Academic Integrity Policy (SSE 100-002)

1.0 Purpose

This policy establishes the guiding principles and expectations for academic integrity at Baker College, including the standards of conduct and the honor code.

2.0 Definitions

Cheating - Cheating is the use of unauthorized materials, resources, or assistance to gain an unfair advantage in academic work. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Using books, notes, crib sheets, electronic devices, or any other unapproved aids during examinations.
• Obtaining or using information about examination questions or answers without instructor authorization.
• Copying another student’s homework, written assignments, examination responses, electronic media, or other academic work.
• Assisting or enabling another individual to engage in any form of cheating.
  

HiveConnect - An advising software platform that serves as a resource for advisors containing student information, notes, success markers, progression, and incorporates appointment scheduling.

Judicial Educator - A 3rd-party program used at Baker College which provides materials used to resolve disciplinary issues through a restorative and educational lens.

Plagiarism - Plagiarism is the presentation of another person’s ideas, expressions, or materials as one’s own without proper credit. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Using ideas, words, or work created by others without proper attribution.

• Paraphrasing or condensing another person’s work without proper citation.

• Failing to document direct quotations or paraphrased material using appropriate citation methods.

3.0 Scope

This policy applies to all Baker College students, across all programs and instructional modalities, for the duration of their enrollment.

4.0 Policy Statement

Academic integrity is a foundational principle at Baker College and an essential component of academic and professional success. Integrity and honorable behavior reflect the standards of professionalism and citizenship expected of all members of the academic community and extend beyond the period of enrollment at the College. These standards prepare students for the ethical and professional demands of their future careers in a global, information-driven society.

Baker College affirms an Academic Integrity Philosophy that emphasizes honesty, trustworthiness, respect, and accountability as the basis of scholarly work. All students, faculty, and staff share the responsibility to uphold these values and to foster an academic environment where ideas and work are respected. Each member of the College community is expected to take responsibility for their actions, make ethical decisions, and maintain professional conduct, even under challenging circumstances.

Three core ideals form the foundation of the College’s Academic Integrity Philosophy:

1. Mutual Honesty, Trustworthiness, and Respect: Education thrives on the open exchange of ideas. Students, faculty, and staff share a reciprocal obligation to uphold honesty, trust, and respect within the learning community to ensure that intellectual engagement remains collaborative and ethical.
2. Responsibility for Professional and Ethical Conduct: Academic integrity requires individuals to accept responsibility for their behavior and work, making ethical decisions consistent with their role as members of the Baker College community. This includes adhering to all academic standards, policies, and expectations.
3. Fairness, Transparency, and Exemplary Behavior: A culture of fairness is sustained through consistent practices, open communication, and professional accountability. Students, faculty, and administration each have the right to fair treatment and are expected to act with impartiality, professionalism, and integrity in all academic interactions.

Academic dishonesty undermines these values and compromises the learning environment. Examples of academic dishonesty include, but are not limited to, cheating, plagiarism, misrepresentation, falsification of data, unauthorized collaboration, and the unauthorized use of technological tools. These behaviors are considered violations of the Baker College Academic Honor Code and are subject to disciplinary action in accordance with institutional procedures.

5.0 Procedures

Identification of Suspected Academic Dishonesty

• Faculty members who suspect a violation of the Academic Honor Code must collect and preserve all relevant documentation and evidence, including but not limited to:
  • The assignment, test, or work product in question.
  • Any related communications or records (e.g., emails, logs, AI detection reports).
  • Notes on observed behaviors or irregularities.
• Faculty should not impose a sanction until the alert process and review procedures are initiated.

Alert Submission

• Faculty must document all instances of suspected academic dishonesty by submitting an alert through HiveConnect, using the alert type “Academic Honor Code Violation.”
• The alert must include:
  • A summary of the incident.
  • All supporting evidence.
  • Any preliminary observations or concerns regarding severity or repeat behavior.
• Submission of an alert is required regardless of whether the faculty member intends to resolve the matter through corrective action or a formal sanction.

Case Assignment and Review

• Upon submission, the alert is automatically routed to the Director of Student Affairs (for the campus where the class is taught.designee) or DSA
• The DSA:
  • Reviews the submitted materials.
  • Consults with the faculty member to gather additional information.
  • Conducts any additional follow-up or investigation, as needed.
• The DSA, in consultation with the faculty member, determines whether the student engaged in academic dishonesty and whether additional sanctions beyond a grade outcome are warranted.

Sanctions

Faculty-Level Sanctions

• Faculty may impose one of the following academic sanctions:
  • Failure of the specific assignment or assessment.
  • Failure of the course.
• Faculty are encouraged to discuss the outcome and offer corrective guidance to the student when appropriate.

Institutional Sanctions

• In cases of severe or repeated violations, the College may impose additional sanctions, which can include:
  • Expulsion from Baker College.
  • Revocation of a certificate or degree.
• Institutional sanctions are coordinated by the DSA in consultation with academic leadership.

Withdrawal Restriction

• A student who receives a failing course grade as the result of an academic integrity violation is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Judicial Educator Requirement

• Any student found responsible for a violation must complete the Judicial Educator module prior to registering for future classes.
• The DSA assigns the module, monitors completion, and ensures that registration holds are lifted upon successful completion.

Recordkeeping

• Records of academic integrity violations are maintained by the Office of Student Affairs as part of the student’s official record.
• These records are retained in accordance with the College’s record retention schedule and are accessible only to authorized personnel.
• Records are used to track repeat offenses and may inform decisions regarding additional sanctions.

Appeals

• Students may not appeal academic integrity decisions solely for the purpose of overturning a grade penalty or sanction resulting from a violation.
• Students may appeal if they believe a procedural error occurred during the investigation or resolution process.
• Appeals regarding procedural errors must follow the College’s formal grievance process as outlined in the Student Handbook.

6.0 Responsibilities

Director of Student Affairs (or designee)

• Conduct any follow-up or investigation required based on receiving an alert for academic dishonesty.  
• Ensure all parties understand the policy and procedures related to the policy.

Faculty

• Submit an alert through HiveConnect when they encounter an incidence of academic dishonesty. 
• Submit relevant documentation to the director of student affairs at the request of the DSA.
• Impose sanctions, either failure of the assignment or failure of the course, however, faculty are encouraged to provide corrective resolution with the student.
  

Student 

• Accept and follow the academic integrity philosophy and follow the academic honor code.

7.0 Citations & Related Information

None