2.2 Levels of Academic Integrity Breaches
While all instances of academic misconduct undermine academic integrity, CBU recognizes that academic integrity breaches may differ in seriousness, and that multiple breaches are more serious than a single transgression. Breaches of academic integrity are categorized into three levels of seriousness at CBU, each with their own procedure and consequences.
Level 1 breaches of academic integrity result from negligence serious enough to create the impression of deception or misrepresentation.
Breaches at this level
• include assignment misconduct and exam misconduct;
• are addressed by the course instructor in consultation with faculty colleagues and/or department chairs, where appropriate;
• are not reported to the Dean;
• shall result in a grade penalty and/or additional work proportionate to the breach committed, but not a “0” on the assignment, exam, or in the course;
• must be resolved so that the student is provided with additional instruction on integrity matters.
Level 2 breaches show an evident intent to mislead but are limited in scope and premeditation.
Breaches at this level
• include assignment misconduct, exam misconduct, and other unethical behaviours;
• are addressed by the course instructor in consultation with faculty colleagues, department chairs, and/or Dean, where appropriate;
• must be reported to the Dean for inclusion in the student’s academic record;
• will result in a significant grade penalty proportionate to the breach to a maximum of “0” on the assignment or exam but not in the course, and a formal letter from the Dean;
• must be resolved so that student is provided with additional instruction on integrity matters.
Level 3 breaches demonstrate a flagrant and premeditated transgression of expressed rules and procedures related to academic integrity.
Breaches at this level
• include assignment misconduct, exam misconduct, and other unethical behaviours;
• are addressed by the course instructor in consultation with faculty colleagues, department chairs, and/or Dean, where appropriate;
• must be reported to the Dean for inclusion in the student’s academic record;
• will result in a grade penalty of “0” on the assignment or exam, to a maximum of “0” in the course, and a formal letter from the Dean.
Discontinuation
Any student found to breach academic integrity on three separate occasions at Level 2 and/or Level 3 of seriousness will be discontinued from the university for a period of 12 months.
The student will not be permitted to register in any CBU courses, for credit, for 12 months as of the date of discontinuance, nor will CBU accept transfer credits from other institutions if they have been earned during that period. The notation for the discontinuation will appear on the transcript for the duration of the discontinuation.
The Academic Integrity Policy also outlines policy exceptions, students’ right to appeal decisions, and details related to record keeping and the privacy of student records.
