing instructor and student to submit written statements. The Council may decide to request in-person statements from both parties.
For any appeal of an initial Academic Integrity Council decision, the Provost will be the final decision maker and determine whether to dismiss, reduce, increase, or uphold the sanctions. Appeals to the Provost must include a detailed statement describing the grounds for appeal.
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Grounds for appeal:

• Procedural error that would significantly affect the outcome of the case
• New information that was not available at the time the sanction was imposed
• Sanction imposed is grossly disproportionate to the violation

Not Grounds for Appeal:

• Disagreement with findings
• Disagreement with sanctions

Further Information

Instructors should include a statement of adherence to the Academic Integrity Policy in their course syllabi and remind students of the University’s policies and procedures regarding cheating and plagiarism.

Composition of the Academic Integrity Council

The Academic Integrity Council is a standing committee of the University with membership chosen annually by the Committee on Committees. The Council shall consist of the Associate Provost for Student Success, the Dean of Students, two faculty members (one representing traditional undergraduate programs and one representing online graduate programs), and a student representative. Additional faculty may be invited to participate as subject matter experts should an academic integrity case require expertise not shared by the standing members.